Become a Member
Ontario universities that are members of the Council of Ontario Universities are eligible for membership. Each university has one vote, vested in the head (dean or director) of the central continuing education, extension or lifelong learning unit. Members of continuing education units in professional faculties and other areas of the universities are invited to participate in the membership held by their institution.
Institutional Membership Annual Fee: $265 (as of Oct. 2019)
In order to apply for membership, please contact us at info@ocull.ca.
Benefits of Membership
Annual Professional Development Retreat and General Meeting
Held every October, the Professional Development Retreat offers members an opportunity to discuss and present on practice and research, discuss OCULL policy and business, and network with colleagues.
A major benefit of the institutional membership is that as many staff from that institution may attend the annual Retreat and AGM.
Distance and Online Learning Community of Practice
The community of practice meets online via the Big Blue Button every other month with the exception of summer months (January, March, May, September, November). The goal of meetings is share information and support each other in a spirit of continuous learning and development. Member institutions and guests present best practices in distance and online learning and research findings.
Listserv
Keep up to date on developments in the field of university lifelong learning and engage in discussions and debates and information sharing via the OCULL listserv. The listserv is only accessible to members. If you are member and would like to be added to the listserv, contact info@ocull.ca
Committees
As a member of OCULL you have the opportunity to serve on a number committees. Committees provide an opportunity to contribute your skills and knowledge to the membership and advancement of OCULL and to build new competencies. The following committees support the mission of OCULL: Communications Committee, Research Committee, Retreat/AGM Planning Committee and the Distance and Online Learning Community of Practice Committee.
OCULL Website
The website serves to provide members with information on the activities OCULL and links to valuable resources related to the fields of continuing education and distance and online learning.
OCULL Research Fund
OCULL administers a small research fund that supports projects which build knowledge of our constituency and enhance the quality of university lifelong learning.
Government Relations
OCULL is actively involved in promoting the role of Ontario’s universities in adult training and labour force development. Since its creation, OCULL has made many submissions to government on behalf of adult students and in response to government position papers and policies.
External Liaison
OCULL maintains relationship with parallel professional associations, including the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE), the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE), the Heads of Continuing Education of the Ontario college system, and regional associations in Canada and the US. From time to time, joint meetings and other collaborative events are organized with one or more partners.
Institutional Members
Institutional Members 2025-26
Honorary Members
+ Angela Armitt – Western University
Marian Croft – Laurentian University
+ Wes Curran – Queen’s University
Lloyd Duncan – York University
Michelle Fach – University of Guelph
Lisa Fanjoy – Wilfrid Laurier University
+ Virginia Gray – University of Guelph
+ Bud Gruetzner – University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies
Tom Guinsburg – University of Western Ontario
Sandra Hughes – Wilfrid Laurier University
Don Kasta – University of Waterloo
Gérard Lafrenière – Laurentian University
Ramona Lumpkin – Huron University College
Ken MacKeracher – Ryerson
Bill McCallion – McMaster University
Jo Meeker – Brock University
+ Patrick Melligan – Ryerson (in memory)
Denis Mayer – Laurentian University
Jim Murray – University of Guelph
Rick Nigol – University of Guelph
Milton Orris – Ryerson
+ Rev. E. Pappert – University of Windsor
Marlene Preiss – Institute of Canadian Bankers
Dale Schenk – McMaster University
Peter Silcox – University of Toronto, Woodsworth College
Mark Waldron – University of Guelph
+ Ross Wardle – Queen’s University
Alex Waugh – University of Toronto, Woodsworth College
(+ deceased)
Honorary Membership
Honorary membership may be conferred from time to time by the OCULL Executive Committee on individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to university continuing education in Ontario. Honorary Membership recipients are recognized at the OCULL Annual General Meeting.
Criteria for Honorary Membership
OCULL Honorary Membership (lifetime) is awarded to:
- long standing members of OCULL (10 years or more) with considerable achievements and contributions to the Continuing Education profession in Ontario, primarily outside their own institution;
- members of the OCULL Executive with outstanding contributions to the activities and priorities of the Council over several years and having promoted the advancement of Continuing Education provincially; or,
- an individual who has made outstanding progress and has taken a crucial leadership role to initiate Continuing Education at an Ontario institution and was also an active member of OCULL
Notes
- Honorary Membership (lifetime) is:
- generally awarded to someone no longer serving directly in Continuing Education at an Ontario university.
- awarded at an annual general meeting, but could also be awarded at another special occasion.
- only under exceptional circumstances awarded posthumously.
Honorary Membership Nomination Form
Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to university continuing education in Ontario? The OCULL Executive Committee is currently accepting nominations for our next Honorary Member. If you have an exceptional individual in mind, please complete the form below.
Problems viewing the form on this page? Please complete the form here: Honorary Membership Nomination Form
Get Involved
One of the many benefits of being a member of the Ontario Council for University Lifelong Learning is that you will be welcomed to join any of its sub-committees. Sitting on these committees doesn’t require a significant amount of time plus you’ll have an opportunity to build upon and expand relationships with colleagues having similar interests across Ontario.
If you are interested in joining any of these committees or if you would like further information, please email us at info@ocull.ca.
Communications Committee
The main purpose of the Communications Committee is to ensure the information posted on the OCULL website is up-to-date and accurately reflects the mandate of OCULL. This committee will provide recommendations for major updates to the OCULL Executive as necessary.
Research Committee
Members of the Research Committee will coordinate the application and review process of submissions for research projects funded by the OCULL Research Fund.
Retreat/AGM Planning Committee
In consultation with the OCULL Executive, the Retreat Planning Committee is responsible for all aspects of planning the Annual OCULL Retreat/AGM including scheduling and programming of the event such as: site selection, securing speakers/presenters, budgetary matters, and marketing initiatives.