It might come as a surprise to some of you, and certainly as a surprise to many students, that nearly all of a student’s assets are counted by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) as part of the resources expected to fund their post-secondary studies. This includes all savings held in cash at financial institutions or in other investments. It should be noted that there are some exemptions for vehicles worth less than $5,000 and for up to $2,000 in RRSPs for each year that a student ha …read more
In 1992, twenty years ago this spring, five student governments left the Ontario Federation of Students and created an informal alliance of students dedicated to improving higher education in Ontario. Student leaders from Brock, Queen’s, the University of Toronto, Waterloo and Laurier were our founding members, while Western and McMaster joined when OUSA formally incorporated on this day in 1995. Since then, many student governments have been a part of OUSA, including the Student Federation at …read more
It’s that time of year again, where student representatives and policy nerds from across Ontario unite under one university campus to debate, critique and move forward with innovative solutions to the problems students face with their post-secondary education. From March 9th to 11th, McMaster University will be hosting the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance Spring General Assembly! The weekend will begin with opening remarks from McMaster University Provost and Vice President (Academic) Il …read more
OUSA presents its submission to the Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario – By Laura Pin (February 22, 2012)
ousa | February 22, 2012 10:36am | Blog, Front Page Post Tweet Share
Education is often called the great equalizer, something that levels the playing field for those from different socio-economic backgrounds and can enable individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty. But sometimes our system can reinforce social inequalities, particularly if those from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds are excluded from participating to the same degree as their more affluent counterparts.
The importance of education in creating a more equitable and just society …read more
