OCAD to be renamed "OCAD University"

On Tuesday, April 27, the Government of Ontario introduced legislation that proposed amendments to the Ontario College of Art & Design Act. If passed, these amendments would officially change the name of the Ontario College of Art & Design to “Ontario College of Art & Design University” or, more colloquially, “OCAD University.”

The Act would also officially recognize the role of the Chancellor and modify the powers of the current board to recognize the creation of an academic senate.

“This is truly a remarkable day in OCAD’s proud 134-year history,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, OCAD President, on Tuesday. “The change in OCAD’s name is important not only for the university, but also for Ontario. It will provide clarity to prospective students, both in Canada and internationally; improve our ability to attract and retain high-calibre faculty; and strengthen our ability to partner with other universities in Ontario in delivering joint degrees.”

“We thank the Ontario Government and the Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities for leadership in recognizing OCAD’s evolution,” said Robert Montgomery, Chair of OCAD’s Board of Governors. “The new name reflects OCAD’s role as a leader in art and design education and research, sustainability and digital culture. This change will ensure OCAD’s strategic position within a highly competitive, global post-secondary education marketplace.”

The new legislation is part of the McGuinty government's new five-year Open Ontario plan to create new opportunities for jobs and growth. “OCAD has forged strong ties with industry leaders in the creative, information and communication technology sectors,” read the provincial government’s news release. “It is a key player in supporting Ontario's innovation economy.”

OCAD has operated as a fully accredited university offering undergraduate degrees since 2002, and graduate degrees since 2008. In 2006, the institution was granted membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, which represents 95 public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges across Canada. Today, OCAD has approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 650 faculty and staff, and a 12-building campus in downtown Toronto.

During the amendment’s first reading, Training, Colleges & Universities Minister John Milloy thanked York Centre MPP Monte Kwinter, an alumnus of OCAD, for his advocacy towards the change in OCAD’s name. He also thanked President Diamond, OCAD Vice-President Academic Dr. Sarah McKinnon, Board Chair Montgomery, and Government Relations Director Carole Beaulieu, as well as Amanda Almeida, OCAD Student Representative to the Board of Governors and OCAD Student Union Chair. Jim Wilson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey and Rosario Marchese, MPP for Trinity-Spadina, added their congratulations and support for the change. The bill's introduction can be read online.

“This is important recognition of the work we have undertaken in research, graduate studies and ensuring high standards in our curriculum,” said Diamond. “It is a phenomenally important achievement for OCAD, one that not only respects the institution’s rich history and legacy of art and design education, but also acknowledges where the university is headed.”

The legislation must pass three readings in the legislature, and then receive Royal Assent before the change is official.