General Information

The Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD University) is located in Toronto, Ontario, and provides educational opportunities to 1,000 part-time, and 3,300 full-time students. OCAD University offers a wide range of academic programs in their faculties and departments:

  • Faculty of Art
  • Faculty of Design
  • Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences and School of Interdisciplinary Studies

Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services

At OCAD University, the centre providing accessibility services to students is called Student Accessbility Services. Student Accessibility Services is the primary place to find out about all of your disability related needs.

Documentation Requirements

In order to access accommodations at OCAD University, please visit the linked webpage to learn what documentation is required to show proof of a disability.

Transition Programs

OCAD University offers a transition program called the StART Summer Transition Program. The Summer Transition Program is a free, comprehensive orientation program offered each August for incoming OCAD U students with disabilities. This program supports students in building skills and knowledge of university supports while connecting with peers who may have similar experiences, all within a welcoming and supportive environment.

Support Services Available

Health Services

At OCAD University, the Student Wellness Centre offers a team of health care professionals who provide medical services to students.

Counselling Services

OCAD University offers Counselling Services for any student who is seeking support and guidance in navigating emotions, mental health challenges, well-being, and/or stressful life events.

Peer Mentoring

The Peer Mentors at OCAD University are designed for first year students who would like to receive mentorship from upper year students. They focus on student-led initiatives that strengthen community connection, build practical skills, and foster a supportive campus environment.

Academic Support

The Writing & Learning Centre at OCAD University offers a variety of programs to help students with their academic writing.  They also offer one-on-one Tutoring that is tailored specifically to students’ needs.

Library Services

The Dorothy H. Hoover Library at OCAD University offers various resources for students including databases, journals, e-books, and e-videos. The library also provides services for students such as the Learning Zone, an alternative work area where students can collaborate with other students and faculty, and Visual Resources, where students can access a wide variety of digital, video, and audio materials. The Dorothy H. Hoover Library also provides accessible materials, resources, and facilities to students with disabilities.

Academic Advising

The Student Advising Centre at OCAD University provides support and advice for students related to their personal and academic success on matters such as: course selection and program planning, making up failed courses, and changing programs or majors.

Other Support Services

Financial Aid

Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards

OCAD University’s Financial Matters office offers a range of  financial assistance which consists of merit-based scholarships, need-based bursaries, and awards based on academic achievement. Information regarding OCAD University's financial aid is available on their website, as well as complete lists of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and contact information.

Residence and Housing

On-Campus Housing

OCAD University does not offer any on-campus residence services. 

Off-Campus Housing

OCAD’s Housing Office offers services to assist students in finding housing options. A housing fair is held annually to help inform students about off-campus housing, and students are also given the option of accessing listings from the University of Toronto Housing Service for a small fee. More information can be found at: Places4Students or through the University of Toronto Student Housing Service.

Getting Around

Click on the buttons below to learn more.

Campus Accessibility

OCAD University offers Campus Maps for each campus.

Toronto Transit

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is comprised of subways, buses, and streetcars. A discounted Post-Secondary Student Monthly Metro Pass is available for purchase for full-time students at Centennial College. Schedules and maps are provided for each of the TTC transit options.

Accessibility

The TTC offers accessible services on both their buses and subways. Accessible services on buses include kneeling features, ramps, lifts, automated next stop announcements, wheel chair and scooter positions, and priority seating. The subways provide accessible services such as wheel chair positions and priority seating. There are elevators at 67 out of the 70 TTC subway stations, while the remaining are waiting to be upgraded. 

The TTC offers the Support Person Assistance Card which allows users of the transit system who require a support person to have this person travel with them at no additional cost. Persons interested in the support program must fill out the application form.

Wheel-Trans is a service that provides door-to-door accessible transit service for persons with physical disabilities. The TTC has established eligibility guidelines for the use of Wheel-Trans. Persons seeking to use Wheel-Trans must participate in an in-person interview.