eINFO

History
Established in 1876 by the Ontario Society of Artists, the university was originally known as the Ontario School of Art, and was incorporated as the Ontario College of Art in 1912. OCAD University was the first school in Canada dedicated exclusively to the education of professional artists in fine and commercial art. In 1996, it was renamed the Ontario College of Art & Design and in 2010, the name changed to OCAD University, reflecting the institution’s university status. Today, OCAD University is the third largest of the approximately 40 professional art and design universities in North America.

The Ontario College of Art & Design Act, passed by the Government of Ontario in 2002, allowed OCAD University to confer the degrees of Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Design. University status has led to a number of significant institutional changes such as renewed undergraduate curriculum, graduate studies programs, a new professorial structure for faculty, and the introduction of research programs.

The university’s refreshed vision and mission will ensure that OCAD University fosters a community of students, faculty and alumni who make significant contributions as cultural leaders, educators, innovators, creative thinkers and strategists in the field of emerging technology and in the art and design professions. This community will contribute significantly to local and global cultural initiatives and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines.

Special Characteristics
OCAD University is located in the heart of Toronto, Canada’s largest centre for design, culture and business. As one of the world’s most multicultural cities, Toronto is a vibrant nexus that brings a diversity of creative forces together. Our students are encouraged to take full advantage of the university’s downtown location, which links to an extended campus of design studios, art galleries, artist run centres and museums.

Leading Canadian and international artists, designers and scholars, OCAD University’s professors represent Canada’s largest art and design faculty. Diverse, vibrant and provocative, the faculty is comprised of working professionals who love to teach, and academics who pursue research that extends the boundaries of what we know. The studio based environment at the university allows students to receive individual attention and work with educators in smaller class settings. The 4,000+ student population represents a wide variety of geographical, cultural and educational backgrounds, and creates a vibrant, energetic atmosphere.

Inclusive Design Research Centre
OCAD University is excited to announce that as of August 1, 2010, the Inclusive Design Research Centre and the Inclusive Design Institute have joined their campus, relocating from the University of Toronto. The mission of the IDRC and the IDI is the inclusive design of emerging information, and communication systems and practices. All ongoing projects and services will accompany the move and the institutions will continue their long-standing collaboration with researchers from across the University of Toronto.