TEACHERS & COUNSELLORS
Throughout the year, OCAD hosts a number of community events that are a great introduction to life on campus. Please check our Events Calendar for upcoming events.
Or, have a look at our Newsroom to see what's new at OCAD.
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.
OCAD hosts National Portfolio Day in November each year. Reviews are held from noon to 4 p.m. and there is no admission fee (No preregistration. Doors open at 11:45 a.m.). Please click here for information on National Portfolio Day.
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. Click here for more information on Portfolio Clinics.
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 Intensive Summer Program helps students see the differences.
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
The Ontario College of Art & Design has entered its sixth academic year since receiving the authority to grant BFA and BDes degrees. 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) to AUCC Institutional Membership, effective immediately.
OCAD underwent a rigorous assessment by the AUCC. A comprehensive application was made in fall 2005 covering all aspects of OCAD'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 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.
Introduction of Minors: We are pleased to announce the first phase of The New Ecology of Learning at OCAD: the introduction of Studio and Liberal Studies minors. This will enable students to pursue a secondary field of study without compromising their major field.
Graduate Programs: In 2008-9 OCAD began three graduate programs offering interdisciplinary studies in art, design and media; curatorial and critical practice and executive design opportunities in advertising. Two more Graduate programs will be launched in 2009/2010.
Campus Renewal: In addition to $2.15M in provincial funds, OCAD received $9M investment towards interactive design research and innovation. The new funding for OCAD is part of a $19 million investment from the Ministry of Research and Innovation to encourage skills development and research capabilities in digital media. OCAD’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 2010/2011 academic year was February 1, 2010. 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 aid, orientation and other relevant issues will always be available there. Registration for all OCAD students is online.
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 looks for in a portfolio is the ability to think creatively in a diverse range of media.
Qualified applicants will be invited to an interview, 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 interview must ensure that the 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.
> Order work in the portfolio to show development.
> 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 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 documents). Offers of admission will go out in April, once mid-term 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 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 Assistant
First-Year Admission Inquiries, Prospective Student Inquiries
416-977-6000, Ext. 310
Nadia Galati, Recruitment Assistant
Liaison visits, Prospective Student Inquiries, Portfolio Clinics, Campus visits
416-977-6000, Ext. 489
Or contact OCAD at:
Tel: 416-977-6000
Toll-free: 1-800-382-6516
Fax: 416-977-6006
Last Modified:03/02/2010 12:09:13 PM
