Interview description

Bill Gardner, CEO of CRM Dynamics, was a former University of Toronto student at the St. George Campus who was actively involved in student government from 1985 to 1989. Serving as president of both the Arts and Science Student Union (ASSU) and the Students’ Administrative Council (now the University of Toronto Students’ Union), Gardner discusses his focus on addressing concerns specifically relevant to UofT students, the dynamics present internally within both groups, as well his approach in working with the University’s administration, external groups and political figures. He touches on a number of issues and activities including frosh programming and planning, the production of the ASSU’s Anti-Calendar, and the adoption of digital technology at the University. Gardner reflects on his own career to highlight the benefits of the leadership experience he gained during this time, as well as the long-term effects of a shift away from student-led organizing within post-secondary institutions.

Organizations

• Arts Science Student Union (ASSU)
• Students’ Administrative Council (SAC)
• Canadian Federation of Student (CFS)
• Office of the President, University of Toronto
• Investment Club, UofT
• Economics Course Organization, UofT

Subject Topics

• Student governance
• Student fees
• Student services
• Student elections
• Anti-Calendar
• Institutional response
• Frosh Week
• Course unions
• Changes in post-secondary education
• Computerization and automation

Citation: University of Toronto Archives. Oral History Collection on Student Activism. Oral history interview with Bill Gardner conducted by Ruth Belay, 15 January 2020. A2020-0010/004S.