Starting a graduate program in OAC? Here are 4 reasons to connect with the OAC Graduate Student Council

Starting your graduate program is exciting but can also feel overwhelming. At the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), you’re not navigating that experience alone.

Whether you're in a master's or doctoral program, OAC’s Graduate Student Council (OACGSC) is here to help you connect, grow, and make the most of your time as a graduate student. Run by students, for students, the OACGSC creates opportunities that go far beyond the classroom and lab.

Here are four reasons why getting involved with the OACGSC can make a real difference in your graduate experience:

1. Broaden your network (and your experiences)

The people you meet in your program make all the difference. The OACGSC brings together students from across all OAC departments, creating opportunities to connect with peers outside your program, often leading to new perspectives, collaborations, and friendships.

From casual pizza socials to larger events, there are plenty of ways to get involved. For example, last year the OACGSC organized a trip to Collingwood where students toured a local cidery and explored the science behind cider production and the real-world industry challenges they're facing - like shifting consumer trends and the future of beverage production.

Events like the annual Halloween pumpkin carving night offer a chance to step away from academic pressures and connect in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Beyond being fun, these experiences help build your support system, improve your communication skills, and make it easier to find guidance when you need it. Sometimes, knowing “who to ask” is the key to moving forward. The OACGSC helps you find those people.

2. Grow professionally and personally

Through workshops, tours, and student-focused initiatives, the OACGSC provides opportunities to explore your area of study beyond your own lab or coursework and develop skills that will support your career.

Students have participated in tours across the Ontario Research Centres, including dairy, beef, crop, swine, poultry, equine, and aquaculture facilities. These experiences showcase the breadth of research happening at the University of Guelph and highlight how different disciplines connect across the agri-food system.

The OACGSC also supports students through dedicated sessions to help you improve your thesis writing, editing, or data organization. Working alongside peers in a supportive environment can boost motivation and help you make meaningful progress.

Together, these opportunities expand your understanding of the field, spark new ideas, and help you build skills that extend beyond your degree.

3. Shape your graduate student community

Want to take your involvement a step further? Join the OACGSC and help shape the graduate student experience at OAC.

The OACGSC is structured to ensure every student has a voice. There are executive roles—such as Co-Chairs, Treasurer, Administrator, Events Coordinator, and Social Media Director—as well as department representatives from across OAC, including an international student representative.

As a member, you’ll help plan events, share information across OAC, and advocate for your peers and build leadership skills, expand your network, and contribute to a more connected and supportive graduate community.

4. Show your OAC pride

Being part of OAC means being part of a strong, recognizable community and the OACGSC helps you show it off. The council offers custom OAC merchandise, including jackets, hoodies, and t-shirts. With bold “OAC” branding and a clean, professional design, these items are a great way to represent your program and connect with fellow students across campus.

Graduate school in OAC is about the people you meet, the experiences you have, and the community you build. The OACGSC is here to make that experience richer, more connected, and more rewarding.

Connect with the OACGSC on Instagram. Get involved. Make connections. Be part of something bigger.