Every year our membership decides on our Advocacy Priorities.
Financial Sustainability & Transparency
We are committed to advocating for transparent tuition policies at institutions, including detailed insights into how funds are allocated, cohort pricing structures, increased operating grant funding and the overall sustainability of the PSE sector.
Affordability
We are exploring comprehensive strategies to improve access to education, including reducing international tuition fees, increasing funding support for students, evaluating and mitigating the costs of educational supplies, and eliminating obstacles to accessing OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program).
Food Insecurity
We are deeply committed to addressing the pervasive issue of food insecurity in our communities. Through our advocacy efforts, we aim to raise awareness about the root causes of food insecurity, advocate for policies that support sustainable solutions, and mobilize resources to ensure that students have access to the food they need to thrive.
Work Integrated Learning
Advocating for the expansion of work-integrated learning opportunities, which enhances job prospects and provides students with crucial real-world experience for their careers post graduation. This also involves tackling placement challenges to ensure these opportunities are accessible to all students.
Student Health & Wellness
We are deeply committed to advocating for increased supports for students as they relate to the overall health & wellness of students. Recognizing the significant impact of mental health on academic success and overall well-being. Our commitment involves promoting access to quality health health care, implementing supportive policies, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. Prioritizing care that is culturally sensitive, stigma-free, accessible, timely, and affordable.
How we advocate for you?
How we advocate for you is just as important as what we advocate for. OSV follows a structured research and policy framework to guide our advocacy efforts. This six-step process includes: Know, Understand, Determine, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.
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At the end of this process, we identify our advocacy priorities and develop policy papers filled with actionable recommendations. Armed with these policy papers, we engage with government ministries, MPPs, and key stakeholders to advance our members’ priorities and raise awareness.
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Additionally, OSV is a registered lobbyist with the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario, ensuring transparency and accountability in our advocacy efforts.