Student groups
Special-interest student groups allow interaction among students, support faith and culture, and create an atmosphere of diversity while encouraging self-development, social responsibility and environmental awareness.
How to register or renew a student group
Visit this page and follow outlined procedures to register or renew your group:
- Guidelines for Student Groups (required reading for group leaders!), including booking space on campus, requesting set up for events and other event planning tips, Student Union grants, and more helpful info!
- Group Recognition Policy
- Process for group registration or renewal
- Process for change of leadership
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Student Group Leader Award
Are you involved in a group that has the most awesome leader? Tell us about it and nominate them for an award! The Student Group Leader Award is presented annually to a student group leader who excels, above and beyond in their leadership role! Read more...
Registered student groups: summer and fall/winter 2024-25
Updated: June 17, 2024
100m STUDIO
100m is an in-house design studio. We aim to contribute to our community by providing design services to student groups, student union, faculty and communities across OCAD U. 100m is an opportunity to bring our practice to real life in projects we deeply care about—a communal practice—facilitating co-operation within our campus.
Website: 100m.studio
Instagram: instagram.com/100mstudio
AMANE ACG CLUB
Amane ACG is a premium exchange platform designed for enthusiasts of anime, gaming, and the broader culture of the second dimension. Here, aficionados are free to share their personal preferences, engage in in-depth discussions on various works, and exchange insights. Additionally, our community offers a unique opportunity for members to meet many like-minded friends. Our mission is to create an environment filled with enthusiasm and support, jointly forging a ACG community that is both fun and warm-hearted.
Instagram: instagram.com/amaneacgclub
Web: amaneacg.space
BANGLADESHI STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
Welcome to our Bangladeshi Students' Association—a vibrant community dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and appreciation. Our mission is to showcase the rich tapestry of Bengali culture and arts, providing a platform for students to explore, celebrate, and share the essence of Bangladesh. Join us in building a close-knit community that embraces diversity, fosters friendships, and creates lasting connections among Bengali students at our university.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadu_bsa
grOCAD
grOCAD is a group of students, faculty and staff who are working together to integrate plant life to our everyday experience by cultivating areas in and around OCAD’s campus. grOCAD’s aim is to increase healthy food accessibility, encourage discourse about how plants improve quality of life and heighten awareness to urban agricultural practices.
Instagram: instagram.com/gr.ocad
MATURE STUDENT COLLECTIVE
The MSC engages mature students in social, learning and creation activities and advocates at the administrative level to support the well-being of mature students at OCAD U.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocad_msc
MUTUAL ARTIST NETWORK
Mutual Artist Network is the network to explore, discover, and connect with the student talent at OCAD U and beyond through workshops, markets, and other early entrepreneurship opportunities.
Instagram: instagram.com/mutual_artist_ntwrk
OCAD U ARTIST ALLEY
Founded in 2018, OCAD Artist Alley (OAA) is a student-run club where we host semi-annual artist market events and workshops on running small business, aiming to assist current students and newly grads start tabling experience and gain entrepreneurial mindset.Through tabling events such as Spring market (April), Back to School market (September), we promote creativity, originality and craftsmanship in local art community and intend to gain publicity and OCAD artist recognition. To foster community, celebrate business milestones and reconcile achievements, we host on-line and virtual workshops and seasonal hangouts. OAA is a community focusing on equity, inclusiveness and diversity.
Facebook: facebook.com/ocadartistalley
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadartistalley
Website: ocadartistalley.tumblr.com
OCAD U CHINESE STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The OCAD University Chinese Student Association (OCSA) is a student organization dedicated to enhancing campus cultural awareness and providing academic and informational support for students from similar backgrounds. Our mission is to foster cultural exchange through innovation and a diverse range of educational activities. We also strive to promote leadership skills within the campus community and foster friendships with other clubs and students.
Web: ocadocsa.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/OCSA
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadocsa_official
OCAD U JEWISH CLUB
The OCAD U Jewish Club is dedicated to create a safe and welcoming environment for Jewish and Israeli students. We celebrate holidays, host social events, and work to bridge racial inequalities while fostering connections with allies.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadujewishclub
OCAD U UKRAINIAN STUDENT & ALUMNI COLLECTIVE
USAC is a student-run collective that explores the eclectic Ukrainian heritage and culture through art and design. All students, faculty, and alumni of OCAD U of Ukrainian descent or those who want to learn about Ukrainian culture are welcome.
Instagram: instagram.com/usac.ocadu
OCAD KOREAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION
OCAD Korean Student Association (OKSA) is a student-led group carrying the intention of helping Korean identifying students, or any of whom are interested, to feel a sense of belonging and community within OCAD U. We intend to express our pride and belonging through the rich and beautiful culture of Korea and share them with the OCAD U community.
Instagram: instagram.com/oksa__official
PROJECT HOPE
Instagram: instagram.com/projecthope.to
Affiliation: Sierra Club Canada
RenderED: ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN STUDENT ASSOCIATION
RenderED is an Environmental Design Student Association! We aim to create a sense of community for students passionate about architecture and interior design. The group will provide workshops and resources to help and improve drafting, planning, modelling and rendering skills. RenderED will organize social events and opportunities to connect students. We will have both in-person and online events.
Instagram: instagram.com/rendered_ocadu
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENT ASSOCIATION
Undergraduate Research Student Association (URSA) aims to provide current undergraduate students the space to share ideas and discuss recent advancements, research papers, or industry developments about the latest trends and breakthroughs in technology.
WOMEN IN FILM
Women in Film provides a supportive space for female-identifying individuals passionate about cinema. Through regular film screenings and critique sessions, members will improve their cinematic skills, styles, and techniques while fostering connections within the community. By engaging in discussions and analysis of films, members are inspired to create their own projects, furthering their journey as filmmakers and storytellers.
Instagram: instagram.com/womeninfilmocad
2023-24
Recognition of the groups below expired April 30, 2024, the end of the winter term. If the groups are going to remain active, they are required to renew and will be moved to the list above:
ALMEDA BLACK STUDENT COLLECTIVE
The Almeda Black Student Collective is a group at OCAD U for the Black students to engage and connect with each other about artistic ideas, opportunities, learn from one another and foster a sense of community.
Instagram: instagram.com/almedacollective
ANIMATION AND ANIME CLUB
Welcome to the Animation and Anime Club at OCAD University, where creativity comes to life through the magic of animation and the world of anime! Our club is a vibrant community to bring artists, storytellers, and animation enthusiasts who share a passion for the art forms that bring imagination to the screen. Our group is open to students from all majors.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocaduaac
ART SALON & CRITIQUE CLUB IN CHINESE
Students critique each other’s art work every week, and discuss their art insights. There will also be some events planned around important festivals.
BOLLYWOOD THUMKA TRIBE
Welcome to our Bollywood Dance Student Group! Experience the enchanting world of Indian cinema through dynamic and engaging classes. All skill levels welcome. Join us to embrace the magic of Bollywood dance together!
CROCHET CLUB
NEW! The Crochet Club at OCAD University is a place where individuals who are interested in crochet can come together to crochet, share advice ad resources, and make friends with fellow peers. All skill levels from complete beginner to advanced crocheter are welcome to join. Other fibre artists are always welcome as well. Together the Crochet Club hopes to allow individuals at OCAD U to take time from their schoolwork to step back and relax.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadu.crochetclub
EGYPTIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION
We are the Egyptians at OCAD U! We aim to bring the Egyptian Students on campus together by conducting lively events. We want to share our rich culture and traditions with ALL students interested. Our goal is to create a fun stress-free environment for students to have fun and connect with others. See you there ya shabab, ta7ya Masr!!
Email: ocaduesa@gmail.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadesa
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@ocadesa
GENESIS
"To know God and make Him known". Genesis is a Korean Christian group affiliated with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) Toronto, which exists to become a bridge that connects spiritually and artistic practice within the context of Jesus Christ's teaching. Through spiritual and practical activities, such as daily meditation, summer short-term missions, presentations and exhibitions, believers at OCAD are encouraged to rise up for the truth and express it with passion. All are welcome.
HINDU STUDENTS COUNCIL
The Hindu Students Council (HSC) at OCAD University aims to create a safe and welcoming space for Hindu students to connect, collaborate and learn from each other. We seek to promote Hindu heritage and culture through events, workshops and initiatives, and establish a community and platform for Hindu art and artists. Our club is open to students of all faiths interested in learning about Hinduism and honouring its traditions. The HSC aims to foster cultural exchange and understanding while celebrating the diversity of Hinduism and its contributions to art, culture and the society at large.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocaduhsa
INDIGENOUS STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The Indigenous Student Association (ISA) is a self-governing collective of Indigenous students at OCAD U who organize to nurture community and support each other. The ISA is autonomous from the Indigenous Visual Culture Program, the Indigenous Student Centre and the Student Union. The ISA runs community events and activities and is the main student group dedicated to bettering Indigenous students’ experiences at OCAD U. The ISA’s goals may change year to year, but it remains grounded in its dedication to community and safer spaces for Indigenous students to learn, create and thrive.
Facebook: facebook.com/ISA.OCAD
Twitter: twitter.com/OCADISAOFFICIAL
Instagram: instagram.com/ocaduisaofficial
INTERVARSITY AT OCAD U
We are the Christian student group at OCAD U. We want to love and support the larger OCAD U community as well as the city, by fostering a caring community through our actions and events. We hope to welcome and create safe spaces for people to engage and grow in their faith and knowledge of Jesus. We also want to encourage others to learn and grow to use their skills and talents to serve the larger community.
Facebook: facebook.com/ocadivcf
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadivcf
IRANIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The Iranian Student Association brings together Iranian students in unity and to support a means of organizing together.
Instagram: instagram.com/iaocadu
LATIN-O-CAD
A group where Latino and Hispanic as well as non latino/hispanic students can get together to enjoy and learn about our different cultures.
Instagram: instagram.com/latin_o_cad
LINYUN CULTURAL CLUB
Linyun Cultural Club is a Chinese cultural club community. It holds events on Chinese traditions festival, and interest groups about traditional dancing, ancient literature, broadcasting, art, and board games.
MIDDLE EASTERN SOCIETY (MES)
MES is a diverse and inclusive student organization dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and unity among Middle Eastern students and anyone interested in the region's cultures. Our members come from various Middle Eastern countries and backgrounds, creating a melting pot of traditions, perspectives, and experiences.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadumesa
O CAPPELLA
A music-based group that features an audition-to-join performance group with OCAD U Live, and a discord to communicate about music-themed events that are open to all students.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocappella
Discord: discord.gg/KVEyANkGj
OCAD AFTER DARK
A student group where folks can learn how to DJ, participate in open decks, and come together with other dj’s for support, community, and networking opportunities.
OCAD CINEMA SOCIETY
The OCAD Cinema Society caters to any student interested in growing their knowledge of film and connecting with others to discuss and view films. Our society will offer multiple services and opportunities to its measure. We will be hosting monthly meetings, where we watch films and have discussions, among various other events like parties, student film screenings etc. Members can submit recommendations and reviews of films. The Cinema Society is a chance for filmmakers, and fanatics to experience, connect, and foster a community.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocad.cinema
OCAD MANDARIN CHRISTIAN CAMPUS FELLOWSHIP
OCAD Mandarin Christian Campus Fellowship is a weekly meet-up where we share snacks and stories with the goal that we can form sincere relationships with each other. Anyone is welcome to join as we navigate the semester together with intent, laughs, and support. We open scripture as an invitation and encourage curiosity and questions.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadmccf
OCAD STORYBOARD CIRCLE
We are a group of determined OCAD students interested in story boarding, animating, and pre-production stages of animation! Our goal is to foster a warm and welcoming environment to sharpen our skills, strengthen our portfolios, gain a better understanding of the industry's pipeline, and boost the professional growth of each other. Student and alumni from any majors and interest in any branch of animated media are welcome to join!
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadstoryboardcircle
Web: ocadstorycircle.weebly.com
OCAD U ANIME COSPLAY CLUB
OCAD Anime Cosplay Club, abbreviated as OACC, is a home for students who like anime with the theme of various Japanese anime elements and Genshin Impact. There are six departments in the club: cos make-up, cos props, personnel management, event planning, photography, and cos dance performance. We provide opportunities for OCAD majors to learn and communicate with each other outside of the classroom, and to improve their professionalism while having fun.
Instagram: instagram.com/oacc_official
OCAD U ATHLETICS
OCAD U Athletics club brings athletic opportunities to the OCAD U community and makes it fun in the process. Those interested in different sports can come together to participate in sporting events and create different sports teams: Basketball, Badminton, Volleyball, Track, Weightlifting, etc. (at nearby city-run facilities) to compete against each other and students from other schools.
OCAD U FOUNDRY CLUB
OCAD University’s newly renovated Foundry is a fully equipped metal casting facility for bronze and aluminum. The Foundry Club exists to allow students with similar interests, backgrounds, and ambitions to share ideas, explore techniques, casting processes, and examine various casting materials. Foundry Club plans to meet on a bi-weekly basis, developing project plans, goals, and activities; learning and innovation can happen through collaboration!
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadfoundryclub
OCAD U MOULDMAKING CLUB
OCAD U Mouldmaking Club is a student-led group that welcomes students of all skill levels. Our objective is to connect, collaborate, and learn about moulding and casting. Through weekly meetings, we explore various materials and techniques, offering demos to enhance understanding. We provide a supportive space for creativity, growth, and knowledge sharing, fostering a community of mould-makers. Join us to expand your skills, showcase your work, and connect with fellow students passionate about this art form. Together, we embark on an exciting journey of discovery and artistic expression.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadumouldmaking
OCAD U Muslim Student Association (MSA)
The OCAD U MSA is a Muslim community within OCAD University that is run by students, for students. The MSA hosts various creative, fun, and educational events for the OCAD U community as well as collaboration with other MSAs in Ontario. The MSA also assists and represents Muslim students in several matters, and works with the Administration, Campus Security and many others to ensure a safe environment for Muslim Students on campus, as well as a maintained, safe, peaceful space for prayer. All events are open to Muslim and non-Muslim students, faculty and staff. We have weekly meetings, game nights, bake sales, volunteer activities and much more!
Facebook: facebook.com/ocadumsa
Twitter: twitter.com/OCADUMSA
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadumsa
OCAD U's WEIGHTLIFTING CLUB
Introducing the OCAD U's Weightlifting Club: embark on a journey of strength and camaraderie with the weightlifting club (in collaboration with the Athletics Club), dedicated to fostering a passion for lifting sports amongst the student body. Aspiring to cater to a diverse array of interests and fitness levels, our club offers a comprehensive and diverse selection of disciplines inclusive of: powerlifting, strongman, Olympic weightlifting, cross fit, and various other lifting-induced sports. We extend a warm invitation to all students of the university to join us in this exciting endeavor, as we aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where members can pursue their fitness goals and cultivate a sense of community. Our club eagerly awaits the opportunity to engage, inspire, and empower students through the art and science of lifting.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocaduweightliftingclub
OCAD U SOCIAL CLUB
Are you ready to embark on a journey of friendship, fun, and shared experiences? Look no further! OCAD U Social Club is your ticket to a vibrant, inclusive community where students from all walks of life come together to create lasting memories.
Instagram: instagram/ocadusoc
OCAD U TABLETOP
We aim to provide would-be adventurers with the opportunity to play all manner of tabletop role-playing games. We welcome those with any level of experience or play-style to join in adventuring and creating stories with us!
Discord: discord.gg/tdcSmc2jqP
OCAD U TAMIL STUDENT ASSOCIATION
OCAD U Tamil Student Association is a collective that focuses on the pride of Tamil culture and spreads awareness of what we as a community have gone through. This group will aim to strengthen the bond amongst the Tamil community and express our culture in the most beautifully creative ways possible.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadutsa
OCAD U THEATRE
A group for OCAD U students with a passion for drama and performance! We strive to create an environment where OCAD U students are given the opportunity to perform for and alongside their peers.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadutheatre
OCAD U WORLD ISSUES
OCAD U World Issues is a student-run club gives everyone a platform where they can share their thoughts and point of view about various issues related environment, education, politics and human rights around the world.
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadu.worldissues
PRINT & PUB AFTER SCHOOL CLUB
Our club aims to explore the crafty side of printmaking while bringing members of the print
community together. Our goal is to inspire each other through print activities and group outings.
The After School Club hosts collaboration opportunities such as rubber stamp carving, collaging,
zine printing, button making and independent print work. See you after school!
Instagram: instagram.com/prpbafterschoolclub
PRODUCT OCAD
Product OCAD is a vibrant collaborative space where students passionate about product design converge to ignite their creativity and hone their skills. We aim to foster an environment of shared ideas, encouraging each member to contribute their unique perspective to the collective design journey, all the while providing a platform to showcase student talent. Embracing the spirit of healthy competition, Product OCAD fuels members' growth by providing exciting challenges and short projects that cultivate a space where friendly rivalry elevates everyone's abilities.
Instagram: instagram.com/productocad
ROCK CLIMBING & OUTDOORS CLUB
A place for rock climbing enthusiasts (beginners welcome!) and people who enjoy outdoor activities (camping, foraging, enjoying the wilderness etc.)
Instagram: instagram.com/ocadclimbing
SCIN CLUB
The SCIN Club (Sculpture/Installation Club) at OCAD U helps support and promote students interested in the field of sculpture and installation. Through discussion and critique nights, as well as various organized events, the club aims to gather members together to meet and exchange knowledge, ideas, concepts and skills. We hope to give student opportunities, to help them develop their practice further and get the most out of their experience at OCAD U. The club is open to all OCAD U students, not only students enrolled in the Sculpture/Installation Program.
Instagram: instagram.com/scinclub
SHATTER BEE GAME PRODUCTIONS
Introducing Shatter Bee, an indie development studio based in OCAD U. We aim to learn about game-making by producing creative and engaging Video Games. Join us to be a part of this experience! Whether it's graphic design, advertising, or animation, we've got room for you to express your talents in the gaming industry!
Twitter: twitter.com/shatterbeegames
Instagram: instagram.com/shatterbeegames
SHOES OFF COLLECTIVE
The Shoes Off Collective is a community for Asian-identifying OCAD U students and alumni to connect as friends and co-creators through art, design, identity, culture, activism and social issues. We hangout together, eat together, make together and work towards building a supportive and connected network of creatives.
Instagram: instagram.com/shoesoffcollective
STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS
What is Industrial Design (ID)? Find out with the Student Association of Industrial Designers (SAID), connecting ID students to their peers, profs, and professionals from all corners of the field. Expanding upon the many concentrations within industrial design, we aim to engage ID students through socials, events, talks, and tutorials. Student body forums, peer mentorships, and upper year/alumni talks encourage a free exchange of knowledge, communication and empathy across the student years and alumni. SAID centers around student life within the ID program, but welcomes participation from all programs within OCAD U.
Web: saidocad.wixsite.com/ocadu-said
Instagram: instagram.com/said_ocadu
Linktr.ee: linktr.ee/OCAD_SAID
THE SOLAR DREAMERS ASSOCIATION
Welcome to the Solar Dreamers Association, where we use art and storytelling to inspire others to imagine a sustainable future. We believe that by using our creativity and imagination, we can create a world that is environmentally, socially, and culturally sustainable. Our club offers workshops and events that encourage our members to express themselves through art and writing, while promoting awareness of important social and environmental issues. We aim to inspire others with our visions of a brighter, more sustainable world, and empower them to take action towards positive change. Whether you are an artist, writer, or simply interested in exploring a sustainable future, we welcome you to join us in our mission. Together, let's dream up a better world and work towards making it a reality.
Instagram: instagram.com/solar.dreamers
THE SOUTH ASIAN SOCIETY
The South Asian Society, also known as TSAS, is an association led by students and meant to connect the South Asian diaspora, here at OCAD University. We aim to acknowledge, honour, celebrate and inform all those interested, in the melting pot of cultures that make up South Asian identities!
Instagram: instagram.com/thesouthasiansociety
THROWING CLUB
A ceramics club, inviting all OCAD U students to learn basic ceramic techniques (hand building, throwing, glazing) and create work they can take home and enjoy. We would also like to highlight OCAD U’s ceramic studio and give students an opportunity to connect and create work in ceramic medium.
TURKISH STUDENT ASSOCIATION (TSA)
Welcome to the OCAD U Turkish Student Association! We are a close-knit community of Turkish students at OCADU, dedicated to celebrating our rich cultural heritage and fostering a supportive environment. Join us for a journey of cultural exploration through engaging events such as art exhibitions, music nights, and culinary experiences. Whether you're deeply connected to your Turkish roots or simply curious about our traditions, all are welcome. Our association is not just a club; it's a home away from home where you can build lasting connections, participate in language exchange programs, and be part of a diverse community that values inclusivity and mutual support. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated on our vibrant activities. Come, be a part of our growing family, and let's create unforgettable memories together!
Instagram: instagram.com/ocaduturkish
UX STUDENT ASSOCIATION
UX Student Association brings together students interested in user experience, user interface,
and product design. The group strives to provide students with the opportunity to connect with other members, attend hack-a-thons and designations as a team, and foster growth through mentorship and skill development workshops.
Instagram: instagram.com/uxocadu
Other: tr.ee/m6Fr4mZFS9
VINALLEY
VinAlley is a cultural and social organization aimed at creating a supportive community for Vietnamese students and promoting Vietnamese culture to the wider student body. The VSA organizes events, workshops, and activities that bring members together and foster a sense of belonging. These events may include traditional festivals, cultural workshops, and social gatherings. Through its activities, the VSA strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can connect with others who share similar backgrounds and interests.
Instagram: instagram.com/future_ovsa