VOLUNTEER FOR ORIENTATION!

Monday, May 13, 2019 - 9:45am to Friday, July 19, 2019 - 11:45pm

Our orientation and welcome—O-DAYS! 2019—would not be as much fun each year without the enthusiasm of upper-year students, Peer Mentors, faculty, staff and alumni who join the O-TEAM and volunteer their time and energy to help welcome new students to the OCAD University community!

Sign up today:
www.ocadu.ca/services/campus-life/orientation/o-team-2019.htm

ABOUT O-DAYS:
www.ocadu.ca/orientation

 

Website: 
http://www.ocadu.ca/services/campus-life/orientation/o-team-2019.htm
Email: 
ocadcampuslife@ocadu.ca
Phone: 
416 977 6000 x 275
Image graphic for orientation volunteers

Student leadership, contributions to campus community celebrated at annual dinner

Group photo - student leaders; photo by Mathisan Paramanathan.
Friday, March 15, 2019

On Tuesday, March 12, OCAD University’s most outstanding student leaders for the academic year 2018/19 were celebrated at our annual Student Recognition awards dinner.

Coordinated by OCAD U's Campus Life office and generously hosted in the Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) in their new space on the third floor of the Experiential Learning Centre in the Rosalie Sharp Pavilion, the dinner was catered by Pow Wow Café with Indigenous inspired cuisine. The dinner honoured the contributions of the university’s peer mentors, student groups and other student leaders for excellence in diversity and equity, as student employees, and Indigenous student leadership.  

Emceed by Campus Life international student monitor Monica Zhong, remarks were given by the President, Dr. Sara Diamond, representatives of the Student Union and Interim Vice-President, Academic & Provost Caroline Langill. OCAD U’s student representatives on governance bodies, peer mentors, peer wellness educators in the Health & Wellness Centre, student group leaders were all acknowledged for their great work. Peer mentors Danielle ColemanPatricia LukDaniel Naraindasand Kenny Tranwere all recognized for serving three or more years with a special commitment pin. 

Additionally, awards selected through a nominations process were given out for several categories. 

Ahmad El Sarraff - Student Group Leader Award
Farah Basha and Sabid Ali of OCAD U’s Imagination Catalyst announced Ahmad as the recipient the Student Group Leader Award for his work leading OCAD U’s Muslim Student Association (MSA). This award is presented to a group leader who, through facilitation and involvement, demonstrates outstanding contributions, commitment and support to their group members and the OCAD University community.

Ahmad was recognized for his strong leadership skills and dedication to the MSA, where he has demonstrated professionalism in coordinating regular meetings with best practices like using agendas contributed to by the team. He contributed to rewriting the MSA’s constitution, coordinated various fundraisers and potlucks, and Islamophobia and bystander intervention workshops, and is noted for his patience and willingness to work with others. 

Salisa Jatuweeapong and Roshan Thiruchelvam - Peer Mentor Excellence Awards
The awards were supported and presented by David Thomas of OCAD U’s Alumni Association and Sandra Janzen, Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving.

Salisa was recognized forher timely and effective communications, for being open to and encouraging, face-to-face meetings, for her genuine interest in getting to know mentees personally, for demonstrating knowledge and insight on curriculum, and for highlighting the benefits of community involvement as a resource leading to success. 

Roshan was recognized for his patient, inclusive approach, and the wealth of knowledge and insight he shared as a mentor. He was also recognized for his caring and encouraging nature, his initiative to help mentees navigate the university, its systems and programs, and off-campus community resources.

Nora Bahgat - Diversity & Excellence Student Award
This award acknowledges an outstanding student whose advocacy and leadership promote and advance human rights, equity and social justice. 

Nora was honoured for her work as a Peer Health Educator in OCAD U’s Health & Wellness Centre (HWC), where she has been involved in the Centre’s Cooking and Journaling Clubs. She has also contributed to OCAD Student Union’s Hot Lunch, where she promotes equitable access to nutritious meals, inclusive of gluten-free and vegan options. She has also held active roles with outreach events such as Willows for Wellness and the peer thesis Midnight Project. Nora consistently promotes inclusion and well-being, working towards equity and advocating for marginalized communities. Her work as a board member on the MSA included coordinating a campus workshop on Islamophobia and bystander intervention. She is dedicated to identifying barriers of inclusion and advocates for ways to make OCAD U programming more inclusive and welcoming for Muslim students and students with physical disabilities.

The award was presented to Nora by Gino Marocco and Roshan Thiruchelvam of the Student Union, with Victoria Ho from OCAD U’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Sustainability Initiatives.

Megan Feheley - Indigenous Student Leader Award
This award, presented for the first time, recognizes an outstanding Indigenous student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by actively participating in and contributing to the Indigenous student community at OCAD U. Melissa General and Connor Pion from OCAD U’s Indigenous Student Centre honoured Megan as the first recipient of this new award. 

Megan was honoured for their contributions as a core member of the Indigenous Students Association and deep involvement, commitment and engagement in Indigenous student event planning, community building and advocacy. Megan has contributed an immense amount of time, labour and love into the community at OCAD U, which is reflected in the many events, shows, student feasts and socials, both on and off of campus, that they have taken part in and/or organized. Megan has participated in, and/or co-organized and co-facilitated Indigenous student exhibitions (Primitive, 2016, Arrive, 2017, and Flux Refusal 2018) as well as student social events such as Creative Native Nights, Halloween parties and end of semester feasts. They have also worked as a Student Monitor at the Indigenous Student Centre, where they go above and beyond to assist with the daily upkeep of the centre, as well as supporting their peers. 

Amanda Amour-Lynx received an honourable mention for the Indigenous Student Leadership Award. 

Setayesh Babaei (Fatemeh) and Danielle Coleman - Student Employee Excellence Awards
Also new this year, this award acknowledges the considerable contributions made by OCAD U student employees (monitors) towards the operations of the university by recognizing student employee excellence, achievement, leadership and skills development. The first ever Student Employee Excellence Awards were presented to Setayesh Babaei (Fatemeh) and Danielle Coleman by Interim Vice-President, Academic & Provost Caroline Langill and Assistant Director of Human Resources, Connie Arezes-Reis.

Setayesh has been employed as a student monitor in various areas (Admissions, Onsite Gallery, Student Union) where she demonstrated strong dedication, commitment, professionalism and high quality work. Her imaginative creativity and ease with collaboration across disciplines have contributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of OCAD U operations and services. Her positive and enthusiastic persona, demeanor, and high level of inclusivity and respect help create a safe, friendly and encouraging environment. She is noted as a tremendous role model who embodies OCAD U’s fundamental values and themes.

Danielle is high-spirited, warm and dedicated. Approachable and knowledgeable, Danielle brings a strong sense of pride and leadership to her work and campus involvement. She has held an active position at Ignite Gallery for three years, mentoring and supporting other student monitors. She has provided support for the Drawing & Painting program Chair and student representative for Drawing & Painting Thesis. She speaks eloquently to the benefits of attending OCAD U. As Career Ambassador in the CEAD and peer mentor, she supports the success of her peers, makes connections, and supports the skill development of her classmates. Danielle’s positive attitude creates a safe space for diversity, wellness and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Honourable mentions for the Student Employee Award for 2018/19 are Christina Castellano, Michaela Coyoli Basman Monterrubio, Melissa Gaa, Sabrina Iacono and Nomi Juhasz.

Nora Bahgat and Joel Lee - Excellence in Student Leadership Awards
Finally, this new award recognizes the outstanding contributions of student leaders across the university in a variety of contexts, including (but not limited to) representing student perspectives in positions on OCAD U committees, working groups, task forces, governance bodies (such as the Senate or Board of Governors), or through publications, advocacy groups or the Student Union. President Diamond and Deanne Fisher, Vice-Provost, Students & International awarded the final awards of the evening to Nora Bahgat and Joel Lee. 

Nora was honoured for her work for her active roles as a Peer Health Educator in the HWC, the Student Union’s Hot Lunch program, her involvement in the Willows for Wellness event, her commitments as a board member for the Muslim Students Association, and her approaches to advocating for marginalized communities. 

Joel is noted for his deep belief in reciprocity and commitment to sharing knowledge, contributing towards his strengths as a student leader and community member. He is involved in variety of projects, programs and services on campus. As a student monitor, he is involved in a cross-disciplinary collaboration with Writing & Learning Centre, and Editor-in-Chief of NEST literary journal, a Writing Across the Curriculum initiative. He was also a Student Career Ambassador in the CEAD, where he was instrumental in providing a student’s perspective in the creation of new tools and resources for experiential learning projects and the new Work/Place program. His dedication to advancement and community galvanizes his peers to connect and take advantage of opportunities across campus and beyond.

Honourable mentions for the Excellence in Student Leadership Award for 2018/19 are Khadija Aziz, Setayesh Babaei (Fatemeh), Uttara Ghodke and Roshan Thiruchelvam.

Thank you!
OCAD U’s Campus Life office extends a sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to our selection committees: Connie Arezes-Reis, Farah Basha, Lynn D’Souza, Deanne Fisher, Melissa General, Alex Hong, Amanda Hotrum, Brent Everett James, Tori Maas, Nadia McLaren, Sarah Mulholland, Robyn Shaw, Roshan Thiruchelvam, B.h. Yael and Monica Zhong.

The event would not be possible without the generous financial support of the Alumni Association, Alumni Relations, Financial Aid & Awards, the Indigenous Student Centre, the Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers, the OCAD Student Union, the Imagination Catalyst, and the offices of the President, the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, and the Vice-Provost, Students & International.

Watch for the 2019/20 academic year student recognition nominations period to open in the new year 2020, and consider nominating a student you know for these important accolades.

Suspended (2018)

Photographic installation, 66“ h x 78” w x 5” d, collaged imagery, inkjet print on archival paper, mylar, corplast, clear cling, magnets

Collaged photographs and drawings that mine childhood memories, reflecting the volatility of nature, community and identity. 

With a Jewish father and an Anglo-Protestant mother, as a child, Lynne Heller, a multi- disciplinary artist, felt a sense of displacement in many settings. Raised in a distinctly gentile part of Toronto where her Jewish background set her apart, her experience of Jewish community was found at the summertime family retreat Camp Naivelt (Yiddish for “New World”). Located in Brampton, it was centred on secularist, progressive socialist values, activism, and a celebration of Jewish and Yiddish culture. At one time Naivelt was frequented by up to 5,000 people on any given weekend. While growing up, the artist experienced it as a place of sanctuary and freedom. 

The installation references a poignant childhood memory. Visiting Naivelt in the spring off-season, Heller’s family came upon enormous ice floes ejected from the Credit River that runs through the camp. Unpeopled and distant from the bustle and heat of summer, the site was made stranger still by this dramatic scene. Heller’s father lifted her onto one ice mass, which was taller than her seven-year-old stature, and she observed debris and fish frozen within. From that vantage point, she looked back to the one-lane bridge, the only passageway over the river and into the property. 

This eerie landscape and recollections frozen in time echo the dislocation of Heller’s upbringing. The massive ice blocks were both organic and oddly unnatural. Similarly, Heller felt both integrated into the Naivelt community during the 1960s and 70s yet often felt outside that milieu given her mixed heritage. And this haven of radical politics was in itself outside the norms of the Jewish mainstream. The ice-covered land evoked the gradual deterioration of the site that she witnessed alongside the dwindling of the community. Naivelt continues until today albeit with more modest participation. 

In the exhibition, the terrain of memory interweaves with the textures of College Street as perennial graffiti markings on our window enter the piece, linking the past with present-day realities where the artist’s self-conception is firmly grounded. An image of the Naivelt bridge appears, signaling possibilities in connecting two seemingly distinct realms, holding out the potential for crossing into the promise of a new world. 

Photograph of installation
Photographic detail of installation
Photographic detail of installation
Photographic detail of installation
Photograph of the installation as seen at night, across the street on College St.
Thursday, March 7, 2019 - 4:30pm

Late Night Against Procrastination (LNAP)

promotional banner containing event details
Thursday, March 7, 2019 - 3:00pm to Friday, March 8, 2019 - 12:00am

For one night every semester the Writing & Learning Centre takes over the Great Hall - offering space to work on your assignments with support on hand, along with activities, workshops, and opportunities to de-stress planned throughout the night. We also make sure to keep lots of coffee, tea, and healthy snacks on hand to keep you fuelled and feeling good. 

Here are some of the things planned for LNAP Winter 2019:

  • The Health & Wellness Breakzone - a chill space to de-stress with board games, colouring books, and good company
  • Open workspace in the Great Hall!
  • Collaborative zine-making project focused on procrastination and self-care
  • VISC 1002 Research Essay Workshop
  • Tutoring throughout the evening for support with any assignment
  • ELL tutoring for support with any English language concerns, and support for any assignment
  • Film Screening brought to you by the OCAD Student Union
  • Lots of healthy snacks, coffee, and tea (stay later for pizza and the Late Night Dessert Bar, brought to you by the Student Feedback on Courses survey)

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This event is FREE and open to all current OCAD U students. LNAP does not require registration.
This event is accessible. It is located on the second floor of 100 McCaul, which can be accessed via stairs or elevator. There are single-stall, gender-neutral washrooms on the same floor.

Venue & Address: 
Great Hall, OCAD University (MCA, level 2)
Website: 
ocadu.ca/wlc
Email: 
wlc@ocadu.ca
Phone: 
416-977-6000 ext. 229
Cost: 
FREE
poster containing event details and image of moon phases

Scarborough Forum

Scarborough Event Poster
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 - 6:00pm

Design is an evolving, evocative creative process permeating all aspects of social, economic, and political life, and it is shifting the way our city operates and functions. With human-centred values and diverse perspectives, advocacy, and calls to action and equality, we are collectively and individually changing local neighbourhoods, and the larger social and physical fabric of Toronto, often with design as the catalyst. As we approach 2020, Design ManifesT.O. asks that we reflect on how we as citizens have made or hope to make change happen in order to build community and turn forgotten and 'non-places' into vibrant spaces. How can design and allied arts support community based place-making? How can we channel creative practice to address challenges of the next wave of social, demographic, and technological change in our city.

Design Wo/ManifesT.O. 2020 is a series of forums and interviews that are being organized throughout the six boroughs of Toronto. Join the conversation by attending a forum or submitting your own story of change making, community building, or place-making using the submission portal on this wesite.

 

Venue & Address: 
East Scarborough Storefront. 4040 Lawrence Ave E.
Cost: 
Free
Scarborough Design Wo/ManifesT.O 2020 Scarborough

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: JVCS

Friday, January 18, 2019 - 10:45am to Friday, February 8, 2019 - 11:45pm

The Journal of Visual & Critical Studies (JVCS) collects and celebrates some of the best undergraduate academic writing at OCAD University. Comprising exhibition and performance reviews, critical essays, and thesis abstracts, this anthology challenges the boundaries of art history and visual studies in order to produce innovative relationships between art, design, and academia at OCAD U and beyond. Contributors will be invited to the Journal’s launch as a part of GradEx 2019.

We encourage students to submit work that they have written for courses and would feel proud to share with the OCAD U Community. The Editorial Committee is seeking submissions from all current OCAD U students in the following formats:

Exhibition and Performance Reviews [250 to 500 words]:
Reviews of exhibitions, performances or art-related events that happened after April 2018. We welcome reviews that are local, national, or international in scope.

Critical Essays [1000 to 2000 words]:
We publish academic essays about art, design, and visual studies. We are open to a wide range of methods and analyses, including experimental writing on aesthetic experiences and interdisciplinary research. We can accept excerpts from larger essays.

Abstracts of Thesis Projects [150 to 250 words]:
Art or design students may submit up to 3 images of their works to contextualize their abstract. Images provided should be 300 DPI.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Submissions should be sent either as an email attachment, or as a link to a Google Drive file to visualcriticalstudies@gmail.com. Writing should be submitted as a Word Document (.doc or .docx) and Chicago style citations are encouraged.

In your submission email please provide a ONE to TWO sentence biography that includes your name, your program, the year of your program (for ex: Third-year student), and a few details about your research interests and/or studio practice.

To learn more about the Journal of Visual & Critical Studies and to read past volumes, please visit visualcriticalstudies.tumblr.com.

DEADLINE: Friday, February 8, 2019

Read more about JVCS and other student-run groups: www.ocadu.ca/studentgroups

Website: 
visualcriticalstudies.tumblr.com
Email: 
visualcriticalstudies@gmail.com
JVCS poster

NCCM Workshop: Islamophobia & Bystander Intervention

image for MSA NCCM workshop
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 - 3:00pm to 6:00pm

This workshop will cover the definition of Islamophobia. A bystander intervention workshop will use case studies in order to better educate students, faculty and staff on how to respond to incidents they may encounter on and off campus. This will be an interactive workshop that will engage the audience/participants in a dialogue and discussion.

Please RSVP:
See event and Eventbrite link here: www.facebook.com/events/856505614552846/

Supported by OCAD U Campus Life and Office of Diversity, Equity & Sustainability Initiatives.

ABOUT OCAD U MSA:
The Muslim Student Association (MSA) is a Muslim community within OCAD University that is run by students. The MSA assists and represents Muslim students in several matters, and works with the Administration, and Campus Security 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.

MORE ABOUT OTHER STUDENT-RUN GROUPS AT OCAD U:
www.ocadu.ca/studentgroups

Venue & Address: 
Room 230, Level 2, 100 McCaul Street
Website: 
www.facebook.com/groups/ocadumsasocial/
www.facebook.com/ocadumsa
Email: 
msa.ocad@gmail.com
Cost: 
Free

Call for Applications: Holiday Artist Alley

Apply Now: Holiday Artist Alley
Monday, October 15, 2018 - 12:00pm to Saturday, November 3, 2018 - 11:45pm

We would like to showcase talent from current OCAD U students and alumni across all programs so every art form is welcome! Deadline to apply is Saturday, November 3, 2018 (11:59 PM)

This event will be held in the Great Hall in 100 McCaul Street (2 to 8 PM), on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

More details to apply on our Page OCAD Artist Alley
If you have questions, please contact: ocadartistalley@gmail.com

VOLUNTEER:
Please consider volunteering with us! Volunteers will be guaranteed space to sell their work.

Venue & Address: 
Great Hall (Level 2), 100 McCaul Street
Website: 
www.facebook.com/OCAD-Artist-Alley-507513873031048/
Email: 
ocadartistalley@gmail.com
Cost: 
Free to apply and participate

OCAD U MSA BAKE SALE

Monday, January 14, 2019 - 11:00am to 4:00pm

OCAD U Student Group OCAD U MUSLIM STUDENT ASSOCIATION is having a bake sale. Proceeds support group programming.

Cupcake decorating
Henna

ABOUT OCAD U MSA:
The Muslim Student Association (MSA) is a Muslim community within OCAD University that is run by students. The MSA assists and represents Muslim students in several matters, and works with the Administration, and Campus Security 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.

READ MORE ABOUT STUDENT-RUN CLUBS AT OCAD U:
www.ocadu.ca/services/campus-life/student-groups.htm

Venue & Address: 
Main Lobby, 100 McCaul Street (MCA)
Website: 
www.facebook.com/ocadumsa/
Email: 
msa.ocad@gmail.com
MSA Winter Bakesale

Late Night Against Procrastination (LNAP)

Late Night Against Procrastination Banner Image
Thursday, November 1, 2018 - 3:00pm to Friday, November 2, 2018 - 12:00am

The Late Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) provides support and access to resources during a critical time of the semester. 

We will be there to support you late into the night, with tutoring, food, coffee (and much more)!

Stay tuned for more details and programming as we prepare for a productive and fun LNAP for Fall 2018!
____________

This event is FREE and does not require registration. 
This event is accessible. It is located on the second floor of 100 McCaul, which can be accessed via stairs or elevator. There are single-stall, gender-neutral washrooms on the same floor.

Venue & Address: 
Great Hall (MCA, level 2)
Website: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/256483885003991/
Email: 
wlc@ocadu.ca
Phone: 
416.977.6000 ext 229
Cost: 
FREE

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