TEACHERS & COUNSELLORS
Throughout the year, OCAD University hosts a number of events that are a great introduction to life on campus. Please check our Events Calendar for upcoming events.
Look Inside is our annual open house in October. It provides guests the opportunity to see students working in the studios, engage in conversation with faculty and administrators, and get a sense of the learning environment at OCAD U. Look Inside will take place on October 29, 2011 from 11:00am until 2:00pm.
OCAD U hosts National Portfolio Day in November each year. Reviews are held from noon to 4pm and there is no admission fee (No preregistration. Doors open at 11:45 am).
Portfolio Clinics are unique program designed to help make the best portfolio presentation possible. These day long clinics will help fill in the gaps in an applicant's visual art and design experience, build confidence in working with different materials and techniques, and provide an opportunity to explore new territory. Portfolio Clinics take place between November and February.
Success in art and design is about passion, exploration and the development of a strong conceptual voice. Beginning artists and designers often confuse the medium with the methodology and become focused on the outcome rather than the process involved in creating work. The Summer Intensive Program helps students see the differences.
Digital technology is transforming everyday life, creative practices and cultural industries. With this rapid evolution many artists and designers are moving beyond current technologies inventing hybrid approaches to research and studio practice. The Digital Summer Intensive Program is for students interested in investigating the combination of digital and traditional in art and design.
If you would like to bring a group of students for a campus visit, call the Admissions & Recruitment office at 416-977-6000, Ext. 489 or by email to arrange a tour. Tours run throughout the academic year from October to April. More information about campus visits can be found here.
All school groups should be accompanied by a teacher or chaperone. Groups larger than 20 students should have more than one teacher or chaperone.
News
We are pleased to announce a new undergraduate program begining in 2012. The Digital Futures: Technology/Innovation/Design/Art (DF:TIDA) undergraduate program is an interdisciplinary program linking digital technology and innovation with Design and Art studio practice
The Ontario College of Art & Design is now OCAD University. On June 8, 2010: Bill 43, the Post-secondary Education Statute Law Amendment Act, 2010 received royal assent, legally changing OCAD’s name to “Ontario College of Art & Design University,” or commonly, “OCAD University.” The Act included language to officially recognize the role of the university’s chancellor, modify the powers of the Board of Governors and create an academic senate.
In June 2004, the Ontario Cabinet approved a change to the legislation of the Ontario College of Teachers. The new regulations provide for the inclusion of the OCAD Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) and Bachelor of Design (BDes) credentials as "acceptable degrees" for admission to the teaching profession in Ontario, after a graduate attends a Bachelor of Education program at an Ontario university.
On October 25, 2006, the membership of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) admitted the Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD University) to AUCC Institutional Membership, effective immediately.
OCAD U underwent a rigorous assessment by the AUCC. A comprehensive application was made in fall 2005 covering all aspects of OCAD U's institutional life including curriculum, student services, faculty credentials, library, governance and financial management. A review panel of Canadian university presidents and AUCC staff also conducted an onsite visit.
Admission to this distinguished body signifies that OCAD U meets the high standards of Canadian universities and that it is recognized by its sister Canadian institutions. The degrees of AUCC member institutions are readily recognized and accepted both in Canada and abroad.
Minors: The introduction of studio and Liberal Studies minors enables students to pursue a secondary field of study without compromising their major field. For more information please visit Academic Programs.
Graduate Programs: OCAD U has a long standing tradition of contemporary thinking and practice in art and design. Our Graduate Degree Programs offer the next generation of artists, designers & industry leaders a level of scholarship that is virtually unmatched in Canada. For more information please visit Graduate Studies.
Campus Renewal: In addition to $2.15M in provincial funds, OCAD U received $9M investment towards interactive design research and innovation. The new funding for OCADU is part of a $19 million investment from the Ministry of Research and Innovation to encourage skills development and research capabilities in digital media. OCADU’s share will help to establish a research and innovation laboratory in interactive design and digital media. The new facility will eventually be integrated into a planned Centre for Research & Graduate Studies.
Undergraduate Updates
The deadline to apply for admission for the 2012/2013 academic year is February 1, 2012. The only entry point for all programs is September.
Admission to either the BFA or BDes program is based primarily on the result of a portfolio assessment. Applicants must obtain an OSS Diploma, six grade 12 U/M courses with a minimum academic average of 70% including ENG 4U with a minimum grade of 70%. For more information about the academic requirements please click here.
Students need to be reminded that if their native language is not English and they have not studied at an English Language institution for 4 years or more they are required to present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or equivalent in addition to the ENG4U requirement. Please visit our English Proficiency page for more information.
Students should get into the habit of checking our website for information. The most current details about registration, financial matters, campus life and other relevant issues will always be available there.
First Year Portfolio Requirements
The portfolio is an important part of the admission application. It needs to demonstrate that skill and talent equip the applicant to succeed in their first year of study. The most important feature OCAD U looks for in a portfolio is the ability to think creatively in a diverse range of media.
All applicants will be invited to an assessment, of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, where they will present their original work to reviewers from their chosen Faculty. Applicants unable to attend the scheduled review must ensure that their portfolio arrives at least one week in advance and are encouraged to include additional written materials in support of the work. Return postage must be included with the portfolio if they would like it returned. Please be advised that if an applicant chooses not to have their portfolio returned it may be used for demonstration purposes by the Admissions & Recruitment department. Click here for more information about portfolio requirements.
Tips for portfolio presentation:
> Generate interest and excitement for the work with the first piece.
> Be aware that current work best demonstrates skill level.
> Be prepared to explain why a particular work was selected for inclusion in the portfolio, what it means and what was trying to be achieve.
> Be prepared to talk about any research and preparation completed for a final work.
> Research OCAD ahead of time to show level of interest and commitment to studying here.
Offers of Admission
OCAD U makes offers of admission based on the strength of an applicant's portfolio and available academic grades. Offers are conditional upon the completion of the admission process (meeting academic requirements and submitting necessary documentation). Offers of admission will go out in April, once midterm marks have been received. For more information please visit the Guide to Admissions page and our Admission Requirements page for detailed information on the application process and academic requirements.
Housing Information
OCAD U does not have its own residence or housing facilities. However, there are excellent housing resources and referrals, including links to independent residences around the city, available on the Housing Information page.
Contact Information
Jan Sage, Director
416-977-6000, Ext. 236
Donald Kelly, Recruitment Officer
Liaison visits, Prospective Student Inquiries
416-977-6000, Ext. 428
Tammy Madden, Admissions Officer
Advanced Standing, Transfer of Credit Assessment
416-977-6000, Ext. 308
Julie Staffieri, Admissions Coordinator
First Year Admission Inquiries, Prospective Student Inquiries
416-977-6000, Ext. 310
Nadia Galati, Recruitment Coordinator
Liaison visits, Prospective Student Inquiries, Portfolio Clinics, Campus visits
416-977-6000, Ext. 489
Casey Hinton, Admissions & Recruitment Assistant
416-977-6000, Ext. 2055
Or contact OCAD U at:
Tel: 416-977-6000
Toll-free: 1-800-382-6516
Fax: 416-977-6006
Last Modified:1/24/2012 12:57:33 PM