A statement from OCAD University President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano
On behalf of OCAD University, I want to express my sincere thanks to Premier Doug Ford, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy and especially Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn, and the many officials involved in the process for the Government of Ontario’s historic investment in post-secondary education announced in today’s budget. The $6.4 billion commitment and new policy framework represent a transformational moment for Ontario’s colleges and universities, including OCAD U.
We are especially grateful for the significant and targeted new investment for OCAD U that now recognizes our distinct role, alongside STEM programs. OCAD U’s differentiated, practice-based education is central to Ontario’s future prosperity and our graduates drive the creative economy, build IP-rich companies, and bring design expertise to multiple sectors, including advanced manufacturing, health innovation, and digital industries.
This investment is particularly significant on the eve of the University’s 150th anniversary.
We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Government of Ontario to ensure that this historic investment delivers meaningful and lasting impact for students, communities, and the entire province.
While the government’s changes to OSAP, unfortunately, will have a negative impact for our students, we are committed to ensuring that students with financial need have enough funding to meet the direct educational costs of attending university, including tuition, books and mandatory fees. OCAD U augments OSAP with bursaries, scholarships and work opportunities and we are looking at how we can do more to ensure that our institution remains accessible and affordable to students and their families.
Ana Serrano
President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University