After two years of pandemic-style learning marked by tremendous uncertainty, launching into post-secondary studies is both an exciting and daunting possibility for high school students and their families.
Above and beyond the usual stressors of selecting an institution and field of study, many high school students are faced with learning gaps and lingering mental health challenges amplified by the isolation and remote-learning necessitated by COVID-19-control measures.
The Ontario government’s Plan to Catch Up outlines new tutoring supports for the 2022-23 school year to help close learning gaps along with additional supports for students’ mental health. For graduating students, these services represent a bridge to those found at many Ontario postsecondary institutions.
To help students explore their options and ask questions, the Ontario Universities’ Fair is hosting inperson sessions across the province throughout October, followed by virtual sessions in November and December. The College Information Program is also making its way
through Ontario this fall, with its last in-person stop in Kitchener on Nov. 3.
For those looking to virtually check out individual institutions, a benefit of COVID has been an enhancement of virtual tours and maps to give students a sneak peak of what they can expect when they get to campus. Queen’s University, for example, has recently launched an interactive 3D map highlighting important information such as accessibility features, wayfinding, and support services.
Other institutions, including colleges like Mohawk and Seneca, offer onestop web-based toolkits and guides filled with advice on technology requirements, building community, and even ‘learning how to learn.’
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Editorial: Catherine Gaudreau, Meredith MacLeod & Sheetal Pinto
Student Perspective was produced independently of Ontario Colleges. Contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of Perspective Marketing Inc. The publisher is not liable for the views expressed in the articles and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or Ontario Colleges.
Students seeking to dive deeper into the post-secondary institution of their choice should join orientation and preorientation programs. These programs will provide a preview of the campus experience.
This programming helps students navigate campus, understand topics like budgeting and managing time, and equip themselves with a list of relevant academic and personal supports. Certain schools even offer academic credit for completing pre-orientation programs.
For learners heading to college or pursuing an apprenticeship, dual credit programs allow high school students to earn post-secondary credits before they even graduate.
In addition to better preparing these students for their new school environment, dual credit students benefit from additional supervision in the form of support from their college instructor and dual credit teacher.
Arriving on campus for the first time can be stressful, especially for students who spent the pandemic almost entirely at home and are now relocating away from family, friends, and familiar sights. The first few weeks, up to around Thanksgiving, can be an especially critical ‘make or break’ time for a student’s success.
This is why some institutions and programs assign first-year students an upper-year mentor to help ease their transition and provide new learners with a friend who can help
them establish their new routines. These mentors also tend to highlight relevant clubs and societies which can provide additional support and community connection.
In these early weeks, post-secondary institutions will typically place a special emphasis on wellness through initiatives that support physical health and exercise, community-building activities, and building life skills such as cooking. Some colleges and universities
have rolled out apps, such as MySSP, to offer live counselling.
Schools are also increasingly making community connections to ensure access to ongoing supports that are relevant to a student’s culture, faith, or orientation to encourage the formation of healthy real-world relationships – a key aspect of overall wellbeing as students make their home and find their way within their new campus community.
It’s no secret that businesses have always relied on data. Still, with advances in analytics technologies, the demand for highly skilled workers capable of applying business and analytical expertise has grown. It’s not enough to be “good with numbers.” Industries from banking, health, manufacturing, government and many others are looking for employees who can interpret data to solve and, more importantly, predict problems.
For Elizabeth Speers, Director of the Centre for Business at George Brown College, this is a career path for those who understand the language of data and can speak the language of business. “We know that data can tell a compelling
story. Businesses need individuals who can translate that story to leverage insights to make data-science based decisions. This is the way of the future.” And George Brown’s Honours Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Analytics program is making sure the next generation of data analysts is ready.
This program is SAS-certified, and in-class learning focuses on assessing, deciphering and evaluating complex data. Taking a technology-agnostic approach, students use open-source software with a fundamental focus on using the best tools to make the best decisions. While classroom learning is key to success in this program,
what ultimately develops students’ skills is exposure to real-world work experiences.
Students complete a co-op work term during this degree, applying the skills they’ve learned in practical, hands-on situations. Work terms must be no less than 14 weeks of full-time equivalent work (420 hours), either in one block or multiple cumulative blocks. These experiences provide opportunities to understand the needs of businesses and employers. They also help students to network in their field before graduation.
George Brown is home to the Analytics Hub, where students, faculty and
industry come together to apply analysis and decision-making to complex management issues. The collaboration that happens lets students work with data from both private and public sources. Through the Analytics Hub, the college has partnered with global enterprises like Microsoft and Johnson and Johnson, as well as Canadian companies like Rogers Communications, TD Bank, and TELUS.
Data isn’t restricted to one industry, and more and more, it is becoming central to how a company functions. So, whether it’s helping a warehouse get deliveries out on schedule or supporting a city’s emergency response time, the sky really is the limit for graduates of this degree.
Scholarships, bursaries and awards can significantly change your university experience. As a student applying to universities, be sure to research the scholarships out there. Following a few key tips could change your life!
1. Check if an application is required. For example at the University of GuelphHumber, every high school applicant is automatically considered for our Renewable Entrance Scholarship, but our Founders’ Academic Merit Scholarship requires an application.
2. Check deadlines. Our Founders’ Academic Merit Scholarship has a deadline of January 25. Make sure you apply to all the scholarships at the schools you are interested in by their deadlines as you may not have selected your top school yet.
Scholarships are typically merit based while bursaries look at demonstrated financial need. Our Renewable Entrance Scholarship offers rewards starting at a 75% admission average. Our Founders’ Academic Merit Scholarship recognizes leadership and high academic achievement.
4. Check for renewability. Many university scholarships are only offered for first year, while others can continue/ renew. Our Renewable Entrance Scholarship has renewal amounts ($1,000 to $4,000) each year. Another benefit of our Renewable Entrance Scholarship is you are eligible to renew for three years after admission.
“I am eternally grateful to have stumbled upon the Founders’ scholarship the
evening it was due! In the application, I shared the volunteer work I enjoyed doing throughout high school—from clubs and councils, to sports teams, tournaments and work with nonprofits— why it was important and how these experiences shaped the person I am today,” explains Lauren Abela.
“Being chosen as a Founders’ recipient can only be described as life changing. It meant I wouldn’t have to work so much and could instead focus my time on studying, learning and experiencing. It also proved that my volunteer work did not go unnoticed and is appreciated.”
Lauren is a fourth-year Psychology student at the University of GuelphHumber. Lauren received the Founders’ Academic Merit Scholarship and additional scholarships and awards
adding up to a potential total of more than $36,000!
Our scholarship program aims to reward academic success AND ease the financial stress of tuition. Fund your university education with a combination of scholarships, bursaries and other incourse awards. At UofGH, you will earn an honours degree and a college diploma, more than the typical four-year honours degree program. Choose from seven focused programs—Business, Community Social Services, Early Childhood Studies, Justice Studies, Kinesiology, Media & Communication Studies and Psychology.
Make your success happen with the University of Guelph-Humber, guelphhumber.ca/futurestudents.
When you listen to your ambition, you can accomplish amazing things. Like designing sustainably. Natalya’s aspirations brought her to Seneca and now she’s a sustainable fashion designer, repurposing materials and setting trends.
What’s your ambition saying to you?
Sustainable Fashion Designer
Ambition drives all of us forward, powering us to reach higher and do more. Whatever your aspirations, Seneca can help make them a reality.
When you listen to your ambition, you can accomplish amazing things.
You can transform a business. Advocate for equity and inclusion. Feed a city. Power the future. Save a life.
We know this because our graduates continue to show us what is possible with passion and hard work.
They’ve made a positive impact in their fields – and they’ve learned what it takes to be successful. And to make a difference.
They tell us that Seneca was an important part of their journey. It’s where they channelled their ambition and took the first steps on a successful career path.
“If it wasn’t for Seneca, I wouldn’t have a career,” said Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank. “It was the Seneca field placement that got me my first job, and from there it propelled me into being able to serve this community.”
Seneca provides a great polytechnic education that combines rigorous academics with practical training. We offer hundreds of programs and credentials, ranging from degrees and graduate certificates to diplomas and microcredentials, delivering exactly what you need to realize your aspirations.
Eunice K. Yeboah had plenty of ambition when she arrived at Seneca.
She wanted to prove that she was up for the challenge of a postsecondary education and that she could be more than a “shy student” at the back of the class.
“For me, it was a very conscious decision to come to Seneca,” said Ms. Yeboah. “My professors were great at guiding me, and I had an enriching experience. It was really a foundation for me.”
A graduate of Seneca’s Arts and Science diploma program, Ms. Yeboah is now realizing her ambition and advocating for workplace equity as a policy consultant for anti-racism with the Toronto Transit Commission.
Whatever your ambition, Seneca has a pathway that will help you achieve your goals. We take distance out of the equation thanks to our many program delivery options. Courses are delivered online, in person and through hybrid and flexible learning approaches. You can learn full time or part time, whichever works best for you.
It was this flexible approach to learning that brought Ervin Sevilla to Seneca.
The Practical Nursing graduate earned his diploma part time in the evenings while working as a personal support worker during the day. Now he’s a registered practical nurse, working with cardiac patients at Toronto General Hospital.
“That’s why I chose Seneca, because of the flexible hours, which I’m grateful
for,” said Mr. Sevilla. “My message for future nursing students at Seneca: If you focus on what you want in life, then you can achieve it by working hard. Dream big, start now, and you can achieve your goals.”
At Seneca, you’ll join a community of thousands of students and employees who share your dedication to building a better future for everyone. You’ll meet people from around the world, of different ages and backgrounds – all with something to contribute as they achieve their ambitions. You will fit right in.
From health care to technology, business to creative arts, community services to arts and sciences, you’ll find a program that matches your interests, your passion and your expertise.
Seneca’s dedicated professors have strong connections with industry, and we offer thousands of co-op and work placements that get you handson experience and connect you with future employers.
Just like you, Seneca is driven by ambition. We’re striving to build an institution that is equitable, sustainable and more virtual in how we deliver programs and services. The new Service Hub is transforming how you get the support you need to be successful.
Innovation has been at the heart of what we do since we opened our doors in 1967. And our focus remains on providing you with a great polytechnic education to help drive your ambition and prepare you for a successful career – now and when you are starting out or starting something new.
Our team is available when you are, with one-on-one advising and in person and virtual events.
Get started at senecacollege.ca.
St. Clair College in Windsor brings all the benefits of a college education – hands-on learning, smaller class sizes, work-integrated learning, affordability – to its growing suite of unique offerings in business and information technology.
Perhaps the most distinctive is the Esports Administration and Entrepreneurship program at the Zekelman School of Business. The twoyear diploma program is now housed in the new $2.5-million state-of-the-art Nexus Esports facility. It is one of the largest of its kind in the country.
“No one else has a facility like ours. It’s industry-leading and we’re told it is in the top three for North America,” says Jim Marsh, Senior Director of the Zekelman School of Business and the Zekelman School of Information Technology.
“This is a growing field and it’s already a multibillion-dollar business.”
Nexus is part of a recently completed $23-million expansion of the Zekelman Centre of Business and Information Technology building to add 40,000 square feet.
Nexus boasts an esports broadcast lab, an open gaming lab of 48 PCs, training facilities for the St. Clair Saints gaming team, a competition stage, an esports
classroom, five breakout rooms for streaming and a console-gaming lounge.
St. Clair College was the first postsecondary institution in Canada to introduce esports as a varsity team and an academic program in 2016. St. Clair’s 31-member esports team competes in global competitions.
On the academic side, esports students learn practical business and entrepreneurial skills while developing a comprehensive knowledge of game competitions. Students get a grounding in business, finance, marketing and accounting through the lens of esports.
Students are extensively trained in content creation and broadcasting through livestreaming channels such as Twitch and YouTube and get workintegrated learning opportunities with the varsity program and esports industry partners.
Courses include sports management, media production, event management, entrepreneurship, team and league administration, and techno-marketing.
Graduates of the program pursue careers in team and league administration, marketing and promotion, event management, esports live streaming, or as pro players or coaches.
Another program of differentiation is the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Information Communications Technology) at
the Zekelman School of Information Technology, a four-year degree program that blends together business and IT.
“Often IT people don’t speak the language of finance or accounting and those in finance and accounting don’t understand the IT world. This is to train managers to bridge both fields,” says Marsh.
The hybrid program combines traditional business and management disciplines with network configuration, data management and cybersecurity. “It’s a practical, hands-on degree with a 14-week paid internship. College students earn degrees in a cost-effective way.”
Graduates emerge ready to become a business or systems analyst or a project manager in a tech-based company or to lead a startup. They capitalize on booming growth in data analytics, mobile applications and wireless technology, cybersecurity and privacy, cloud computing and autonomous vehicles.
The Zekelman School of Business offers diplomas in Accounting, Marketing,
Human Resources, a suite of Office Administration programs, a Sports and Recreation Management diploma and a post-graduate certificate in International Business Management –Logistics Systems.
The Zekelman School of Information Technology provides diplomas in Networking, Mobile Applications Development and Web Development and Internet Applications and a postgraduate certificate in Data Analytics for Business.
All St. Clair College programs reward you with practical skills and knowledge that equip you to enter into a profession upon graduation. If you do want to pursue further education we have many pathways that build upon that solid foundation of St. Clair College knowledge such as a Honours Degree in Business Administration from Wayne State University in three semesters after our four semester Business Diploma or go right into a Masters in Business Admiration at Lawrence Technological University from one of our Advanced Diplomas in Business. It is easy to move on when you have a St. Clair College foundation.
Completing co-op primarily online during a pandemic wasn’t what Anya Muraco envisioned when she applied to business school at Brock University, yet it’s exactly the experience that’s reinforcing her skills to confidently navigate the next steps of her career.
The Bachelor of Business Administration student at the Goodman School of Business started her fourmonth placement as a Project Control Officer with consulting firm CGI
her to extend her placement for a second term.
This extension created opportunities for Muraco to dive deeper into ongoing projects while growing her leadership, problem-solving and communications skills. She even managed a team of 60 people responsible for instituting a client’s COVID-19 vaccine verification program in just four weeks, overseeing all aspects from training to offboarding.
During the eight months working fulltime while earning credits toward her degree, Muraco says she interacted with CGI colleagues around the world, including those based in the UK, Australia, and India – a particularly interesting facet of the placement given her concentration in international
communications and promotions assistant for the co-op office, encouraging other Brock students to grow their careers through applied learning.
“The co-op experience is all encompassing between personal and professional growth, skill development, and forming relationships with people you might not otherwise meet,” explains Muraco. “I’m a huge advocate for the co-op program. I was able to take what I was learning from my lectures and apply it to a real work environment.”
Upon completing her studies next spring, Muraco will start her third term of co-op and is considering a fourth term to continue growing her skills and connections.
uncertainty, is central to the mission of work-integrated learning at Brock, says Julia Zhu, Associate Director of Co-op Education.
“No one can predict what will happen in four years,” explains Zhu. “What we can control is equipping students with skills and understanding to keep developing themselves and stay current with the market no matter what changes. It’s not just about the job.”
Zhu describes the co-op programs and resources as boutique-style, with her team tailoring services to meet the diverse needs of 2,500 students annually.
“We are preparing student talent that is future ready,” says Zhu. “By graduation,
Two years of disruptions caused by the pandemic have taken their toll on high school students who are now navigating the next step in their learning journey: higher education.
Business schools, known for teaching the application of theoretical skills to solve real-world problems, are capitalizing on the strategic opportunity before them by providing an enhanced level of support to prepare current and incoming cohorts for long-term success.
There’s an extra emphasis this year on connectivity, developing engagement, and highlighting extracurricular and experiential learning opportunities for students, says Barry Wright, Interim Dean at the Goodman School of Business.
“It’s been a difficult couple of years and there’s no question that students’ mental health has suffered,” explains Wright. “But there is excitement to embrace a new way of doing things, and the energy is there. We are helping students develop in areas that perhaps they haven’t had the opportunity to grow in the last couple of years.”
Brock’s business school offers students a robust range of volunteer, co-op, and work-integrated learning opportunities to build and refine their problem-
solving skills. Wright says each student has five or six classes where they work as part of a team to solve real-world challenges for community organizations. These extracurricular engagements are tracked on cocurricular transcripts, providing students with a tangible record they can speak to when entering the job market.
Beyond growing business skills, rounding out soft skills and developing effective learning strategies have been identified as crucial factors to student success.
“We’ve worked with our first-year instructors to let them know where the students are coming in at,” says Jennifer Li, Goodman’s Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs.
Li explains their team is proactively identifying where students may face difficulties and are providing the help required to mitigate challenges.
“Some students, for example, lack skills for writing exams because it’s something they haven’t really done in a couple of years,” says Li. “To help, our instructors are walking students through exams with reminders to pace themselves.”
Wright says creating a sense of safety and community is at the core of Goodman’s strategy.
“Our message to students is do not suffer in silence. We are very open about that. We have a great advising team and extensive supports for mental health.”
Recognizing that it’s often easier for a student to ask another student for help, there are also Goodman Ambassadors – upper year and graduate students – available to offer peer-to-peer coaching and guidance for incoming students.
“Because of our small size, there is a really strong community and camaraderie at Brock. We are Team Goodman,” says Wright. “We teach students to be good teammates and look out for each other.”
Guelph-Humber’s Program Head of Business Justin Medak says students this year are a little more hesitant than their predecessors to speak up in class, ask questions, or engage with in-person events.
“It’s been a tough year, likely due to being at home for two years,” Medak explains. “Lecturing has been one way.”
That’s why there is an intentional focus on supporting students to reconnect with campus life in-person. Professors are emphasizing the importance of extracurricular activities including case competitions, career development, and extensive academic supports such as
writing and math centres to help bring out the best in their students.
Guelph-Humber’s dual approach to theoretical and hands-on learning offers the advantage of smaller class sizes – averaging 49 students – where students can more easily engage in dialogue with their classmates and instructors.
There’s also strong support from alumni guest lecturers and a peer mentorship program, offering connections and inspiration for students to build out their skills and resumes.
For the 2023 cohort thinking about their applications, Medak says demonstrating an understanding of the importance of community goes a long way.
“We recognize it has been more challenging to be involved. Application factors beyond grades are considered – anything that shows your ability to multitask and to be part of your community shows resilience to juggle multiple priorities and a set of skills that can be refined in post-secondary and applied in the work world.”
Odette is committed to a hands-on and learnby-doing approach to education that is woven into all programs, extracurricular activities, and state-of-the-art facilities.
“We are proud of our school and have a great story to tell,” says Dean Dr. Mitchell Fields.
“We have a world-class faculty of 61 full-time professors and an incredible variety of programs. Odette pathways offer something for everyone and a customizable education through double majors and specializations.”
The school offers valuable co-op opportunities, vibrant student clubs, global exchanges and is one of the very few business schools with a thesis option for undergraduate students, says Fields.
Key advantages of Odette are a 17 to one student to faculty ratio and an average class size of 35.
“Professors know your name at Odette,” says Jordan Neposlan, who graduated from Odette with a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) degree in 2018 and then completed the 16-month
MBA program. She now works as a Student Success Coordinator in the Odette Student Success Centre (SSC).
“Odette feels like home. Students appreciate the community feel of the school. You truly get to know your classmates through team project work and extracurricular activities. There are also numerous opportunities for students to get involved in Odette club teams and build real connections with faculty.”
There are a range of student success initiatives at Odette, which boasted a 93 per cent graduate employment rate in 2021.
The school’s Helping Odette Undergraduate Students Excel (HOUSE) program matches incoming students with upper-year mentors who act as guides, advisors, and coaches throughout a new student’s first year.
In addition to its flagship Bachelor of Commerce degree with and without co-op education, Odette offers six unique combined major programs that blend Business Administration with Psychology, Economics, Computer Science, Math, Women and Gender Studies and Political Science.
“These combined degrees make students job ready because they layer the practicality of a business education
on to another academic discipline, including several STEM subjects. They open doors,” says Fields.
After completing two years in Business Administration, Odette students can choose a specialization in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, International Business, Marketing, Supply Chain & Business Analytics, or Strategy & Entrepreneurship.
OSB has just opened a new Data Analytics facility with 50 state-ofthe-art workstations and its Odette Financial Markets (OX) Lab utilizes real-world market simulations and live data feeds through 12 Bloomberg terminals for research and simulated trading. It is among the largest such lab in Canada.
OSB also has an investment fund worth more than $220,000 that is entirely managed by students.
Students in the co-op stream alternate between academic terms and full-time paid employment beginning in second year. At graduation, they have had 12 months of work experience.
There are other differentiators. The OSB has earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Less than five per cent of the world’s 13,000 business schools have earned this prestigious international designation.
“That is a real testament to what we are doing here,” says Fields.
As well, Odette is accredited by the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Ontario.
Students can obtain a CPA-accredited MBA-Professional Accounting Specialization after completing the Accounting Specialization within their undergraduate BComm degree. This will enable them to complete all the professional education program requirements, and to be eligible to write the national Common Final Examination (CFE).
OSB is the only business school in Ontario with a combined undergraduate degree/MBA pathway to the CPA designation.
The last three years introduced changes to the classroom in ways we never imagined, but also created new opportunities to transform the way we learn. With labour shortages growing across many industries, Durham College’s (DC) market-driven programs are helping students lead the way as career-ready graduates with the skills required to face these demands head-on.
At DC, we understand the best way for students to learn and succeed is to experience the workforce first-hand.
Whether it’s learning from expert faculty members in state-of-the-art facilities or participating in interactive experiential learning – such as co-op, field placements or applied research – students at DC gain theoretical knowledge and real-world experience to help them pursue their ambitions and cultivate skills that appeal to employers.
The new Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades is just one of the leadingedge facilities available to DC students. This 60,000-square-foot facility is dedicated to industrial skilled trades training, innovation and education, which will allow DC to increase its capacity by 750 students and respond directly to the labour shortages taking place at the regional, provincial and national levels.
The construction industry is another thriving sector in need of new talent, with an estimated 118,000 new jobs to be created over the next 15 years. As a result, employers are looking for well-prepared graduates from relevant college programs – such as DC’s Honours Bachelor of Construction Management (HBCM) – to fill leadership positions in the construction industry and make meaningful contributions to Ontario’s economic future.
In addition to changing the way we learn, the pandemic also identified significant gaps in our health care system. In response, DC is pleased to offer multiple programs in a variety of formats – like the Practical Nursing weekend delivery option – to prepare tomorrow’s health care professionals and make transformative education more accessible.
DC is proud to have over 104,000 alumni representing the college, both locally and globally, with thousands more working towards their DC credentials.
Attuned to the market trends and connected to industry leaders, DC is dedicated to preparing the next generation of industry experts, so come graduation day, they can hit the ground running.
Connecting students with industry professionals early in their studies allows them to develop key relationships and learn about community initiatives they could get involved in, like the Access to Justice Hub. Through a partnership with the Durham Community Legal Aid Clinic, students in the Paralegal and Conflict Resolution and Mediation programs have the opportunity to work alongside legal professionals to support low-income populations – just one of the ways DC is raising the bar for our graduates.
So, as you consider your future, know your journey at DC will include access to campus events and services that inspire creativity, sustainability, diversity, inclusion and entrepreneurship to make your student experience unforgettable.
To learn more about Durham College and its market-driven programming, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/explore
New parents are often told “The days are long, but the years are short,” a poignant reminder that time is fleeting and planning for your child’s future should be on your to-do list today.
A practical part of planning is starting a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to save and take advantage of investment growth and government grants to help fund your child’s postsecondary education.
A report published by Knowledge First Financial estimates someone born in 2018 will pay between $70,000 and $128,000 for a four-year degree. This represents a significant expense for many families, particularly those with more than one child.
Given the ever-rising cost of living, getting started early and with as much financial support as possible best positions your child for accessing a post-secondary education without the hindrance of significant student debt.
A child can have more than one RESP, although collective lifetime contributions cannot exceed $50,000. You’ll need the child’s Social Insurance Number (SIN) to get started, as plans are tracked by the beneficiary’s (the person who will eventually receive the money for educational spending) SIN.
Anyone – parents, grandparents, other family members, and friends – can open a RESP for a beneficiary.
There are many types of RESPs available through financial planners, banks, credit unions, and other providers including group plan dealers, with varying fees, withdrawal options, and contribution schedules.
Family plans can be set up for multiple children under the age of 21, although some advisors recommend setting up individual plans for each child. This makes it easier to track contributions per child and mitigates the possibility of one beneficiary receiving a larger share of the saving than their sibling(s).
If a child chooses not to pursue higher education, money from an individual RESP can be transferred to a sibling.
The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) adds up to $500
annually by matching 20 percent of contributions up to $2,500 each year. There’s no annual contribution limit to a RESP, but the CESG is only available for the first $2,500 in contributions per year, with one exception: if there is carry forward room (i.e., less than $2,500 was added annually to a RESP in previous years), the CESG will match 20 percent up to the first $5,000 in contributions. If overcontributions are made, you will be taxed one percent per month for the excess amount.
While you won’t get a tax deduction for money you put into a RESP, you won’t pay taxes on the growth of the savings until it’s time to withdraw.
To receive payments from a RESP, a student will need to show proof
of enrollment in a qualifying postsecondary program.
When money is withdrawn, tax is applied to the investment income and government grants received. The student is the one who pays the tax but, because a student’s income tends to fall in the lowest tax bracket, usually little or no tax is paid.
If the beneficiary decides not to continue their education after high school, there are several options. These include reallocating the funds to a new beneficiary or, if certain conditions are met, transferring the money to a registered retirement saving plan and/or withdrawing the funds after repaying the CESG.
For more information on RESPs, visit the Government of Canada’s website.
With two diplomas from St. Lawrence College (SLC) one in Business Administration – Human Resources and a second in Civil Engineering Technology, Rosanna Baggs was well equipped with administrative and management skills and hands-on civil engineering experience to succeed in her field, and she credits her college education for her strong problemsolving skills and ability to navigate complex projects and budgets.
Rosanna is a self-described “Jill-of-allTrades,” and is a leader and trailblazer in the field of transportation and infrastructure design. In a traditionally
male-dominated field, Rosanna has more than 13 years of experience in the field of civil engineering technology and continually paves the way for future generations.
“At SLC, I found a flexible environment with supportive and encouraging professors. This support allowed me to continue working while in school and build my experience and network while pursuing my Civil Engineering Technology diploma,” she said.
Rosanna brings significant expertise and knowledge to all her professional roles. She leads on a broader level in her many positions and as the
We offer more than 100 full-time programs on our campuses in Kingston, Brockville, Cornwall and online, including fast-track delivery, graduate certificates, and four-year degrees.
Join us for Open House in November. Learn more at stlawrencecollege.ca/OpenHouse
youngest female president of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). Adept in her technical knowledge and ability to understand the “psychology of how people use the infrastructure,”
Rosanna is a skilled problem-solver and an inspiration and mentor to those entering the field, especially young women.
As a senior project manager for Morrison Hershfield, Rosanna currently oversees planning, design, and construction services for provincial and municipal infrastructure, highways, roadways, rail, and transit projects, including the City of Ottawa’s Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project.
Rosanna is a creative, critical thinker who “likes to think outside the box, but not recreate the wheel.” This approach serves her well as she navigates complex transportation challenges and
finds innovative solutions that benefit everyone.
Rosanna has been nominated for a College’s Ontario Premier’s Award which recognizes outstanding contributions to society from graduates of Ontario colleges. Winners will be announced, and awards will be presented at a gala held in Toronto on November 28, 2022.
The Premier’s Awards, hosted by Colleges Ontario, celebrate the achievements of Ontario college graduates in the province and throughout the world and recognize graduates in the following seven categories: Apprenticeship, Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate, and Technology.
To learn more about how SLC can open doors for you with more than 100 full-time programs, visit stlawrencecollege.ca.
Transitioning from high school to post-secondary education can be a difficult and often confusing period in a teen’s life. To ease some of this stress, parents can help their child make the transition smoothly by preparing a plan early. Below are a few approaches you can discuss to help your child plan ahead.
Figuring out where to begin when it comes to college applications can be overwhelming for teens. To get the ball rolling, parents can begin thoughtful conversations about the teen’s hopes and goals for the future. Talking things through can offer greater clarity about their interests, which program(s) may be suitable, and where to apply.
Thinking about finances can be stressful for a teen with little to no experience with money. Tuition costs vary across institutions and the big price tag can be scary. Luckily, there are resources available to make it less intimidating:
• Government financial aid programs such as OSAP for grants and loans.
• Government organizations such as NSLSC for money management tips, loan services and loan information.
• Scholarships and bursaries offered by schools and businesses.
Many colleges and universities are deeply committed to showing students
that they are not alone. Some services that offer academic and/or emotional support include:
• Academic advisors
• Tutors
• Counselling services
• Support groups
■ Online Resources
The internet is always a good place to begin your search for answers because the resources are endless. Some include:
• Scholarship search engines
• College and university websites
• OUAC has compiled a list of resourceful links for student guidance
• For international students: the Government of Canada website is your go-to for information on studying in Canada and how to obtain a study visa.
Colleges and universities are more likely to take notice of students that excel academically and participate actively in extracurriculars. Below are some ways your teen can strengthen their application.
• Apply to more than your top choices of schools to increase your chances of acceptance.
• Study hard! Tutors are useful for all students, no matter your grades.
• Make an effort to connect to your teachers and community. Students with a letter of recommendation and volunteer experience are more likely to be admitted.
• Many high schools offer different course types/levels: Academic, applied, or locally developed. It is important to enrol in the correct level of courses to meet eligibility requirements for university and college degrees.
Reinforce the idea that post-secondary education is more than just getting good grades. Many teens will be gearing up to face this intimidating new phase of life on their own. As parents, you can help prepare your teen by teaching them everyday practical skills. These may include how to manage finances, teaching them how to cook
and do household duties, as well as encouraging mental health awareness and physical fitness.
Whether it’s an assignment due date, a loan repayment or an application deadline, a young adult’s life is all about juggling time-sensitive responsibilities.
How to stay on track:
• Submit early so that you don’t fall behind.
• In Ontario, the fall term deadline is February 1st, 2023.
• The document upload deadline may differ from the application deadline. Be sure to visit the university or college’s website to confirm.
Well, there you have it! There is a lot of work that goes into preparing your teen for college or university but taking the time to plan ahead will make the process more manageable and less overwhelming. Your teen will thank you in the end!
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology 1385 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-4723 or 1-800-565-4723
Admissions: 613-727-0002 Fax: 613-727-7754 www.algonquincollege.com
Open House – Saturday November 5, 2022 –https://www.algonquincollege.com/openhouse/ open-house-registration-2022/
Collège Boréal 21, boul Lasalle Sudbury ON P3A 6B1 Telephone: 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673
Admissions: 1-800-361-6673, ext 1090 Fax: 705-560-7641 www.collegeboreal.ca
Book an In Person Tour – https://www. collegeboreal.ca/en/our-campuses/guided-tours
Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology 2000 Simcoe St N Oshawa ON L1H 7K4 Telephone: 905-721-2000 Admissions: 905-721-3000 Fax: 905-721-3113 www.durhamcollege.ca
Open House – November 12, 2022 – https:// durhamcollege.ca/open-house?utm_ source=dcwebsite&utm_medium=popup&utm_ campaign=openhouse&utm_content=registernow
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 205 Humber College Blvd Toronto ON M9W 5L7
Telephone: 416-675-3111
Admissions: 416-675-5000 Fax: 416-675-2427 www.humber.ca
Open House – Saturday November 12, 2022 – https://www.humber.ca/future-students/toursevents/open-house.html
Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology 100 Niagara College Blvd. Welland ON L3C 7L3 Telephone: 905-735-2211 Admissions: 905-735-2211, ext 7619 Fax: 905-736-6000 www.niagaracollege.ca
Open House – Saturday November 12, 2022 –https://openhouse.niagaracollege.ca/
Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology 1400 Barrydowne Rd, Sudbury ON P3A 3V8
Telephone: 705-566-8101 or 1-800-461-7145
Admissions: 705-524-7300 Fax: 705-524-7334 www.cambriancollege.ca
Open House – Saturday November 5, 2022 –https://cambriancollege.ca/virtual-open-house/
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 299 Doon Valley Dr Kitchener ON N2G 4M4 Telephone: 519-748-5220
Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd London ON N5Y 5R6 Telephone: 519-452-4430
Admissions: 519-452-4277 Fax: 519-452-4420 www.fanshawec.ca Book a Virtual or In Person Tour – https://www. fanshawec.ca/why-fanshawe/tour-fanshawe#
La Cité collégiale 801, promenade de l’Aviation Ottawa ON K1K 4R3 Telephone: 613-742-2483 or 1-800-267-2483 Fax: 613-742-2481 www.lacitec.on.ca
Open House – Friday October 28, 2022 – https:// www.collegelacite.ca/
Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology 4715 Hwy 101 E PO Box 3211 Timmins ON P4N 8R6 Telephone: 705-235-3211
Admissions: 705-235-7222 or 1-866-736-5877 Fax: 705-235-7279 www.northernc.on.ca
Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology 100 College Dr, PO Box 5001 North Bay ON P1B 8K9
Telephone: 705-474-7600 or 1 855 495-7915
Admissions: 705-474-7600, ext 5123 Fax: 705-494-2384 www.canadorecollege.ca See a Virtual Tour – https://www.canadorecollege. ca/experience/virtual-tour
Admissions: 519-748-5220, ext 3656 Fax: 519-895-1097 www.conestogac.on.ca Book a Virtual Tour – https://virtual-tour. conestogac.on.ca/conestoga/home/campuses/
Fleming College of Applied Arts and Technology 599 Brealey Dr Peterborough ON K9J 7B1
Telephone: 705-749-5530 or 1-866-353-6464 Admissions: 705-749-5514 Fax: 705-749-5507 www.flemingcollege.ca
Open House – Saturday October 29, 2022 – https:// flemingcollege.ca/myopenhouse
Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology 1457 London Rd
Sarnia ON N7S 6K4
Telephone: 519-542-7751
Admissions: 519-542-7751 ext 2403 Fax: 519-541-2426 www.lambtoncollege.ca College Tours Every Thursday and Friday –https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ FallVisitBooking@mylambton.onmicrosoft.com/ bookings/s/EDwoTcEDN0GibXO8lAUTJA2
Book a Tour – https://www.northerncollege.ca/ discover/tours/ St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology 2000 Talbot Rd W Windsor ON N9A 6S4
Telephone: 519-966-1656 or 1-800-387-0524 Admissions: 519-972-2759 Fax: 519-972-3811 www.stclaircollege.ca
Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology PO Box 631 Stn A, Toronto ON M1K 5E9
Telephone: 416-289-5000 or 1-800-268-4419
Admissions: 416-289-5300 Fax: 416-289-5279 www.centennialcollege.ca
See a Virtual Tour – https://www.centennialcollege. ca/about-centennial/contact-us/campus-tours
Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology
1450 Nakina Dr PO Box 398 Stn F
Thunder Bay ON P7C 4W1
Telephone: 807-475-6110 or 1-800-465-5493
Admissions: 807-475-6213 or 1-800-263-9415 Fax: 807-473-3731 www.confederationc.on.ca
Open House – Thursday December 1, 2022 –https://www.confederationcollege.ca/open-house
George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology PO Box 1015 Stn B Toronto ON M5T 2T9
Telephone: 416-415-2000 or 1-800-265-2002
Admissions: 416-415-5000 ext 4805 Fax: 416-415-4993 www.georgebrown.ca
Open House – Saturday November 5, 2022 –https://www.georgebrown.ca/openhouse
Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology 376 Wallbridge-Loyalist Rd, PO Box 4200 Belleville ON K8N 5B9
Telephone: 613-969-1913 or 1-888-569-2547
Admissions: 613-969-1913, ext 2204 Fax: 613-962-1376 www.loyalistcollege.com
Open House – Wednesday October 26, 2022 –https://www.loyalistcollege.com/future-students/ book-a-visit/
Open House – Saturday November 12, 2022 –https://discoverstclaircollege.com/fall-open-house/ St. Lawrence College of Applied Arts and Technology 100 Portsmouth Ave Kingston ON K7L 5A6
Telephone: 613-544-5400
Admissions: 1-800-463 0752 Fax: 613-545-3923 www.stlawrencecollege.ca
Open House – Saturday November 12, 2022 –https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/Fall-Open-House
Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology 1 Georgian Dr Barrie ON L4M 3X9
Telephone: 705-728-1968 Admissions: 705-722-1511 Fax: 705-722-5118 www.georgiancollege.ca
Open House – Saturday November 12, 2022 –https://info.georgiancollege.ca/l/987822/202208-01/66ygq
Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology 135 Fennell Ave W, PO Box 2034 Hamilton ON L8N 3T2
Telephone: 905-575-1212 or 1-866-410 4795
Admissions: 905-575-2000 Fax: 905-575-2378 www.mohawkcollege.ca
Open House – Saturday November 5, 2022 –https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/open-house-atmohawk
Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology 443 Northern Ave PO Box 60 Sault Ste. Marie ON P6A 5L3 Telephone: 705-759-2554 or 1-800-461-2260 Admissions: 705-759-6700 or 1-800-461-2260 Fax: 705-759-3273 www.saultcollege.ca Virtual Tours – https://www.saultcollege. ca/#virtualtour
Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology 1750 Finch Ave E North York ON M2J 2X5
Telephone: 416-491-5050
Admissions: 416-491-5050, ext 22800
Fax: 416-493-3958 www.senecacollege.ca
Open House – Saturday November 26, 2022 –https://www.senecacollege.ca/visitus/ open-house.html
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Rd
Thunder Bay ON P7B 5E1 Tel: 807-343-8110
Admissions: 807-343-8500 Fax: 807-343-8023 www.lakeheadu.ca
Open House – Saturday November 5, 2022 –https://www.lakeheadu.ca/admissions/events
OCAD University 100 McCaul St Toronto ON M5T 1W1 Tel: 416-977-6000
Admissions: 416-977-6000 ext 4869 Fax: 416-977-6006 www.ocadu.ca
Open House – Saturday November 5, 2022 – https://admissions.ocadu.ca/visit/open-housecoming-soon
Trent University 1600 West Bank Dr Peterborough ON K9J 7B8 Tel: 705-748-1011
Admissions: 705-748-1215 Fax: 705-748-1629 www.trentu.ca
Open House – Friday November 4, 2022 – https://www.trentu.ca/futurestudents/openhouse
University of Waterloo 200 University Ave W Waterloo ON N2L 3G1 Tel: 519-885-1211
Admissions: 519-888-4567 ext 33106 Fax: 519-746-2882 www.uwaterloo.ca
Open House – Saturday November 5, 2022 –https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/tours-events/ fall-open-house-registration
Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 1430 Trafalgar Rd Oakville ON L6H 2L1
Telephone: 905-845-9430
Admissions: 905-845-9430
Fax: 905-845-4148 www.sheridancollege.ca
Open House – Saturday November 19, 2022 –https://www.sheridancollege.ca/admissions/visitsheridan/open-house
Laurentian University 935 Ramsey Lake Rd
Sudbury ON P3E 2C6 Tel: 705-675-1151
Admissions: 705-675-4843 Fax: 705-675-4891 www.laurentian.ca
Open House – Saturday October 22, 2022 –https://laurentian.ca/open-house
Algoma University
1520 Queen St E Sault Ste Marie ON P6A 2G4
Tel: 705-949-2301
Admissions: 1-888-254-6628 Fax: 705-949-6583 www.algomau.ca Book a Campus Tour – https://algomau.ca/ admissions/visit-campus/
McMaster University 1280 Main St W
Hamilton ON L8S 4L8 Tel: 905-525-9140
Admissions: 905-525-9140 ext 24796 Fax: 905-527-1105 www.mcmaster.ca
Open House – Saturday October 29, 2022 – https:// future.mcmaster.ca/fall-preview/
Ontario Tech University 2000 Simcoe St N Oshawa ON L1H 7K4 Tel: 905-721-8668 Fax: 905-721-3178 www.ontariotechu.ca Open House – Saturday October 29, 2022 – https:// ontariotechu.ca/openhouse/ Queen’s University 99 University Ave Kingston ON K7L 3N6 Tel: 613-533-2000
Admissions: 613-533-2218 Fax: 613-533-6810 http://www.queensu.ca
Open House – Saturday October 29, 2022 – https:// www.queensu.ca/admission/fall-preview-openhouse
University of Guelph 50 Stone Rd E
Guelph ON N1G 2W1 Tel: 519-824-4120
Admissions: 519-821-2130 Fax: 519-766-9481 www.uoguelph.ca
Open House – Sunday November 6, 2022 – https://admission.uoguelph.ca/events
University of Windsor 401 Sunset Ave Windsor ON N9B 3P4 Tel: 519-253-3000
Admissions: 519-253-3000 ext 3315 Fax: 519-971-3653 http://www.uwindsor.ca
Open House – Saturday November 5, 2022 –https://future.uwindsor.ca/open-house
Brock University 500 Glenridge Ave St. Catharines ON L2S 3A1
Tel: 905-688-5550
Admissions: 905-688-5550 ext 3431
Fax: 905-988-5488 www.brocku.ca Book a Campus Tour – https://discover.brocku.ca/ tours/
Nipissing University 100 College Dr PO Box 5002
North Bay ON P1B 8L7 Tel: 705-474-3450
Fax: 705-474-1947 www.nipissingu.ca
Open House – Saturday November 5, 2022 –https://www.nipissingu.ca/future-students/visit-us/ open-house
Royal Military College PO Box 17000 Stn Forces Kingston ON K7K 7B4 Tel: 613-541-6000 Admissions: 613-541-6000 ext 6984 or 6652 Fax: 613-542-3565 www.rmc.ca Online Tours – https://www.rmc-cmr.ca/en/ registrars-office/visiting-rmc
University of Ottawa 75 Laurier Ave E Ottawa ON K1N 6N5 Tel: 613-562-5700 or Tel: 1-877-868-8292
Admissions: 613-562-5700 ext 5315 Fax: 613-562-5323 www.uottawa.ca
Open House – Saturday October 22, 2022 – https://www2.uottawa.ca/study/campus-toursadmissions-events/canada-admissions-events/ open-house
Western University 1151 Richmond St London ON N6A 3K7 Tel: 519-661-2111
Admissions: 519-661-2100 Fax: 519-661-3388 www.westernu.ca Campus Tours – https://welcome.uwo.ca/what-iswestern-like/location/visit.html
Carleton University 1125 Colonel By Dr Ottawa ON K1S 5B6
Tel: 613-520-7400
Admissions: 613-520-3663 Fax: 613-520-4455 www.carleton.ca
Open House – Saturday October 22, 2022 – https:// admissions.carleton.ca/openhouse/
Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) University 955 Oliver Rd
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1 Tel: 807-766-7300
Admissions 1-800-461-8777 ext.7454 Fax: 807-766-7370 www.nosm.ca
Virtual Tours – https://www.nosm.ca/nosmuniversity-admissions-learner-recruitment/nosmuniversity-campus-tours/
Toronto Metropolitan University 350 Victoria St Toronto ON M5B 2K3 Tel: 416-979-5000 Admissions: 416-979-5036 Fax: 416-979-5221 www.torontomu.ca Campus Tours – https://www.torontomu.ca/ admissions/visits-tours/
University of Toronto 27 King’s College Circle Toronto ON M5S 1A1
Tel: 416-978-2011
Admissions: 416-978-2190 Fax: 416-978-6089
University of Toronto Mississauga: Tel: 905-569-4455
University of Toronto Scarborough: Tel: 416-287-8872 www.utoronto.ca Campus Tours – https://future.utoronto.ca/visit/ campus-tours/
Wilfrid Laurier University 75 University Ave W Waterloo ON N2L 3C5 Tel: 519-884-1970
Admissions: 519-884-1970 ext 3351 Fax: 519-884-8826 www.wlu.ca
Open House – Saturday November 5, 2022 – https://www.wlu.ca/future-students/ undergraduate/experience-laurier/open-houses. html York University 4700 Keele St Toronto ON M3J 1P3 Tel: 416-736-2100
Admissions: 416-736-5000 Fax: 416-736-5536 www.yorku.ca
Campus Tours – https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/ tours
Worried you might pick a program or school that ends up not being a good fit?
Don’t sweat it! You can always transfer to a new one. And the best part is, there’s a way to transfer without losing all your hard-earned credit.
Transfer helps students avoid feeling stuck in a program or school that isn’t the right fit, graduating with credentials they no longer want or need, or worse yet – enrolling and then dropping out or opting out of postsecondary altogether, despite a desire to attend.
Put simply, transfer allows students to move from one program or school to another, and in many cases, apply the courses they took in their first program towards a new program so that they
don’t have to start postsecondary from scratch.
Ontario students have thousands of transfer options to choose from. Students studying in Ontario can transfer to/from any publicly assisted college, university or Indigenous Institute in the province.
There are 65,000+ transfer students in any given year in Ontario.
■ Program or learning environment is not a good fit
■ Mental health reasons
■ Campus culture is not a good fit
■ Personal interests or career goals change
■ Financial reasons (program or school is too expensive)
■ Familial obligations (e.g., move closer to home)
Visit ONTransfer.ca – Ontario’s Transfer & Pathways Guide!
This online guide helps students in Ontario:
1. Explore transfer & pathway options to/from programs or schools of choice
2. Understand how transfer works in Ontario
3. Determine the required steps to start their own transfer process
FACT: Over 175,00 students, guidance counsellors, and transfer staff used the guide last year and that number is growing!
1. It’s ok to change your mind –especially about something as important as your postsecondary education.
2. If you change your mind, transfer allows your education to change with you.
3. ONTransfer.ca is the go-to online guide for all things transfer in Ontario.
On behalf of the ONTransfer.ca team, we wish you the best of luck in your postsecondary journey!
ONTransfer.ca
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