Policies

Student associations require autonomy over their operations in order to remain accountable to their members. This policy expresses student concerns over government intrusion onto the autonomy of student associations, most notably through the implementation of the Student Choice Initiative. It recommends that the provincial government recognize this autonomy and respect the right of universities and student associations to determine whether ancillary fees are set as mandatory or non-mandatory.

OUSA believes that all willing and qualified students should have access to affordable, accountable, and high quality education in Ontario. This extends to all students, including those with disabilities or perceived disabilities. However, students with disabilities continue to face barriers to accessing and persisting in post-secondary education across the province, and many of the barriers these students face are not new. This policy paper identifies these barriers and offers recommendations to the provincial government to support a post-secondary landscape that is accessible for all students. The recommendations are intended to address the systemic, structural, social, physical, financial, and legislative barriers that students with disabilities are forced to navigate in their pursuit of post-secondary education. Each section speaks to an area of concern identified by disability scholars, organizers, support providers, and, most importantly, students themselves.

As technology advances and as the skills graduates needs to succeed in the workplace changes, post-secondary education needs to continue adapt. Students are interested in addressing the gaps in university teaching and learning, exploring more high impact learning opportunities, and highlighting the need for better inclusive learning experiences on campus. OUSA’s hope is that students, staff, and faculty-alike will benefit from these recommendations to improve teaching and assessment in Ontario’s universities.

Since the 1970s, Ontario’s tuition framework has fluctuated significantly. Within a span of almost 40 years, government contributions to university operating budgets have declined, while student tuition and fees now make up over 50 percent of operating budget contributions. Without sustainable government funding, and as tuition continues to increase for all students, the affordability, accessibility, quality, and accountability of a university education is put at risk. As the tuition framework is set for renewal in 2019, students hope that the provincial government can address their concerns and take actions to restore Ontario’s publicly funded post-secondary system.