The Student Union Manager of Advocacy Services [Dr. Jacqui Spencer] provides confidential advice, advocacy, and support for all OCAD U students.

You can get help with academic misconduct, appeals, policies and procedures, preparing for hearings, mediation, representation, and student-life concerns such as bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, victimization, or vilification.

Services not offered: Therapy or legal advice. (However, the Student Union offers free access to a lawyer.)

Appointment Booking: Fill out this form to request a meeting with the Advocacy Services Manager. You’ll receive a response within 48 hours (excluding weekends and university closures).

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OCAD SU offers free legal support with our SU Lawyer, Mbuso (“Muso”) Nkosi, experienced in family, civil, and immigration law.

Support includes: Housing issues, small claims, contracts, immigration, criminal matters, employment, and family law, document prep/review, and notarization. [If] an issue does not fall within this scope of work, referrals are offered.

Services not offered: Court representation, student-to-student dispute representation [mediation possible if both parties agree].

Booking: lawyer@ocadsu.org (please note: scheduled meetings are held virtually)

• Fall and Winter Semesters: every Friday, 9 AM–12 PM
• Summer Semester: every second Friday, 9 AM–12 PM

Finding and maintaining safe, stable housing can be challenging. The OCAD Student Union's Housing Advocacy service provides students with information, guidance, advocacy, and referrals to help them understand their housing rights and navigate housing-related concerns.

Our Housing Advocate offers confidential, student-centred support and works with students to explore options, understand their rights, and connect with appropriate resources.

How We Can Help:

Student Advocacy and Case Management‍

We provide individualized support for students experiencing housing-related challenges. This includes helping you understand your options, developing an action plan, accessing campus and community resources, and navigating complex situations.

Landlord-Tenant Dispute Support

If you are experiencing issues with your landlord or rental housing, we can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under Ontario's residential tenancy laws. We can provide information about the landlord-tenant process, help you prepare documentation, and discuss potential next steps.‍

Legal Referrals

Students requiring legal advice or representation can be referred to the OCAD Student Union's legal partner for consultation. While the Housing Advocacy service does not provide legal advice, we can help determine when a legal referral is appropriate and support you in accessing those services. Please contact Mbuso Nkosi at lawyer@ocadsu.org directly for legal support.

Mediation Support

We can help students prepare for mediation or other dispute resolution processes with landlords or roommates by providing information, guidance, and advocacy support where appropriate.

What to Expect

Housing Advocacy services are confidential, student-focused, and designed to help students make informed decisions about their housing. Every situation is unique, and we will work with you to identify appropriate supports, referrals, and next steps.

Book an Appointment

Students can book a confidential appointment with the Manager of Advocacy Services to discuss housing concerns, receive advocacy support, and, where appropriate, be connected with the OCAD Student Union's legal services. Please complete the advocacy appointment form here

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