The purpose of the Association is to promote the welfare of the current and retired faculty, librarians, and research associates of the University of Toronto, the University of St. Michael's College, the University of Trinity College, and Victoria University, and generally to advance the interests of teachers, researchers and librarians in Canadian universities.

The Association is the official representative of the faculty and librarians on University employment matters which include salary, pension and benefit negotiations and workplace grievances. These duties are set forth in the Memorandum of Agreement, between the University of Toronto and The University of Toronto Faculty Association, consolidated as of December 31st, 2006.