Access Applicants
The University of Ottawa has created an Access admission category to facilitate the entry into law school of students who have experienced barriers of a systemic, ongoing nature, or who are from groups which have experienced identifiable social or economic barriers to education.The factors that would support one’s candidacy in this category are based on the Ontario Human Rights Code which states that: “Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities, without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, same-sex partnership status, family status or disability.”* In addition, the Admissions Committee considers severe economic hardship to be a barrier.
*R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19, s.1; 1999, c.6, s.28 (1); 2001, c.32, s.27 (1).
Applicants in the Access category must provide to OLSAS all information required of General Category applicants, namely a completed application form (including the Personal Statement) on-line, official transcripts of all post-secondary studies and two letters of reference. At least one of the letters must come from an academic source, but it is preferable to have two academic letters of reference.
When explaining your reasons for applying in this category, please use the dedicated screen provided for that purpose in the on-line application form, not your Personal Statement. The undergraduate academic record of Access applicants will be reviewed in light of the information provided. Please provide supporting documentation where appropriate.
Please note that files are not assessed until they are complete and all required documents have been provided by the applicant. The application deadline for the Fall of 2011, is November 1, 2010. Remember to always apply the year prior to the year you wish to begin your law studies. Applications in this category which remain incomplete after May 1st will be cancelled without further notice.