OCAD U has implemented the Government of Ontario’s directives related to Bill 166, Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024.
Bill 166 received Royal Ascent on May 16, 2024. The new law requires every college and university to have a policy and clearly posted information around the costs of educational materials, student mental health and how the institution is addressing and combatting racism and hate.
COST OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
Tuition and educational costs including ancillary fees, textbooks and other learning materials are posted on the OCAD U website.
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH POLICY
OCAD U’s Student Mental Health Policy is posted online. The University will also report annually to our Board of Governors each year on the implementation and effectiveness of the policy and will post the report publicly each year, beginning January 31, 2026.
ANTI-RACISM AND ANTI-HATE
OCAD U is committed to an inclusive, safe and respectful environment for all members of our community and is committed to taking appropriate steps to address racism, hate, discrimination, harassment and bullying.
A new webpage/centralized platform highlights information and supports available to OCAD U community members who have concerns about racism or hate. Through this webpage/centralized platform, community members will learn about OCAD U’s initiatives and policies to promote campus safety, anti-racism and anti-hate and the processes to report instances of racism, hate, discrimination harassment or bullying.
OCAD U’s Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy is posted online.
OCAD U’s website also features a dedicated webpage for students to learn more about how to file a complaint.
OCAD U’s policies and rules will be reviewed at least once every five years and we will amend them as appropriate. We will report annually to our Board of Governors on the implementation and effectiveness of our policies and rules. The report will be publicly available on a dedicated webpage and submitted to the Minister of Colleges and Universities by January 31st of each year, beginning January 31, 2026.
HOUSING
In addition, in June 2024, the Ontario legislature passed Bill 185, the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024 which requires universities and colleges to publish their student housing policies and provide student housing data that will be counted towards the province’s Building Faster Fund housing targets.
OCAD U has a robust web page for students and prospective students outlining support around housing as well as links to recommended housing options. Students who need support can contact housingsupport@ocadu.ca.
