As of June 8, 2010, the Ontario College of Art & Design is now OCAD University. The Act to change OCAD’s name was introduced April 27, 2010 as part of Bill 43, the Postsecondary Education Statute Law Amendment Act, 2010 and also included language to officially recognize the role of the university’s chancellor, modify the powers of the Board of Governors and create an academic senate.
“What a proud day for OCAD University and the Province of Ontario,” said President Dr. Sara Diamond. “Our new name makes clear for our current and future students, alumni, faculty, Ontario and the world our role as Canada’s leading institution for art and design education and research. It is the completion of an evolution that has seen the institution grow from an elite arts school formed by Canada’s leading painters in 1876 to a formidable university offering a unique studio-based education that fuels the expansion of Ontario’s knowledge economy.”
“OCAD’s outstanding faculty, staff and students have helped the institution become Canada’s leading art and design university, said The Hon. John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. “By granting OCAD official university status, we can help ensure that it will continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of students and the province in today’s rapidly changing global economy.”
“Our new name ensures OCAD’s strategic position within a highly competitive, global postsecondary education and research marketplace,” said Robert Montgomery, Chair of OCAD’s Board of Governors. “We thank all those who contributed towards this great achievement, and express our sincere appreciation for the leadership of the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities.”
For more information, please visit www.ocad.ca.