OUSA

LINK TO FOOD FOR THOUGHT HOME PAGE

TORONTO, March 29 – For nearly three weeks, from March 8, 2010 to March 26, 2010, students at four Ontario universities undertook an experiment to eat a healthy, balanced diet while spending only $7.50 a day on food – the same amount allocated for food by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

The “Food For Thought” campaign, organized by the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) ended its 19-day experiment over the weekend, with its participants relieved that the experiment was over. “Students living on a $7.50/day budget that is allocated by OSAP cannot afford to eat healthy…that is simply the bottom line,” said Nick Gibson of Wilfrid Laurier University. Sarah Baker of Queen’s University said “ I tried my best but unfortunately there was not a single day where I both stayed on budget and got all my servings in.”

The campaign was aimed at drawing attention to the fact that the OSAP need assessment uses a standard living allowance for every student adding up to $12,540 a year, which is about $3,000 less than the poverty line, effectively institutionalizing student poverty. “OSAP actually claws back the money you make while you’re in school,” said Rachel Crane, Brock University student, making it even more difficult for students to come up with the money to make ends meet. Crane added, “students do an excellent job on budgeting their finances, and have began to take out loans and use credit cards to make up for OSAP’s shortcomings.”

During an appearance on Canada AM, University of Western Ontario student Andrew Beach said, “we’re trying to get the government to give just a little bit more money, so that students get the opportunity to eat healthy.” Many students with dietary restrictions, medical conditions, varsity athletes, or who live on campus have much more difficult circumstances to get affordable and nutritious foods for themselves.

“I’m still standing after 19 days of really, really watching what I spent and what I ate, and I felt really stressed out at times,” said Rachel Crane.

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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Alvin Tedjo, OUSA Director of Communications & Public Relations, work: (416) 341-9948, cell:  (647) 669-6885

READ TORONTO STAR ARTICLE

READ METRO NEWS ARTICLE

READ THE GLOBE & MAIL ARTICLE

READ WATERLOO RECORD ARTICLE

READ WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARTICLE

TORONTO, March 29 /CNW/ – Acting directly on the recommendations of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA), the McGuinty government today announced a package of improvements to Ontario’s system of student financial aid that will increase the accessibility of higher education for those with the greatest need. The reforms touch on all aspects of the financial aid system, from fixing the need assessment formula, to increasing the amount of aid available, to enhancing the loan repayment process.

“These improvements represent a huge step forward for students relying on government aid to access higher education,“ said Dan Moulton, OUSA President. “Though entering a period of fiscal restraint, the government has indicated a continued willingness to provide students with the support they require.”

Last October, the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance presented a submission to the Ontario government requesting a number of specific improvements to the financial aid system. With this announcement, five of OUSA’s key recommendations will become reality, including:

-        Increasing weekly loan limits (from $140 to $150 per week),

-        Doubling the exemption on in-study income (from $50 to $103 per week),

-        Implementing a six-month interest-free grace period before loans must be repaid

-        Tying the maximum assessment for textbook and supplies costs to the rate of inflation

-        Implementing the more generous Repayment Assistance Plan, currently in use by the federal government

“Students appreciate that the government is listening to our concerns and working with us to address them,” added Moulton. “With these reforms, students will have access to more aid, enjoy a simplified application process, and receive increased government support during loan repayment.”

Additionally, the government has announced a two-year continuation of the current tuition framework, which caps average tuition increases at five per cent across each institution.

“The sustained regulation of tuition fees is promising; however, students in Ontario continue to pay the highest fees in the country,” said Alexi White, OUSA Executive Director. “We look forward to a continuing dialogue with the government on ensuring a fair cost-sharing model.”

The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance represents the interests of over 140,000 professional and undergraduate, full- and part-time university students at seven Ontario institutions.

For a copy of OUSA’s submission, Ontario: A Province of Knowledge, CLICK HERE

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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Alvin Tedjo, OUSA Director of Communications & Public Relations, work: (416) 341-9948, cell: (647) 669-6885,
email: communications@ousa.on.ca

TORONTO/CNW/March 8 – Due to record unemployment, Ontario students are deeply concerned about finding the resources necessary to pay for their education, says a report released today. The “Canadian Student Survey: Summer Work and Paying for Post-Secondary Education” examines the strain of high youth unemployment rates, how students fund their education and how cash limitations affect their ability to pursue an education.

“Record levels of student unemployment have taken a heavy toll on Ontario students’ bottom line and they are turning to the government for help,” said Dan Moulton, President of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance. “Over 225,000 students rely on the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), but it’s just not meeting their needs.”

OSAP requires each student to contribute a minimum $2,710 of summer income toward his or her education. This is based on a student working 30 hours a week over a 16-week summer and is imposed on every student, regardless of whether he or she was actually employed.

Survey participants reported saving an average of only $1,500 from their summer jobs, more than a thousand dollars less than OSAP assumes. Moreover, 30% of the students who reported working last summer worked less than 20 hours a week, and these underemployed students were more likely to be from Ontario.

“During a particularly difficult summer, thousands of students were unable to earn OSAP’s arbitrary minimum contribution and did not receive enough government aid to fully cover their costs,” added Moulton. “It’s crucial that the provincial and federal governments revisit the summer contribution to ensure OSAP is there when students need it.”

The “Canadian Student Survey: Summer Work and Paying for Post-Secondary Education” was a bilingual, multi-institutional survey conducted on university campuses across the country in the fall term of the 2009-10 academic year. It was commissioned by a partnership of student alliances across the country, including the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA), Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS) and Alliance of Nova Scotia Student Associations (ANSSA).

The report is the first of three to be released this year, and can be found HERE.

TORONTO/CNW/March 8 – Beginning today, students at four Ontario universities will undertake a three-week experiment: They will attempt to eat a healthy, balanced diet while spending only $7.50 a day on food – the same amount allocated for food by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Entitled “Food For Thought”, the experiment will be co-ordinated by the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA).  Participants will blog and video blog on their experiences at www.ousa.ca/foodforthought.

The OSAP need assessment uses a standard living allowance for every student living away from home. It totals $34.72 per day, of which $7.50 is allocated to food costs and the rest is meant for shelter, public transit, and miscellaneous expenses. Over the course of a year, this living allowance is $3,000 less than the poverty line for a city of over 100,000 people.

“Given that OSAP expects students to live below the poverty line, I expect our participants will have a great deal of difficulty eating a healthy, balanced diet,” said OUSA President Dan Moulton. “I hope the results of this experiment will convince the provincial and federal governments to fix the broken OSAP assessment formula and end the institutionalization of student poverty.”

Taking part in the experiment are students from Wilfrid Laurier University, Queen’s University, the University of Western Ontario, and Brock University.

A number of organizations dedicated to poverty and social justice issues have pledged their support, including the Council of Canadians, Canada Without Poverty, and university food banks across the Province.

“Dr. Joy Mighty and Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes to deliver keynote address at annual Partners in Higher Education Dinner”

March 1, 2010

OUSA is pleased to announce that Dr. Joy Mighty and Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes will deliver this year’s keynote address at OUSA’s annual Partners in Higher Education Dinner on Wednesday, March 31 at the Sutton Place Hotel.

Dr. Joy Mighty is the President of the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Queen’s University. She has a wealth of experience and expertise as a teacher, educational developer, researcher and consultant, with a special interest in equity and diversity issues. With over 30 years practical experience, her academic and professional background spans several countries and levels of education.

Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes is Dean of the College of Management and Economics at the University of Guelph. She is a tireless advocate for change within higher education and has helped facilitate many national, provincial and local events focused on improving the quality of teaching and learning. Her work on academic integrity has garnered national and international attention
For many years, Joy and Julia have devoted themselves to improving teaching and learning on university campuses across Canada. Their commitment to education has directly and indirectly benefited countless undergraduate students. The two have recently collaborated on a book entitled Taking Stock: Research on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, which not only examines what we know about teaching and learning, but also provides recommendations on where we must go from here.

OUSA’s annual Partners in Higher Education Dinner brings together stakeholders from across the post-secondary sector to discuss common issues. Attendees include, students, faculty, administrators, researchers, politicians and bureaucrats. For information on attending or sponsoring the dinner, please email communications@ousa.on.ca

-Alexi White
Executive Director
Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance

LINK to Charity Village Job Posting

POSITION: Director of Research and Policy Analysis

STATUS: Position is 40 hours per week with the requirement to work some evening and weekends.

START DATE: Successful candidate will be provided with a short transition period in April and will assume full responsibility for the organization in May.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5:00PM on Friday March 12, 2010

GENERAL SCOPE OF DUTIES
The Director of Research and Policy Analysis, herein known as the Director, is responsible for overseeing or personally completing the research and policy activities of the organization.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director is responsible for the following deliverables:
• research papers and research studies;
• policy papers and statements;
• submissions to government;
• response papers for government announcements;
• briefing documents on new research and policy in the sector
• building and maintaining relationships with other researchers; and
• the in-house policy and research library.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• graduate or professional level degree or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• familiarity with various word-processing and spreadsheet software;
• excellent research, qualitative and quantitative analysis skills;
• excellent organization skills;
• familiarity with research methods, academic integrity, and proper citation;
• background or relevant experience in post-secondary education realm;
• ability to work independently and within a team environment;
• excellent personal initiative and strong work ethic
• ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure; and
• knowledge of OUSA’s structure and internal operations.

While OUSA is a professional organization, it is intimately connected with university students.  This youthful attitude transfers into a highly charged and passionate workplace that creates a unique opportunity for both satisfying and creative work.  OUSA makes every effort to reward employees with both a relaxing and exciting environment and a job that gives them the chance to build and develop their skills. If you would like a full copy of the job description, please e-mail hr@ousa.on.ca

Please send resume and cover letter via e-mail to:

Dan Moulton, President

e-mail: hr@ousa.on.ca

TORONTO, Feb. 5 /OUSA/This week, representatives of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) were invited to participate in the provincial government’s pre-budget consultations. In speaking before the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, Justin Williams, OUSA Vice-President and Vice-President of the Federation of Students at the University of Waterloo, outlined three key priorities for Ontario students: modernizing financial assistance, supporting student success, and restoring a fair and adequate funding model for our universities. OUSA’s accompanying budget submission, entitled Higher Education: The Engine of Economic Recovery, presents pragmatic solutions in each of these key areas while recognizing the government’s tenuous fiscal situation.

“Funding is the most important issue facing the post-secondary education sector today. The government needs to know what students’ priorities are and how to fund them, and OUSA has done that,” said Dan Moulton, OUSA President.

In addition to the formal pre-budget process and ongoing consultations with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, OUSA has recently taken these recommendations to policy staff in the Office of the Premier and the Office of Finance Minister Dwight Duncan.

“OUSA has received great feedback from our partners in the sector and from the government about our very practical and essential our suggestions are. We hope the government sees this reality and enacts our recommendations in its budget,” said Moulton.

HIGHER EDUCATION: THE ENGINE OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY – OUSA’S SUBMISSION TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS (Click Image to View)
Click to Download

January 26, 2010

OUSA is pleased to announce that the Ontario Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) has endorsed the financial aid recommendations contained in Ontario: A Province of Knowledge, OUSA’s submission to the Honourable John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, on a new long-term plan for post-secondary education.

In a letter dated January 21, 2010, the OASFAA leadership congratulated OUSA on the quality of the submission and, on behalf of the OASFAA Executive, extended their support, writing that “the intention and the work that OUSA is doing in bringing forth these issues is commendable.”

“OUSA’s documented ‘Priority One: Student Financial Assistance’ is a direct reflection of many of OASFAA’s concerns within the current OSAP program policies,” wrote OASFAA Co-Chairs Scherry George and Terry Ableson. “OASFAA, upon review of OUSA’s paper, wish to extend our support to the priority one recommendations.”

While many advances in financial assistance have been made through the government’s Reaching Higher Plan, both OUSA and OASFAA recognize that there is still much to be done to create a realistic view of the student and the financial barriers they face.

OUSA wishes to thank OASFAA for their continued advocacy on behalf of students and their commitment to creating the best possible financial aid system. Our two organizations have worked closely in the past and OUSA looks forward to continuing that partnership and collaboration.

Week 1 of OUSA’s 3rd Annual Blue Chair Campaign ended last week, with Wilfrid Laurier and McMaster both running very successful events and a week-long program. This week, Windsor, Western, and Brock take their campuses by storm with Blue Chair, while Queen’s starts next week. Below are links to coverage and pages regarding Blue Chair at each campus, check them out, and come back as we will continue to update our progress.

Windsor -

Windsor Star – Front Page News Story
http://bit.ly/5BF0KV

University of Windsor – Daily News
http://bit.ly/8UMJUb!

Windsor Radio – AM 800 CKLW
http://bit.ly/6v2dm7

University of Windsor Student Alliance – Web Story
http://bit.ly/5a2EH0

OUSA Website Windsor Blue Chair Page
http://bit.ly/5b5iYI

UWSA Blue Chair Facebook Group Page
http://bit.ly/6pDaP1

UWSA Blue Chair Facebook Event Page
http://bit.ly/8f2Mvd

Laurier -

Laurier’s The Cord Newspaper – News Article
http://bit.ly/8SxZ5v

OUSA Website News Post – OSAP Failing Students
http://bit.ly/8Er5NG

Wilfrid Laurier University Student Union – Blue Chair Web Page
http://bit.ly/6t486M

OUSA Website Laurier Blue Chair Page
http://bit.ly/8AEhWG

WLUSU Blue Chair Facebook Group Page
http://bit.ly/53FBF4

WLUSU Blue Chair Facebook Event Page
http://bit.ly/55yKER

McMaster -

McMaster Students Union – Blue Chair Web Page
http://bit.ly/5fm5h4

MSU Blue Chair YouTube Video
http://bit.ly/7CzCpV

OUSA Website McMaster Blue Chair Page
http://bit.ly/7L9nya

MSU Blue Chair Facebook Event Page
http://bit.ly/4AbRTH

Brock -

OUSA Website Brock Blue Chair Page
http://bit.ly/6UJxZO

Brock Press, Brock’s Campus Newspaper – News Article
http://bit.ly/4ymWTu

Western -

OUSA Website Western Blue Chair Page
http://bit.ly/6vixaF

USC Blue Chair Facebook Event Page
http://bit.ly/7l865f

OUSA -

OUSA’s Blue Chair Website
http://bit.ly/5pKL31

OUSA’s Blue Chair Twitter Feed
http://bit.ly/6eiKeo

>>>>>

Queen’s’ Blue Chair campaign starts next week, so links for that will be posted once their content is up.  Waterloo has a number of events running as well, however their website is being rebuilt – more to come later.  Brock and Western are just beginning their campaigns, so check out their OUSA Blue Chair home pages for updates.

–

Alvin A. Tedjo
Director of Communications & Public Relations
Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance

Greater leadership is demanded from the government to support potential students

***This Article is Reproduced from Wilfrid Laurier’s The Cord Newspaper***

Linda Givetash January 13, 2010 1:14 AM

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The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) is hosting their Blue Chair Campaign at seven campuses across Ontarioin the interest of raising awareness about the barriers keeping prospective students out of post-secondary institutions.

“It’s really OUSA taking action to draw attention to the fact that in the Ontario post-secondary education system there are countless numbers of students who don’t have access to our institution and to a university degree,” explained president of OUSA Dan Moulton.

The campuses involved are providing information to students from Jan. 11 to 22 regarding the financial, cultural, geographical and motivational barriers that prevent youth in Ontario from pursuing a post-secondary education.

At both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, Laurier students will be encouraged to join the discussion the challenges of accessing university.

“We have 1,000 fortune cookies to give out and each fortune cookie is filled with a little fact about education,” said Kory Preston, Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union vice-president of university affairs.

In addition to providing information, an on-campus party will be held by each school on Jan. 14.

Laurier’s event will be hosted at Wilf’s starting at 9 p.m., featuring a performance by Let’s Go To War. Wilf’s bartending staff have also created a special blue chair drink for the occasion.

“We’re going to provide some interactive activities for students who do come out and attend that event to start the discussion about what are the barriers to university and send a message to the government that these barriers should be reduced,” said Preston.

While some of the participating schools, including the University of Western Ontario, are using the campaign as an opportunity to raise funds for community education initiatives, Laurier has decided not to incorporate a fundraising campaign.

“We really wanted to make sure that our events themselves were barrier-free and we felt that in these tough economic times charging a couple of extra dollars to a student might be a deterrent from coming out to our event and starting a discussion,” explained Preston.

In the previous two years of the campaign, Laurier did raise money for Pathways to Education Kitchener which works to reduce poverty and promote education in local neighbourhoods.

Preston expressed a desire to reinstate a fundraising campaign in future years once the economic burden on current students is not as severe.

For now, Preston stated that the priority of the campaign at Laurier, “is having this discussion and send[ing] the message to the government that universities matter.”

Bringing the issue forward to become a priority within the provincial government will hopefully lead to greater funding in the future.

“We need to see more leadership on that part of our government and students are calling for that across the province,” said Moulton.