MATURE STUDENTS
Like most universities, Prior Learning Assessment at OCAD U defines a mature student (for application purposes) as being "at least 21 years of age by September 1 of the year of intended enrollment." Mature students at OCAD U actually range in age from their mid-twenties to their fifties, sixties and older — although they would probably define themselves quite differently!
Experience and Challenge
Since the majority of the student body is in their late teens and early twenties, it is assumed that some mature students are the same age and “just look more mature,” while others are thought to be professors or OCAD U employees. As a result, mature students may feel invisible and disconnected.
As a mature student who is 25+, your experience will be different in many ways. Some of you have returned to school after a number of years away from study, while others are entering the university system for the first time at a later age. Regardless, as a mature student you'll face a number of challenges as you try to adjust to the university system:
- more life experience — and age difference — may make it challenging to connect with others
- additional responsibilities at home (children, partners, aging parents) can add pressure
- friends and family may not relate to your new “school life” and may not be as supportive as you like
- technology and writing skills may require updating
- a reduced income-level will require balance between employment and school
On-Campus Support
Part of the mature student "adventure" is connecting with your peers. Accessing the services available to you also helps to enhance your student experience. While all students at OCAD U have access to the following services, mature students should be aware that they too can get encouragement and support through the following departments and personnel:
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Faculty of Art/Faculty of Design/Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Main Building, 100 McCaul Street
- appropriately plan your program completion
- avoid crisis situations
All students (including mature students) are welcome to seek assistance through Academic Advising anytime during their academic year.
CAMPUS LIFE, STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS
Student Centre, 51 McCaul Street, Level 1
416-977-6000, Ext. 250, 275
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transition programming
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social, learning, and development opportunities
-
community building
Housing Information:
OCAD U does not have its own residence. Visit the Housing Information page
Mature Student Reception:
The Mature Student Reception — a mixer for new and returning mature undergrad- and grad-students 25+ years — and Services Expo, during
O-Days! (orientation) in September, is a great opportunity to connect with a few friendly faces before you hit the books, canvases, and/or laptops.
Student Mentor Program:
This Campus Life transition program owes its success to the many enthusiastic and keen upper-year students—some of which are mature students themselves—who get involved and volunteer their time to help and welcome new students. As Peer Mentors, they assist new and first-year students with transition to OCAD U. New mature students are encouraged to sign up and take advantage of the Student Mentor Program.
Student Volunteer Program:
This program offers all students the chance to participate in a long-standing tradition at OCAD U: volunteering to help out with university events and activities. Your university experience will be enhanced by increased interaction with other students, faculty and staff through the Student Volunteer Program.
For additional programming information, visit the Campus Life pages.
CAMPUS SECURITY:
Find out about OCAD U's Walk Safe Program, photo ID, fire alarms, locker rentals, emergency phones and more. Visit the Campus Security page.
CAMPUS TOURS:
Tours of OCAD U facilities for potential students are available during regular business hours, October through April.
(Peer Mentors also conduct brief Campus tours for new students attending Registration Assistance Days in July and again during Orientation & Welcome activities in September).
CAREER DEVELOPMENT & EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING,
STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS
Student Centre, 51 McCaul Street, Level 1
416-977-6000, Ext. 250
The Career Development office at OCAD University is committed to working with all students and new graduates to provide direction, resources and opportunities that will help you to develop the skills and knowledge base required to be successful creative professionals, in any number of contexts and sectors.
For information, resources and contact information, please visit: www.ocadu.ca/careerdevelopment.
CENTRE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Student Centre, 51 McCaul Street, Level 2
416-977-6000, Ext. 339
- Learning Disabilities
- ADHD/Autism Spectrum
- Medical
- Psychiatric
- Mobility
- Deaf/Heard of Hearing
- Vision
OCAD U complies with accessibility legislation for students with disabilities. The CSD provides services to students (including mature students) with documented disabilities under the above categories. For more information, please visit the CSD pages.
FINANCIAL AID & AWARDS
Student Centre, 51 McCaul Street, Level 1
416-977-6000, Ext. 250, 231, 257, 391
- Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
- bursaries
- scholarships
- awards
- opportunities to work on campus
- Health & Dental Plan (family coverage is available)
OCAD U ensures that students with financial need (including mature students) have enough funding to meet the direct educational costs of attending university. Information on the funds available in 2010/2011 will be posted in early June, and all students are encouraged to apply for any scholarships, bursaries and awards that are available. For more detailed information, visit Financial Matters.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Student Centre, 51 McCaul Street, Level 2
416-977-6000, Ext. 260
- Doctor of Homeopathic Medicine
- Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioners
- Clinical Counsellors
- Family Physician consultant
The Health & Wellness Centre is open to ALL students at OCAD U during the academic year, with modified hours during the summer sessions. For more detailed information, visit the Health & Wellness pages.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES/MOBILITY EXCHANGE,
STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS
Student Centre, 51 McCaul Street, Level 1
416-977-6000, Ext. 293
- Mobility/Exchange Programs (incoming and outgoing)
- Immigration & Study Permits
- University Health Insurance Plan
- On- and off-campus employment
- student Emergency Bursary Funds
- Cultural Adaptation and Inclusion
- International Student Leadership
Are you one of over 200 international students studying and taking part in international programs at OCAD U? You have chosen to join an exciting, vibrant and creative community where you will be exposed to many new ideas and experiences in the heart of Toronto, Canada’s art and design hub. Find out what services are available to you as a mature international student by visiting the ISSO pages.
OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR
Rosalie Sharp Pavilion, 115 McCaul Street, Level 2
416-977-6000, Ext. 235
The Office of the Registrar provides services to students, teaching faculty, departments, faculties and external agencies in relation to academic records, course timetables, registration, university policies and enrolment reports. View their web pages for more information.
WRITING & LEARNING CENTRE (WLC)
Centre for Innovation in Art and Design Education (CIADE)
Room 1510, Level 5, 113 McCaul Street
416-977-6000, Ext. 229
- one-on-one or group tutoring
- writing handouts
- study groups
- online resources
Has it been a few years since you had to do any writing or focus on studies? The Writing & Learning Centre (WLC) offers a number of free services to support students (including mature students) in the areas of writing, critical thinking, critical reading and study skills. Don't be shy. Visit the WLC pages for more information.
Prior Learning Assessment
ADMISSIONS & RECRUITMENT
230 Richmond St. West, Level 3
416-977-6000, Ext. 308
"Prior Learning Assessment is a method by which a student may, with appropriate evidence and documentation, be able to obtain credit for learning acquired outside of and prior to admission to the University..."
Read more detailed information about Advanced Standing, Articulation Agreements, Transfer of Credit, Course Challenge, Residency Requirements, Special Students and Second Credential.
Submitting Documents: for information about submitting documents such as transcripts, please visit the Admissions & Recruitment FAQ section.
Graduate Studies
OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
205 Richmond St. West, Room 7520, Level 5
416-977-6000, Ext. 423
OCAD U has a tradition of nearly 135 years of contemporary thinking and practice in art and design. This now includes graduate degree programs. Visit the Graduate Studies pages for details.
Continuing Studies
OFFICE OF CONTINUING STUDIES
113 McCaul Street, 2240, Level 2
416-977-6000, Ext. 2264 or 2266
Please visit the Office of Continuing Studies page for more details.
Off-Campus Support
Childcare Facilities
Child Care Centres
City of Toronto
416-924-2543
Kid's Club at St. John's School
780 Kingston Road
416-693-6596
Downtown Montessori
(various locations)
416-698-0218
University Settlement Recreation Centre (USRC)
23 Grange Road
416-598-3444
Community Programs
General interest classes can help you upgrade your technology/computer skills before returning to university:
Toronto District School Board Continuing Education
416-397-3000
Recreation
Did you know that 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity a few times a week can boost your energy, improve concentration, reduce stress and clear your mind for creativity and inspiration? See the Recreation page for an extensive listing of facilities close to OCAD U.
The accumulated information on this page has been put together as a quick reference for incoming mature students. Campus Life presumes that OCAD U's website is also being used as a resource in its entirety. If you are looking for information not found on this page (that cannot be found elsewhere on the site after an exhaustive search), please feel free to send an email of enquiry. We will make our best effort to reply within one business day.
(Photo by Brent Everett James)
Last Modified:1/24/2013 4:45:13 PM
