History
OCAD University was originally established in Toronto in 1876 by the Ontario Society of Artists. Back then it was called the Ontario School of Art. In 1912, it was incorporated as the Ontario College of Art, becoming the first school in Canada dedicated to exclusively to the education of professional artists in fine and commercial art.
Education
OCAD U continuously builds on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, members of the OCAD U community are uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.
Research
Art, design and digital research and creative practices through a diversity of perspectives, methods and approaches. As Canada's university of the imagination, OCAD University offers a depth and breadth of undergraduate and graduate critical inquiry. The university engages in art and design research and creative practices through a diversity of perspectives, methods and approaches. Due to OCADU's pivotal role in maintaining a community of existing artists and designers, as well as training the new generations of artists and designers, it also functions as a cultural institution within the City of Toronto, with influence nationally and internationally.
Career
As part of the Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers, the Career Development office supports the professional development of emerging OCAD U creative talent. We provide direction, resources and opportunities which lead to the realization of transformative personal and early-career goals.
The Career Development office has the experience, networks and agility to take on ambitious partnerships which benefit students and recent alumni. We facilitate connections and develop strong relationships which result in recruitment for all manner of paid creative work opportunities.
Student services
The Student Advising Centre provides a coordinated and centralized model for undergraduate student academic advising. The Student Advising team supports student success by providing a welcoming environment where students can get support and advice related to their personal and academic success.
- Provide help, answers, support and advice
- Assist with course selection and program planning
- Discuss program requirements
- Review educational path and identify opportunities
- Connect students with on-campus resources
Housing services
OCAD U has several housing partners including co-ops, independent student residences and online housing service providers.
Library services
- Review loan periods and fines, remove account blocks and register for an account.
- Request accommodations or accessibility preferences to access library spaces or collections.
- Request textual materials in formats for use with adaptive technologies.
- Ask questions related to teaching, learning, administration, art & design practice, and student life from throughout OCAD U’s history.
Medical services
The Student Wellness Centre remains available and committed to supporting OCADU students while the physical facilities are closed. Our accessibility advisors, counsellors, and doctors are available to connect over email, phone, and video.
Campus life
OCAD University is a 100 per cent commuter campus. With lots of students travelling hours a day to get to school and home again, it can be challenging to meet new friends and get involved on campus. We get it. So, we're here to help!
Campus Life, within OCAD U's Student Success Programs, ensures that students have access to social, learning and development opportunities outside the classroom. Our programs encourage enhanced personal growth, connection, engagement, leadership, self-confidence, interpersonal and team-building skills.
Sports facilities
There are many bike racks around campus: a series on both sides of the main entrance at 100 McCaul St., as well as city posts on both sides of the street.
Campus Life has partnered with the Intramural Program at Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences (222 St. Patrick St.). This exciting new collaboration brings intramural opportunities to OCAD U students and allows access to Michener's gymnasium where they will play against each other and Michener teams for some friendly competition!
OCAD U students who wish to be physically active, work out, or keep fit can take advantage of affordable student memberships at a variety of recreation and fitness facilities within two kilometres of campus.
Student clubs
The OCAD Student Union (OCADSU) is a not-for profit corporation that exists to advocate on behalf of the OCAD U student body at-large serving as a liaison between the student body and OCAD U governance, administration, faculty, other universities and colleges, all levels of government, and the Canadian Federation of Students. Within the Toronto art and design community, OCADSU is proud to be represented by its subsidiary, Xpace Cultural Center.