Information for TA/RAs

TAs & RAs are part of the union!

The Ontario College of Art and Design Faculty Association (OCADFA) is the union that represents more than 600 faculty and academic staff at OCAD University—INCLUDING TAs and RAs!

There are now approximately 250 total TAs/RAs, a number that has more than doubled since before the pandemic

The terms and conditions of your employment with OCAD University are governed by our Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

OCADFA’s Duties to you:

As your union, OCADFA can represent you in a variety of workplace issues, including violations not just of the MoA but of Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Human Rights Code.

If you have concerns that the Employer may have violated your rights you may contact us at any time. We will help you assess whether your concern falls within OCADFA’s purview and whether a complaint or grievance should be filed.

Types of TAs/RAs

There are four types of TA/RAs at OCADU: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Marker/Grader, Tutorial Leader, and Graduate Research Assistant.

These are fixed-term contracts, which are not normally renewable beyond 3 years (29.4). You can find the details on compensation in Article 31 and Appendix D.

Your responsibilities as a TA or RA are listed in Article 37.4. It is important to note, if you’re a Marker/Grader, you’re only responsible for the 1st and 4th responsibility.

Once per academic year, the University will provide Teaching Assistants with five (5) hours of training provided by the University paid at their regular hourly rate.

Hiring/reappointment

The hiring process for TA/RAs can be found in Article 34.5. Current graduate students are OCAD are given priority consideration for TA and RA opportunities, but anyone may apply.

Current TAs are often, but not always, reappointed without having to apply, and you may be asked for an expression of interest which includes your areas of expertise, past TA experience, and your assignment preference. If you have not been reappointed but want to continue TAing, be sure to check the OCADU online job board and/or notify your Faculty or Graduate Studies office.

Rates of pay

The type of position you have determines your hourly rate, on top of which you’ll be paid 6% in lieu of benefits, and 4% pay in lieu of vacation.

Hourly Pay Rate for Teaching and Research Assistants (Effective July 1, 2025):

• Undergraduate Research Assistant $23.53
• Marker/Grader $32.26
• Tutorial Leader $37.28
• Graduate Research Assistant $37.28

For the OCADFA TA/RA Members Handbook and more:

For the Memorandum of Agreement, the Illustrated Summary, and more:

For the monthly union newsletter: