VOTING PERIOD: Tuesday, April 7th to Friday, April 10th, 2026
NOMINATION SUBMISSIONS OPEN: Tuesday, March 3rd at 12 PM, 2026 (link to nomination form)
NOMINATION SUBMISSIONS CLOSE: Tuesday, March 10th at 6 PM, 2026
NOMINATION ENDORSEMENTS PERIOD: Wednesday, March 11th – Wednesday, March 18th at 11:59 PM, 2026 (link to endorsement form - to be shared)
The following positions are open (please read descriptions of positions below)
Executive Director of Academic Affairs
Executive Director of Campaigns and Advocacy
Executive Director of Diversity and Equity
Executive Director of Graduate Studies
Executive Director of Operations
Accessibility Representative
BIPOC Student Representative
First Generation Representative
International Student Representative
Mature & Part-time Student Representative
Sustainability Representative
Indigenous Student Representative
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OCAD STUDENT UNION POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
Executive Directors:
Executive Director of Academic Affairs
Term Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027 (Employment duration until May 31st, 2027)
Hours of Work: 17 hours per week
Compensation: $24.05 per hour (to be updated with inflation index)
This Executive Director position fulfills the role and responsibilities of Chair of the Undergraduate Caucus. Works internally with the Student Union and externally with the University to ensure all students’ academic interests are being represented, that students’ academic pursuits on campus are enhanced, and working to reduce academic barriers to keep high quality post-secondary education financially accessible. Serves as an advisor and administrative officer relative to any and all issues internally relating to academic affairs, and external matters in which the Student Union may participate. Liaises between students and the University, especially around academic policies, procedures, and grading practices. Organizes platforms for student feedback which can be used to advocate on behalf of students’ academic interests. Promotes course evaluations on campus.
Executive Director of Campaigns & Advocacy
Term Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027 (Employment duration until May 31st, 2027)
Hours of Work: 17 hours per week
Compensation: $24.05 per hour (to be updated with inflation index)
This Executive Director position fulfills the role and responsibilities of Chair of the Campaigns and Action Committee. Works externally on campaigns and advocates on behalf of the membership to work in accordance with our mandate both at the University level, as well as in the wider community. This Director will develop and implement campaigns that fall under the OCAD Student Union mandate around anti-oppression, decolonization, social justice, and equity, to be carried out on behalf of OCAD University Students. Recruits and oversees contributions of volunteers. Promotes and supports campaigns launched by other groups on and off campus with aligned interests, such as Student Groups, external organizations (such as Canadian Federation of Students, etc). Works on initiatives to raise awareness of social justice issues, and global issues outside of and barriers affecting OCAD Students and the larger community.
Executive Director of Diversity & Equity
Term Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027 (Employment duration until May 31st, 2027)
Hours of Work: 17 hours per week
Compensation: $24.05 per hour (to be updated with inflation index)
This Executive Director position fulfills the role and responsibilities of Chair of the Social Justice and Accountability committee. This is mostly an internal position. The Director will work to ensure that the Student Union is representative of all equity-seeking students in daily operations and strategies to create greater diversity in the OCAD SU Community. Promotes anti-oppression, safer space, equity, and social justice on campus and OCAD SU. Helps promote SU initiatives like the Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) Space. Works with the University to develop decolonizing curriculum, progressive consent and sexual assault policies among others. Promotes and supports events that project voices of underrepresented communities at OCAD University (such as Black Futures Month). Advances the autonomy of marginalized voices on campus while working with Board Representatives such as the International Student Rep, Accessibility Rep, Mature and Part-time Student Rep, and BIPOC Student Rep to coordinate forums, campaigns or actions as required.
Executive Director of Graduate Studies
Term Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027 (Employment duration until May 31st, 2027)
Hours of Work: 17 hours per week
Compensation: $24.05 per hour (to be updated with inflation index)
This Executive Director position works internally with the Student Union and externally with the University to ensure Graduate students’ academic, social, political, and professional interests are being represented, and works to reduce systemic barriers for Graduate Students. Communicates relevant information to Graduate Students regarding news, information, and updates about matters affecting Graduate Students on and off campus; Resolves issues raised by Graduate Students attending OCAD University. Issues may be related to all areas of graduate studies including but not limited to: academic policy governing graduate studies, curricula, research, work placements, advisor relationships, employment on campus, access to facilities, and graduate studies administration. Advocates on behalf of Graduate Students. Oversees and chairs the Graduate Students’ Caucus while acting as the point of contact and liaison between the Graduate Students’ Caucus and the Board of Directors.
Executive Director of Operations
Term Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027 (Employment duration until May 31st, 2027)
Hours of Work: 20 hours per week
Compensation: $24.05 per hour (to be updated with inflation index)
This Executive Director position fulfills the role and responsibilities of Chair of the Finance Committee. Oversees all major decisions that financially and legally impact the Student Union. Oversees the administration of the OCAD Health and Dental Plan, and reports to the Board of Directors on all relevant details of the plan as necessary including changes to cost and coverage. Ensures that the Student Union along with the Manager of HR and Administration is in compliance with the OCAD Student Union’s HR Policies, and acts as a resource to staff about personnel matters. Oversees Student Union Project Grants and Micro Grants, acts as a voting member on the Ancillary Fee Committee and regularly attends OCAD SU Board of Governors meetings.
Student Representatives:
Accessibility Representative
Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027
Hours of Work: approximately 8 hours a month
Compensation: $225 per month (to be updated with inflation index)
This student will work with the Executive and other Representatives to advance accessibility on campus and help to break down barriers faced by students in accessing their education at OCAD U. This student will meet approximately once per month with Campaigns & Advocacy and Diversity & Equity Directors outside board meetings. This student will be expected to evaluate and make recommendations on the accessibility initiatives of the SU as well as liaise with the University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Sustainability Initiatives (ODESI).
Open To: Any interested Graduate or Undergraduate student enrolled in a minimum of 0.5 credit.
BIPOC Student Representative
Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027
Hours of Work: approximately 8 hours a month
Compensation: $225 per month (to be updated with inflation index)
This racialized student will act as a representative for students on campus who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour (BIPOC). They will work with the Executive, Student Advocate, and other constituency reps to create spaces that allow for marginalized voices to be heard on campus. This student may be expected to sit on the Student Union Grants Committee and assist in facilitating the Student Union Black, Indigenous, and Person Of Colour (BIPOC) Space.
Open To: Any interested Graduate or Undergraduate student, who identifies as BIPOC, and who is enrolled in a minimum of 0.5 credit.
First Generation Representative
Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027
Hours of Work: approximately 8 hours a month
Compensation: $225 per month (to be updated with inflation index)
This student will act as a representative for all students who are the first in their family to seek post-secondary education. They will work with Executives and the Student Advocate to advance the rights of, and provide support for, first generation students on campus. They will encourage collaboration with the University’s First Generation Student Department and Indigenous Visual Culture Centre. This student will work as a team with Mature and Part Time Student Rep to provide a welcoming environment and facilitate the creation of community at OCAD U.
Open To: Any interested Graduate or Undergraduate student, who is the first in their family to seek post secondary education, who is enrolled in a minimum of 0.5 credit.
International Student Representative
Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027
Hours of Work: approximately 8 hours a month
Compensation: $225 per month (to be updated with inflation index)
This international student will act as a representative for International students at OCAD U. They will work closely with the Executive and Student Advocate to advance the international student experience at OCAD U, and engage international students with the SU. This student will work to open up cultural dialogue and sharing at OCAD U, Assist with advocacy, outreach, feedback collection (on academic & non-academic matters), as needed, and keep in contact with fellow reps to assist in SU initiatives.
Open To: Any interested Graduate or Undergraduate student, who is an international student and who is enrolled in a minimum of 0.5 credit.
Mature & Part-time Student Representative
Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027
Hours of Work: approximately 8 hours a month
Compensation: $225 per month (to be updated with inflation index)
This mature or part-time student will act as a representative to students at OCAD U who identify as either or both part-time and mature (over the age of 25). This student will work with the Executive and Student Advocate to advance the rights and autonomy of mature and part-time students on campus. This student will help to bring mature student (including Graduate and Undergrad) concerns to the board, and will work as a team with First Generation representative to provide a welcoming environment and facilitate the creation of community at OCAD U.
Open To: Any interested Graduate or Undergraduate student, who is a part time and/or mature student, and who is enrolled in a minimum of 0.5 credit.
Sustainability Representative
Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027
Hours of Work: approximately 8 hours a month
Compensation: $225 per month (to be updated with inflation index)
This student will work with the Executive and other Representatives to advance sustainable practices and decrease environmental impact/footprint of OCAD University. This student will meet approximately once per month with Campaigns & Advocacy and Diversity & Equity Executive Directors outside board meetings. This student will be expected to evaluate and make recommendations on sustainable environmental practices of the SU as well as sit on the University’s Sustainability Committee in collaboration with the University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Sustainability Initiatives (ODESI).
Open To: Any interested Graduate or Undergraduate student enrolled in a minimum of 0.5 credit.
Indigenous Student Representative
Duration: May 1st 2026 – April 30th 2027
Hours of Work: approximately 8 hours a month
Compensation: $225 per month (to be updated with inflation index)
This Indigenous-identified student will act as a representative for students on campus who identify as Indigenous. They have the ability to form an Indigenous Students Caucus and act as representative for that group. They will work with the Executive, Manager of Advocacy Services, and other constituency reps to create spaces that allow for Indigenous voices to be heard on campus and to advocate for greater decolonization of the University. This student may be expected to sit on the SU Grants Committee and assist in facilitating the SU Black, Indigenous, and Person Of Colour (BIPOC) Space. This student will work with the Executive and other Representatives to advance sustainable practices and decrease environmental impact/footprint of OCAD University. This student will meet approximately once per month with Campaigns & Advocacy and Diversity & Equity Executive Directors outside board meetings. This student will be expected to evaluate and make recommendations on sustainable environmental practices of the SU as well as sit on the University’s Sustainability Committee in collaboration with the University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Sustainability Initiatives (ODESI).
Open To: Any interested Graduate or Undergraduate student enrolled in a minimum of 0.5 credit.
Permissible and Nonpermissible Campaigning Practices
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS
The Student Union’s initiatives can only work if there is strong leadership among its elected officials. Students as members expect their leadership to consult with them, to create a vision for the organization, and to guide the Union as a whole towards that vision. Student members also expect the leadership to get all the different aspects of the OCAD Student Union and OCAD U stakeholders working together as a community.
Elected Officials set the tone for the Student Union through the way they handle the business of the Union. The Board of Directors is expected to communicate with student members, to protect the confidentiality of the Union, to deal with conflict situations, and make decisions in the best interests of the OCAD Student Union. The Board is also expected to solve problems within a healthy, cooperative, and transparent framework. Building trust and confidence within the student body is often based on the way the Board makes decisions and conducts their business rather than in the actual decisions themselves.
The OCAD Student Union By-laws prescribe the limits of what the Board can do and position descriptions for each individual position outlines what individual representatives are expected to do. These documents do not go into great detail about how the Board should conduct its business on a day-to-day basis. The Code of Conduct guides elected officials in carrying out business of the Union on a day-to-day basis.
One of the best things a leader can do for the members of the OCAD Student Union is to lead with integrity and demonstrate this by example. All Elected Officials of the OCAD Student Union are required to read, understand, and follow the Code of Conduct. Elected Officials sign a copy of this code each year that they serve as a representative in the OCAD Student Union.
OCAD Student Union General Code of Conduct
1. All Elected Officials of the OCAD Student Union have a fiduciary duty to act on behalf of the Student Union to the best of their ability. This means, among other things, that Elected Officials are expected to undertake any training provided by the OCAD Student Union, to attend and actively participate in all meetings required of their position, and to always act in the best interests of the OCAD Student Union.
2. Elected Officials must avoid conflicts of interest. They must always put the interests of the OCAD Student Union before their own personal interests. They must declare any conflict of interest as soon as it occurs.
3. All Elected Officials will work together for the good of the Union. Elected Officials will not let personal likes, dislikes, or grudges affect their decision-making.
4. Elected Officials have authority only as outlined in the By-laws, terms of reference, and their position description; Elected Officials have no individual authority. Between meetings, Elected Officials have no authority unless the Board has given them authority to do something. For example, the Board may ask a Representative to head a committee, meet a member, write a letter, sign a document, etc.
5. Regardless of an Elected Official’s opinion on an item and the outcome of the group’s decision, all Elected Officials must publicly stand by all decisions of the group they are part of, once the decisions have been made.
6. As Board membership changes, each Elected Official should make every possible effort to finish off the term to which they were elected. Turnover within a term is very disruptive to the operations of the OCAD Student Union.
7. All Elected Officials will remain open to other options and points of view. Elected Officials will not act defensively when members question or disagree with decisions of the group.
8. Each Elected Official must maintain confidentiality, and follow the OCAD Student Union’s policy on confidentiality.
9. The OCAD Student Union will not tolerate slurs from any Elected Official. The OCAD Student Union will not allow any statements which put down or show lack of respect for any member or staff person, especially negative comments concerning:
a. Gender;
b. Origin;
c. Ethnicity;
d. Religion;
e. Income;
f. Physical, mental, or developmental disability, or
g. Sexual orientation.
10. Elected Officials must not make statements that are slanderous.
11. Elected Officials will obey the By-Laws and policies of the OCAD Student Union.
OCAD Student Union Board Meeting Code of Conduct
1. All Elected Officials are expected to be prompt for meetings and to help the Chair keep to the times indicated on Meeting agendas. The Chair is expected to start and end meetings on time, to be respectful of those involved, and respectful of those relying on outcomes of the meeting, or access to meeting space before and after a meeting.
2. All Elected Officials will state their position clearly at meetings, particularly when the group is making an important decision. An Elected Official who disagrees with any proposal the group is considering must say so, immediately and clearly.
3. Elected Officials should not make statements that are off the point, inaccurate, or out of order.
4. Elected Officials who feel that other Elected Officials are making statements that are slanderous, off point, or out of order should ask the Chair to make a ruling. The Chair will rule whether the Elected Official who made those statements should withdraw them. Elected Officials who are making alleged inaccurate statements should have their actions brought to their attention by the Chair.
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