Hey everyone,
Morgan and Chris here. We’re the two new research interns hired to beef up OUSA’s research capacity over the summer. After a review of the projects tasked to Steering Committe by the OUSA General Assembly, it is evident that there is a lot in store for OUSA in the months ahead. Our two major projects will consist of a review and update of the Early Outreach Paper (available in the policy section of our website), as well as preliminary work on a policy paper on international students.
For the early outreach paper, the process will involve gathering recent research on community based outreach programs that aim to educate youth about the variety of opportunities within the broad range of post secondary institutions and degree types. We are hoping that the new paper not only reflects OUSA’s support for early outreach initiatives, but also looks closely at successful programs being implemented across the province. These programs will be assessed for their effectiveness and ability to address both financial and non-financial barriers to access.
For the paper on international students, we will be looking at issues surrounding how much they pay, what support systems they have access to, as well as how conducive our system is to encouraging international student participation and success. There are a number of concerns with the amount international students pay for their education, the work they are eligible to apply for, as well as their ability to utilize social services such as health care, as well as on-campus student support services. We’re excited to put forward in-depth solutions to issues facing international students in a time when Ontario is seeking to double international enrolment.
You’ll be hearing from us more as the summer progresses. We’re excited to work here, and are even more excited to delve into these important research topics.
-Morgan Campbell & Chris Martin
Email us at morgan@ousa.on.ca | chris@ousa.on.ca
