Ontario Tech University and OCAD University launch new partnership focused on the Digital and Human Connection

The province’s leading universities focused on technology and design have teamed up to forge a new model for the delivery of post-secondary education in Ontario: together OCAD U and Ontario Tech University will develop dynamic new ways of learning, curriculum, programs and research capacities.

“Through this three–year pilot partnership, Ontario Tech University and OCAD U will combine our expertise to develop new, efficient ways of teaching and learning,” says Dr. Steven Murphy, Ontario Tech University President. “This relationship aligns with the Government of Ontario’s economic and skills development strategies, and will provide great benefits to industry, students and faculty.”

Art and design are in-demand disciplines that engineering, computer science, health and other areas of science require to establish creative approaches in their fields.

“Today’s rapidly-evolving workforce needs the combined power of creativity and science. Artists and designers seek knowledge of science, engineering, data fluency and emerging technologies to better support current and future industries,” says Dr. Sara Diamond, OCAD U President. “I know other universities will want to apply the outcomes of this model to their institutions.”

The universities will provide and promote opportunities for students at both institutions to easily enrol in courses and transfer credits beginning in September 2019.

 Six projects will launch this year:

• Consultative talent assessment: Career development centres at both universities will work together so that employers can access the talent pool of both institutions.
• Joint career events for senior students, such as career and employer networking events, and “reverse career fair” in Toronto with both partners.
• A joint series of 'badges' leading to microcredentials in Virtual Reality (VR) development.
• A student-led workshop at VRTO, the Virtual and Augmented Reality World Conference and Expo in Toronto June 1 to 3.
• New online project-based courses that use consumer-level VR to allow remotely located students to do hands-on prototyping in a network of maker spaces.
• A two-week workshop series on 'Technopoetics', where students will produce films in 'essayistic' style using motion capture techniques.

Future initiatives will include upskilling and reskilling initiatives, collaborative programs and research, as well as shared resource models. 

For more information on the partnership and upcoming projects, visit chU or OntarioTechU.ca/OCADU.

Media contacts

Christine Crosbie
Manager, Communications & Media
OCAD University
647.473.7778
ccrosbie@ocadu.ca

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