​Why is OCAD University proposing a change to late-fee charges?

Friday, March 4, 2016 - 5:00am

Update - March 11

The late-fee policy has been sent to the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee for further review.


 


At its March 7th meeting, the OCAD University Board of Governors will consider a proposal to introduce interest charges on overdue student fees. This proposed change has caused concern among some students.

We understand your worry, and so we have created the following Q&A document to explain the rationale, context and impact of the change. If you have any further questions, our contact information is at the end, and we encourage you to get in touch with us to learn more. If passed, the new policy would take effect in Fall 2016.


Why are we proposing this?

Tuition fees represent over 50 per cent of OCAD U’s operating revenue. Unpaid fees affect the university’s ability to finance the services that support a high-quality student experience. At the end of the Fall 2015 semester, the university had over $1.1 million in unpaid fees on the books.

It is also an issue of fairness. Our current practice – a flat $50 late fee – affects students carrying smaller balances disproportionately.


What is our current practice?

OCAD U charges fees by semester. A flat $50 flat late fee is applied once per semester to students who do not pay in full by the published deadline. The same fee is charged whether you owe $100 or $3,000. 

Students with unpaid balances at the end of one semester are blocked from registering in the following semester until their balance is paid off.


What do other universities do?

Most universities (14 of Ontario’s 20 publicly funded universities) charge interest.

At least five universities simply de-register students who do not pay by the published deadline.

A few universities charge escalating late fees on a monthly basis (for example, $50 in the first month, $75 in the second month, etc.).


How does the interest rate of 1.25% compare to other universities?

This is the same rate that’s charged at many other Ontario universities.


What about students on financial aid?

OCAD U’s fee-payment deadlines (this year Sept. 16, 2015, and Jan. 15, 2016) are among the latest in the province. (Only the University of Guelph is later – Sept. 18, 2015.)

We do this so that all students who have applied for OSAP by the recommended deadline receive their funds before their fees are due. Most students elect to have OSAP pay their fees directly.

Students who, for some reason, do not receive their financial aid before the fee payment deadline can make arrangements to pay later and interest charges will be removed.


Will all students pay more under this plan?

No. Some students will actually pay less. Because our current late fee is flat, students with smaller overdue balances actually pay more under the current scheme. For example, a student who owes $800 on October 1 under our current policy will pay the $50 late fee.

Under the new plan, they will pay $10 in interest for October. If they still owe $800 by November 1, they will pay an additional $10.13 in interest. By December 1, they will pay $10.25. Their accumulated interest on the $800 by the end of the semester will be less than the current $50 late fee.


Won’t this hurt the most vulnerable students the most?

The students who will pay the most under this proposal will be students with very large outstanding balances. For example, a typical full-time student who owes $3,954.50 in fees for the Fall semester and makes no payments by the end of that semester will pay about $150 in interest charges.

OCAD U’s Financial Aid department will call every student with an outstanding balance of over $1,500 after October 1 each year to discuss options. This could include bursary assistance; a late application to OSAP or another provincial financial aid program; or an agreed-upon payment plan.


If charging interest is the norm, why didn’t OCAD U do this before?

OCAD U’s previous student information system did not have the capacity to calculate interest on outstanding balances. Our new system (Colleague – known by students as My OCAD U Records) has this functionality.


Where can I get more information?

If you have any questions about the proposed change, contact:

 

Deanne Fisher
Associate Vice-President, Students
dfisher@ocadu.ca
416-977-6000, Ext. 2850

 

Peter Fraser
Director, Finance
pfraser@ocadu.ca
416-977-6000, Ext. 289

New Chair and members of Board of Governors announced

Wednesday, November 18, 2015 - 5:00am

 Dr. John Semple, Chief of Surgery of Women’s College Hospital, has been elected Chair of the Board of Governors of OCAD University for a one-year term as of November 14. Dr. Semple has served as a member of the board since 2012 and is also an alumnus of the institution.

David P. Holland, was elected First Vice-Chair and Sharifa Khan, Second Vice-Chair. Both will serve one-year terms. In addition, four external members were elected to three-year terms: Dr. Claude Galipeau, Idris Mootee, Paul Rowan and Jaime Watt. These additions to the board follow Mark Robert’s appointment as an external member by the Government of Ontario this past September.

“I am honoured to have been elected Chair and look forward to welcoming the new members of the board who bring such varied experiences and perspectives to our university,” said Dr. Semple.

“The new members of the board bring a wide range of skills and deep knowledge of realms including digital media, strategic foresight, venture investment, health care, industrial design, social justice and human rights,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University. “They will add to our momentum, providing guidance to the university as it continues to grow and evolve.”

In addition, eight new internal members were elected to of the Board of Governors by their peers:

b.h. Yael, Professor, Faculty of Art (who will replace Keith Rushton as Senate Chair commencing December 1)
Nicole Collins, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Art
Roderick Grant, Chair and Associate Professor, Faculty of Design
Andre De Freitas, Manager, Financial Aid & Awards
Alvaro Araya, Enterprise Systems and Storage Architect
Ryan Murphy, graduate student
Mariano Martellacci and Emily Rourke, undergraduate students

Background:

Dr. John Semple: Chief of Surgery at Women’s College Hospital
Dr. Semple is a professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. In March 2010, he was named Chair in Surgical Breast Cancer Research by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Region.

David P. Holland: President and Chief Executive Officer, Torstar Corporation
Holland began his career at Torstar’s corporate office and has since had senior leadership positions within all divisions of the company. Torstar Corporation is a media company whose businesses include the Toronto Star, Toronto.com, Workopolis, Olive Media and eyeReturn, as well as a majority interest in the Metro chain of free daily newspapers and the Chinese-language paper Sing Tao Daily.

Sharifa Khan: President and CEO, Balmoral Marketing Inc.

At Balmoral Marketing, Khan leads a team of seasoned multicultural specialists to service corporate, government and non-profit organizations, guiding them to connect with diverse audiences in Canada. She is a tireless entrepreneur and sits on many boards, including those of Mount Sinai Hospital and the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto.

Dr. Claude Galipeau: Country Manager, Yahoo! Canada
Dr. Galipeau has held senior positions within many of the giants of Canadian broadcasting, from Alliance Atlantis to the CBC. His board experience includes the Banff Television Festival Foundation, which hosts the Banff World Television Festival, and the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) of Canada.

Idris Mootee: Chief Executive Officer, Idea Couture
With more than 25 years of strategic management experience, Mootee has acquired extensive expertise in developing growth strategy and driving transformation. Described as the "the ultimate foresight machine" and "strategic innovation guru," he is an incredibly sought-after board advisor.

Mark Robert: Co-Founder and Managing Partner, The Carlu Corporation Ltd.
Prior to restoring the historic Carlu events venue, Robert was Chief Operating Officer at The Art Vault Limited, a publicly traded global e-commerce internet art site. He was Co-Chair of the Art with Heart fundraiser for Casey House for three years and has been involved with the Board of Heritage Toronto, among other cultural organizations.

Paul Rowan: Co-founder and Vice-President, Inspiration, Umbra
For more than 30 years, Rowan has dedicated his career to creating purposeful, intelligently designed products that answer people’s utilitarian needs and aesthetic wants. In 2001 Rowan was granted the Premier’s Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Colleges of Ontario.

Jaime Watt: Executive Chairman, Navigator Ltd.
Deeply involved with equality and human rights issues, Watt has received numerous awards for his service to the community, including Out on Bay Street’s Leader to be Proud of Award. He is a sought-after public affairs commentator who specializes in public strategy issues.

Student Information Session: Senate and Board of Governors Positions

Friday, September 11, 2015 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Find out more about what OCAD University's Senate and Board of Governors do and how you can be involved in university governance. Be a part of the two governing bodies that oversee how your OCAD University is operated. Like two chambers of a heart, the Board of Governors and Senate, have their own beats to pump the lifeblood into your University. Find out how you can join this integral leading function of your University!

Students are invited to attend an Information Session with FREE PIZZA on Monday, September 12, 2016 in Room 1115 (11th Floor Boardroom), 230 Richmond Street West from 12:00 noon-2:00pm. (Drop in anytime during these two hours)

Venue & Address: 
OCAD University Room 330, 115 McCaul (3rd Floor Boardroom)
Website: 
http://www.ocadu.ca/about/governance/senate/elections.htm www.ocadu.ca/about/governance/board-of-governors/board-elections.htm
Email: 
nnanton@ocadu.ca (Senate) vdesouza@ocadu.ca (Board)

Nominations open for student positions on the Board of Governors and Senate

Monday, August 17, 2015 - 4:00am

Nominations are now being accepted for several student positions on the OCAD University Board of Governors and the Senate.

Be a part of the two governing bodies that oversee how your OCAD University is operated. Like two chambers of a heart, the Board of Governors and Senate, have their own beats to pump the lifeblood into your University. Join in this integral leading function of your University!

Eligible candidates may submit nomination for these positions until Friday, September 11, 2015, 4:30 p.m.

Student positions available are:

Board of Governors

  • One (1) Graduate Student position for a two-year term
  • Two (2) Undergraduate Student positions, each for a two-year term

Senate

  • One (1) Graduate Student Senator position for a one-year term.
  • Three (3) Undergraduate Student Senator positions, one from each Faculty, each for a one-year term

For more information on the roles, responsibilities and nomination and election processes, please click on the appropriate link below:

Board of Governors Election Information and Nomination Forms

Senate Election Information and Nomination Forms

Students are invited to attend an Information Session with FREE PIZZA on Friday, September 11, 2015 in Room 330 (3rd Floor Boardroom), 115 McCaul Street from 12:00 noon-1:00pm.

Elections will take place electronically from September 21 to 25, 2015.

Still have questions?

  • Questions about the Board of Governors elections should be directed to Valerie De Souza, Manager, University Governance at 416-977-6000 Ext. 2853.
  • Questions about the Senate elections should be directed to Natalie Nanton, Coordinator, Academic Governance and Quality Assurance at 416-977-6000 Ext. 2856.

OCAD University chancellor reappointed for a second term

Chancellor Delaney
Friday, May 15, 2015 - 9:00pm

Michel Frappier, the chair of OCAD University’s Board of Governors, has announced the reappointment of Chancellor Catherine (Kiki) Delaney for a second two-year term (beginning on June 2, 2015).

Since becoming chancellor in 2011, Delaney has contributed her strong leadership, business acumen and strategic oversight to the growth of Canada’s largest art, design and digital media university.

Delaney is a deeply respected business leader and the president of C.A. Delaney Capital Management Ltd., the investment counselling firm she founded in October 1992. In addition to serving as chancellor of OCAD University, Delaney sits on on the Board of Trustees of the Hospital for Sick Children, chairs the Investment and Pension Committee at the Hospital for Sick Children, is a member of the Leadership Council of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and serves on the Investment Committee of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Board of Governors’ internal election results announced

Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:00am

The results have been tabulated for the internal elections on the OCAD University’s Board of Governors that were held from April 13-17, 2015 for two-year terms starting July 1, 2015.

OCAD University is pleased to announce the successful candidates for the following positions:

Permanent Manager

Andre De Freitas, Manager, Financial Aid & Awards

Permanent Staff

Alvaro Araya, Enterprise Systems and Storage Architect

OCAD University thanks all candidates who ran for these positions.

Board of Governors positions: Internal call for nominations

Thursday, March 12, 2015 - 5:30pm

Permanent staff and managers: consider becoming a member of the OCAD U Board of Governors. Nominations are now open for a two-year term commencing July 1, 2015. Two internal positions are available, one of which is elected from and by permanent managers at OCAD U; and the other, from and by permanent unionized staff and permanent staff.

OCAD University’s Board of Governors is responsible for governing and managing the affairs of the university and has the necessary powers to do so, including the power to determine mission, vision and values of the University, appoint and remove the President and Chancellor, approve the annual budget of the University and monitor its implementation, establish administrative and operational policies and procedures, as well as other specific powers. The Board consists of members from the external community as well as executive, management, staff, faculty and student representatives drawn from the OCAD U community.

Nominations are currently open for the following positions on the Board of Governors starting July 1, 2015:

·       One (1) Permanent Manager position (two-year term)

·       One (1) Permanent Staff position (two-year term)

For more information on roles, responsibilities nomination and election processes, including eligibility requirements, please visit the Board Elections webpage.

Key dates to note:

Nominations close: Friday, March 27, 2015 at 4:30pm

Electronic elections: Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17, 2015

Additional questions?

Please contact Valerie De Souza, Manager, University Relations at vdesouza@ocadu.ca  or 416-977-6000 Ext. 2853.

OCAD University Names New Chair

Photo of Michel Frappier, Chair of the Board of Governors, OCAD U
Thursday, November 6, 2014 - 5:00am

Advertising expert and alumnus Michel Frappier has been elected Chair of the Board of Governors of OCAD University as of November 1 for a one-year term.

Frappier serves as the Chair of the Advertising Review Board of Ontario and has worked in advertising in senior executive roles with many firms including the JWT advertising agency, the Foster Agency, McCann Foster in Toronto. He also worked for Thomson Newspapers as Senior Vice-President, New Products Development and Marketing and was President of MDC Partners Communications Group. He led Desgrippes Gobé and Associates, a multinational branding and package design group. Frappier said the knowledge he acquired during his studies at OCAD University served him well in his career.

“OCAD University benefits from strong representation on our Board thanks to many creative and accomplished leaders who bring strength and inspiration to our efforts,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor.  

Dr. John Semple, Chief of Surgery of Women’s College Hospital, was elected First Vice-Chair and Sharifa Khan, President and CEO of Balmoral Marketing Inc., as Second Vice-Chair. Both will serve one-year terms. Carol Weinbaum was also elected to the Board for a three-year term starting November 1. Weinbaum is Executive Vice President of Operations of WJ Properties, a property management company and a founding member of Partners in Art, a non-profit group promoting visual arts.

President's Forum

Wednesday, July 2, 2014 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm

All are welcome.

Please join OCAD U President, Dr. Sara Diamond, for a discussion in which she will share her plan forward for OCAD University, following her renewal for a third term of presidency by the university's Board of Governors.

Venue & Address: 
Auditorium 100 McCaul St. Toronto, Ontario
Cost: 
Free

Presidential Review Process update from the OCAD University Board of Governors

Monday, April 28, 2014 - 4:15pm

The following memo was issued to the OCAD U community on Monday, April 28 from Ian C. Tudhope, Chair, Board of Governors, OCAD University:

The Presidential Review Committee has met twice since its creation and is now deeply engaged in the review process. The committee has met with President Sara Diamond and is currently reviewing the results of the online feedback from staff, faculty and students. 

The online performance feedback process has now been extended to May 4, 2014 to enable more staff, faculty and students to participate, with the objective of making this process as inclusive and engaging as possible. As well, the Presidential Review Committee has added internal interviews from a cross-representation of the university to broaden the review process.

If you have not already done so, I encourage you to fill out the online performance feedback form delivered via email to comment on Dr. Diamond’s presidency to date and to reflect on the university’s leadership needs for the future. Your participation is vital to this review and the members of the Presidential Review Committee process will hold all replies and information that it collects through this online feedback form in strict confidence.

On behalf of the OCAD University Board of Governors, I thank you for your participation in this important process.

Sincerely,

Ian C. Tudhope,

Chair, OCAD University Board of Governors

Chair, Presidential Review Committee

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