UTM seeks to ease entry to university for college students

The University of Toronto Mississauga wants to make it easier for Ontario college students to transfer into its undergraduate programs and is inviting stakeholders to share their input. 

“Our transfer students bring valuable perspectives shaped by their diverse educational journeys. Their experiences across institutions enrich classroom discussions, foster intellectual curiosity and further strengthen our academic community,” said William Gough, UTM’s new vice-principal academic and dean.

“Ontario's commitment to student mobility creates opportunities for learners to pursue their goals while ensuring that knowledge, talent, and innovation flow freely across the province.”

UTM has welcomed transfer students from Ontario colleges for decades and is embarking on a review to make meaningful enhancements towards the experiences of those students, said Lauren Glynn, associate director of admissions at UTM. 

“We understand that transferring can be complicated and confusing, and we want to ensure that the process is clearer and more supportive for students interested in transferring to UTM,” said Glynn. 

“We’re hoping to make this an even greater destination for transfer students, by providing a clear path for coming to university, and supporting their goals, while building on what they have already achieved at Ontario colleges.”

To aid the effort, UTM will hold three focus sessions to gather input in July, backed by a $40,000 capacity grant from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer. 

ONCAT, established in 2011, partners with post-secondary institutions to help establish academic pathways, facilitate recognition of prior learning and support learners' transition into the labour market. 

The organization’s mobility research indicates thousands of students transfer between Ontario colleges and universities each year, outside traditional “direct from high school” applications.

UTM aims to engage some 300 stakeholders over the sessions it has planned for this summer – including college students, recruitment and admissions co-ordinators and other community members – to identify barriers and help expand access for college graduates who may not have considered a move to UTM as a viable option. 

“Community involvement is one of UTM’s pillars,” said Glynn. “We want true stakeholder involvement, to include diverse voices and perspectives, and find out what they want to see in a true clear path from college to university in their neighbourhood.”

The plan for a new transfer initiative aims to change case-by-case evaluations for college transfer credits into a standardized block-transfer credit system at UTM. The planned initiative supports Ontario’s larger goals for improving student mobility and educational equity.

For college students looking to earn a university degree, a more streamlined process at UTM could save students thousands of dollars in tuition and between one to three academic terms by recognizing previous academic experience.

UTM hopes to have a new transfer system in place in time for new students in September 2027, Glynn said.

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Register here to participate in one of the focus sessions at UTM this summer.