Welcome to the faculty/staff project information page for the online application for graduate studies at Western. This application, provided by the Ontario University Application Centre, launched on October 15, 2008.  The second version of the application was released on October 6, 2009. This web page is designed to keep you up to date on all matters concerning the application.

Overview

Objectives

  1. Improve upon the current application model
  2. Refine admission business processes to better serve applicants, staff and review committees
  3. Improve communication between prospects/applicants and Western

Major Deliverables and/or Outcomes

  1. Identification of students interested in collaborative programs
  2. Improved options for maximum size of statements of academic intent
  3. Scheduled communications with all individuals interested in attending Western
  4. Improved program information pages

Features

Application Appearance

  • The OUAC application is designed with the basis of the Western website template
  • Application structure and images now resemble those of current Western websites

Program Selection

  • Surveys done throughout the graduate community polled each program on how specific academic plan structure could be refined (i.e. academic plans indicating thesis vs. coursework OR specific fields within the degree).  

EDI (Electronic Document Imaging) Transcript Requests

The Ontario universities and the OUAC have developed a system whereby academic transcripts from post-secondary institutions in Ontario are exchanged electronically using EDI and the SPEEDE/ExPRESS standard.

Applicants may simultaneously request the electronic delivery of academic transcripts from previously attended institutions alongside their Western application.  These transcripts are electronically delivered to Western from OUAC and will be available to programs alongside the application.

Application Payment

Based on the programs selected by the applicant and any EDI transcripts that are chosen, a total (in Canadian currency) is presented.  Applicants have three options for providing payment:

  • Credit card (VISA or MasterCard)
  • Internet or telephone bill payment services
  • Cheque or money order (sent to OUAC)

Applications are not forwarded to Western until full payment has been received by OUAC.

Improved options for maximum size of statements of academic intent

  • The addition of varying lengths of maximum sizes for the statement of academic intent. These lengths can be chosen by each particular program

Identification of students interested in collaborative programs

  • Any students who apply to a program that participates in conjuction with a collaborative program be polled for their interest in applying to that program

Managing Applications

OUAC

OUAC transmits application information to Western each morning. This information is entered into the Student Center and applications and/or transcripts will be available electronically through the Laserfiche Document Management System the next day.

Laserfiche

Applications and other relevant applications materials are collected centrally and distributed to programs via Laserfiche; a document imaging system that provides users with instant access to documents.

What is Laserfiche?

A Windows-based program that can be accessed on an internal network, an intranet and/or via the Internet. The program has full-text search proximity searches. The files are saved in a standard folder tree similar to what you would expect to see in any common file manager program. It has annotation features like highlighting, redacting and virtual "sticky" notes and the capability to conduct various automated processes via workflow organization.

Laserfiche Client

The Laserfiche client is available to all graduate program assistants. This version of the program facilitates increased flexibility and access.  Please contact your departmental/faculty IT representative to request access and installation.

 

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