Fees, Budget & Finances

The UTSU is funded primarily by our student membership, who pay some of the lowest fees of any major university student union in Canada. Each year, fees are collected through ACORN as part of your tuition. See the drop-down lists below to read through the different categories of fees the UTSU receives, with descriptions and dollar-and-cent amounts provided for each fee. 

The small contributions of each student make all the difference in the services the UTSU provides to you, our membership. We would like to thank every student who decided to “Choose U of T” last fall, and those who continue to do so every day by contributing to our campus community.

If you have any questions, please direct them to vpoperations@utsu.ca.

Optional Fees
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Mandatory Fees
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Health and Dental Fees
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Budgets
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Optional Fees

The following fees are essential to services the UTSU provides, but are refundable based on how and when they were created. If you wish to opt-out of any of these fees, you may also do so between September 1st-30th and January 1st-31st of each year by using the form provided below.

While students are able to opt-out, we ask our members to consider the importance of these services, specifically Dollars for Daycare and the Food Bank. These fees go directly towards supporting members of our community who are in financial need through important programming.

Between September 1st and 30th 2020, students can opt-out of these optional levies using this form: https://utsu.formstack.com/forms/utsurefundablelevies

 

Fee Title Description Status Per-term total
Orientation A wide variety of Orientation initiatives are offered by the UTSU in September and throughout the year to support new and returning students to university. Orientation is your official welcome to campus and helps you connect with campus life, learn about opportunities and meet new people. Come meet other students, discover the different service areas around the campus and enjoy some treats and games to welcome you to UofT. Check out our website for a full calendar of activities all year round! Optional $0.50
Dollars for Daycare The Dollars for Daycare Fund offers childcare support, programming, for student families and connects student parents to resources on campus and in Toronto so that they can thrive! Optional $0.50
Radical Roots (Food Security for Students) The Food Security for Students Fund helps to ensure that our students can concentrate on their studies by working to eliminate student hunger at UofT. This fund purchases food for UTSU’s Food Bank, Vegan Breakfast and “UTSU’s Got You”  food pantry and  exam snack program.  Optional  $0.15
Foster Parents Plan This UTSU fund was set up by students to support the work of Plan International in their work with children and youth in developing countries that ack access to basic necessities, like health care, nutrition and education. This fund helps provide resources young people need to survive and empower them to raise the standard of living for their families and communities. Optional $0.05
Ontario Public Interest Research Group OPIRG is an intersectional social justice group directed by Undergrad/Grad students at UofT. We seek to empower, educate and engage students by providing free accessible skills-based workshops, research opportunities, access to emergency funds for students, clothing bank, publishing opportunities, social and environmental justice advocacy, opportunities for multi-disciplinary learning, and giving them a space to work cooperatively for social change within academia and the wider community Optional $0.50
Centre for Women and Trans People The Centre is a gender equity organization that offers free events, programs, trainings, mental health services and volunteer opportunities for students in a family-friendly and trans inclusive space. We have free wifi, couches, full kitchen, food bank, Dr. Chun Resource Library, computers, nursing corner and health supplies. We host free community cooking, lunches, peer support groups, book clubs, exam de-stressors, self-care workshops, socials and more. Optional $1.50
Cinema Studies Student Union The Cinema Studies Student Union represents the voice of undergraduate students enrolled in the Cinema Studies programme at the University of Toronto while promoting and celebrating cinema across the campus through a variety of screenings, events, and academic journals. Run entirely by dedicated undergraduate students who volunteer their time, CINSSU is the centre of cinema on campus. Optional $0.25
Bike Chain Bikechain is an on-campus educational bicycle shop offering a wide range of services including: free bicycle rentals for students; a do-it-yourself shop where students can learn to fix their own bicycles with the aid of experienced mechanics; workshops and seminars on bicycle safety and maintenance; and leadership, employment and volunteer opportunities for students. With the support of students, we have taught over 35,000 people how to fix their bikes and ride safely since 2005.  Optional  $0.54
Downtown Legal Services DLS provides UofT students with free legal advice and support on housing matters (repairs, rent disputes, safety concerns, etc.), employment matters (unpaid wages, wrongful dismissal, etc.) and academic offences & appeals. In addition, we can help with some criminal, family and refugee law matters. We also provide free notary and commissioning services for students (certified true copies, OSAP affidavits, applications for professional licensing exams, etc.) Visit us at downtownlegalservices.ca Optional $3.29
Blue Sky Solar Racing Blue Sky Solar Racing is a student-run design team that specializes in the design, build and racing of solar-powered race cars. We provide students with the opportunity to grow and develop outside of the classroom in fields like engineering, business, marketing, management, finance among others. The team also strives to promote sustainable technology and to continue creating innovative products. Currently, the team is looking to race their 10th generation car at the 2019 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a 3000 km race across the Australian Outback. Team members have the opportunity to put their work to the test and represent the University of Toronto on the global stage! Optional  $0.13
Health Initiatives in Developing Countries The University of Toronto International Health Program (UTIHP) was established in 1988 as a student group by two U of T medical students, in response to an increased interest in global health on campus. Since then, the identity of the group has been constantly evolving, uniting undergraduates and graduate and professional students across all three campuses at U of T. Our initiatives are always changing, depending on student interest and in response to the changing global health landscape. Optional $0.25
LGBTOUT LGBTOUT is the oldest university-based LGBTQ student advocacy organization in Canada and has served the U of T community for almost half a century (since 1969). Today, LGBTOUT provides a safe and inclusive space, resources, and programming for LGBTQ students, staff, faculty, and community members at U of T. The volunteer-run Drop-In Centre (DIC) is our main hub at which folks can access resources and supplies, peer support, and even fun books for their reading enjoyment! Optional $0.25
University of Toronto Sexual Education Centre UTSEC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run student group that provides safer sex supplies and services free of charge to the U of T community. Our services include: confidential & non-judgemental one-on-one peer and phone support, access to the UTSEC library and resources, referral services, educational presentations, high school talks, and more! Our mission is to provide access to information on all aspects of human sexuality in a comfortable, inclusive and sex-positive environment. Optional $0.25
Students for Barrier-free Access SBA is a disability justice organization. We advocate for accessible post-secondary education and the removal of barriers. SBA has been instrumental in advocating for improved services for students with disabilities. We run a community drop-in centre and accessible computer lab that can be used by all students. We offer free workshops and programs for all students including Accessible Event Planning, Accessible Graphic Design, Peer Support and Active Listening workshops, ASL classes. uoftsba.com Optional $1.00
University of Toronto Aerospace Team UTAT is an interdisciplinary design team for all UofT students. It runs the world’s only student-funded space program, and will launch the world’s first student-funded satellite in early 2020. All UofT students can submit ideas for the payload of UTAT’s next satellite, giving the student body unprecedented access to space. UTAT also builds drones & rockets, advocates for STEM education across Canada with outreach events, and contributes to policy to make aerospace accessible and useful for all. Optional $2.77
University of Toronto Environmental Resource Network The University of Toronto’s Environmental Resource Network (UTERN) is a levy organization that operates as a funding body and networking hub for any person, group or club within the university community interested in sustainability and environmentalism on campus. UTERN membership is open to all students, faculty, staff and alumni from any of the three campuses at the University of Toronto. Optional $0.50

 

Mandatory Fees

These fees are charged on a non-refundable basis, and every member of the UTSU pays them along with their tuition during enrolment. They are essential to the UTSU’s operations and advocacy. Learn more about them below!

Fee Title Description Status Per-term total
Accessibility Resources Fund The Accessibility Resources Fund supports increased access and inclusion in Campus Life through assistive technologies, grants, and services to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. Includes accessibility resources for students with learning disabilities, deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low vision, mobility limitations, ADHD, psychiatric and medical conditions. Mandatory $0.50
Student Commons Operating Levy The UTSU Student Commons, a student designed and run student centre, will begin its opening in the 2020/21 school year. First proposed in the 1960s, this facility will finally give University of Toronto students a building to call their own. A 2007 referendum established the Student Commons project, its objectives, and the fee levies that would finance it. The operating levy is used to finance the student building operating costs such as utilities, building maintenance, custodial services and insurance. Mandatory $6.50
Student Commons Capital Levy The Student Commons, a student designed and run student centre, will begin its open in the 2020/21 school year and give University of Toronto students a building to call their own. A 2007 referendum established the Student Commons project, its objectives, and the fee levies that would finance it. This levy is used to plan and finance the student building renovations as well as pay the annual License Fee and will continue to be collected for 25 years after the building opens. Mandatory $14.25
Enabling Accessibility (Wheelchair Accessibility Fund) The UTSU is committed to creating barrier-free environments and participation in student wellness programming and campus life for all students. The Wheelchair Accessibility Fund provides a variety of capital funding and resources to help Students with disabilities, accessibility and accommodation needs more fully participate in all aspects of Student Life. This dedicated Fund allows for accessibility improvements across campus to address immediate challenges and increase access for all students. Mandatory $1.00
UTSU Membership Fee The UTSU provides essential programs, services, and advocacy ensuring accessibility, equity and inclusion of all students in student life. Mandatory $19.89
Student Aid (Scholarships & Bursaries) The UTSU works to address the challenges faced by financially vulnerable students. This fund supports one strategy for responding to these challenges through financial aid which includes providing students small emergency grants, tuition and book bursaries. Other resources the UTSU provides include such things as childcare funds and a food bank. Mandatory $1.00
Student Refugee Program The Student Refugee Program (SRP) supports international students fleeing persecution and adverse conditions to continue their studies in Canada. The SRP provides young refugees with tuition and cost of living life and other changing opportunities to continue their education in safe and supportive environment at the UofT and build a better future for themselves and their families. The SRP also plays a critical role in offering day-to-day social and academic support to SRP students. Mandatory $0.74
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) Formed in 1981, the Canadian Federation of Students provides students with an effective and united voice, provincially and nationally, and creates space and opportunity for students across the country and province to join together in creating change and winning victories on and off campus. Mandatory $8.39

Health and Dental Fees

The UTSU administers a Health & Dental Plan for our members, providing some of the best mental health and dental coverage in Canada when compared to other student association plans. 

The Health & Dental Plan fees are charged on a compulsory basis as part of your tuition, although students may opt-out if they are able to provide proof of other extended health insurance coverage. This means that if you’re already covered by an equivalent health and dental plan, such as a parent’s or spouse’s employee benefit plan or a plan provided by your band council or through Health Canada, you can opt-out of this plan).

To learn more about your coverage, how to make a claim, and other details about your plan, please visit this link: http://studentcare.ca/rte/en/IHaveAPlan_UTSU_Home

Due to COVID-19 restricting the freedom of travel for certain international students, the UTSU has worked with Studentcare to ensure that international students who will be staying in their home countries for the entire year until August 2021 can opt-out of their Health & Dental Plan for the 2020-2021 term. For more information, please visit Studentcare’s website at this link: https://www.studentcare.ca/coveragemanager/main.aspx?locale=en&assocID=88

Fee Title Description Status Per-term total
UTSU Health & Dental Program: Membership UTSU Membership is required to access UTSU’s Health and Dental Plan for students. This nominal fee replaces the referenda approved Membership Fee and contributes towards costs associated with operating the health and dental plan including student help and submission services. If you’re already covered by an equivalent health and dental plan (such as a parent’s or spouse’s employee benefit plan, or a plan provided by your band council or through Health Canada), with proof of insurance you can opt out and the membership and insurance fee will be reversed from your student account. Mandatory $3.82
UTSU Health & Dental Program: Extended Health Benefits As a full-time undergraduate student, you’re covered by UTSU’s extended health insurance plan. The Plan provides coverage for many services not covered by provincial health care. International students are covered by the UTSU Health Plan and the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). The Plan includes such things as: Medical and Paramedical care; Vision care; Prescription drugs; and Travel insurance. With proof of insurance you can opt out of the Health Plan and the fee will be refunded. Mandatory $102.09
UTSU Health & Dental Program: Dental Benefits As a full-time undergraduate student, you’re covered by UTSU’s dental insurance plan. The Plan provides full or partial coverage for dental services not covered by provincial health care or the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). The plan includes: Preventive care—the exams, cleanings, and X-rays you receive during an average dental checkup; Basic procedures like fillings and extractions; and Major procedures like root canals. With proof of insurance you can opt out of the dental plan and the fee will be reversed. Mandatory $85.34

Budgets

The UTSU’s various budgets are forecasts of how the organization plans to allocate its funds and control its spending for the designated time period. The Board of Directors oversees the UTSU’s budgetary planning and control processes. Every year, annual Preliminary and Operating Budgets are implemented subject to approval from the Board. After the Operating Budget is passed, the Board of Directors receive reports in their regular meeting agendas on how much has been spent each month. The full budgeting process can be found in the UTSU’s Policy Manual.

2020-2021 UTSU and Student Commons Operating Budget

2019-2020 UTSU and Student Commons Operating Budget

2018-2019 UTSU Operating and Capital Budgets

2017-2018 UTSU Operating Budget

2016-2017 UTSU Operating Budget

2015-2016

2014-2015

2013-2014

Optional Fee Opt-Out Percentages
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Audited Financial Statements
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Profit and Loss Statements
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Agreements, Contracts, and Regulations
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Optional Fee Opt-Out Percentages

Under the Incidental Fees Framework, there are a number of optional fees that UTSU members can choose to pay. These fees, while deemed non-essential, are still integral to the UTSU’s operations and advocacy.

 

Audited Financial Statements

Audited Financial statements show the actual financial position of the UTSU for one fiscal year. It is evaluated by an Auditor to guarantee that proper accounting standards and amounts are represented. The UTSU Fiscal year runs from May 1 to April 30 of the following year.

Please end questions and/or comments to vpoperations@utsu.ca.

Agreements, Contracts, and Regulations