Dear SODC Administration,

We are writing to express our serious concerns about the pause in OSAP funding and its impact on our ability to continue the Dental Hygiene program. Many students enrolled relying on OSAP to cover a substantial portion of their tuition and required fees. With funding now delayed and no clear timeline for its release, students do not know how they will meet their upcoming payments.

This situation cannot be framed solely as an OSAP decision that the school has no responsibility to address. We understand that SODC’s practices are also under review. We are particularly concerned that this is the first time the school has accepted two incoming cohorts, alongside increased scrutiny from OSAP. Students deserve a clear explanation of what is being reviewed, whether the expansion in enrolment is relevant, and what steps SODC is taking to resolve the situation. The financial consequences of matters involving the institution should not be shifted entirely onto students.

Although lower-interest bank loans are being explored as an option by OSAP, these are not a feasible solution for everyone. Some students may not qualify for additional credit, while others cannot afford interest payments during school alongside their existing financial responsibilities. Some have already exhausted their savings, lines of credit, and other sources of support to cover costs beyond their estimated OSAP funding. Directing these students toward further borrowing does not resolve their inability to pay.

Some students in our cohorts have reported seriously considering withdrawing from the program and giving up on their career aspirations because they cannot see a financially sustainable way forward. We are more than a month into the program and have already invested substantial time, effort, and money. It is unacceptable for students to face the possibility of losing that investment without clear answers or meaningful assistance from the school.

These concerns extend beyond our cohorts and affect students across the SODC community. We expect SODC to take responsibility for the matters within its control and present concrete solutions. In particular, we ask the administration to address:

1. 
   Tuition deferrals and flexible payment arrangements while OSAP funding remains unavailable, including protection from late fees or academic consequences arising from the delay;
2. Financial assistance or other measures that do not require students to take on further debt;
3. A reassessment of the program’s high tuition fees, including reductions or temporary financial relief; and
4. Clear withdrawal and refund options for students who cannot continue without OSAP funding.
   
   

More than $50,000 in tuition and other program costs is an immense financial commitment. Students enrolled with the expectation that OSAP would help make this education accessible. They are now being asked to find funds they simply do not have. SODC cannot reasonably expect students to absorb this shortfall without reassessing its own financial expectations and obligations to them.

We chose this program because we trusted SODC to support our education and help us work toward our careers. Maintaining that trust now requires accountability, transparent communication, and tangible action. Expressions of concern and referrals to lenders are insufficient when students are facing withdrawal.

We kindly request a response outlining the school’s available financial relief measures, how upcoming tuition deadlines will be handled, and what information can be shared about the review and its implications. We also request a meeting between administration and the selected student representatives.

Please note that students have already contacted their local MPPs to no avail. The responses received have been dismissive and have provided little clarity, leaving students caught between the school and the government, without meaningful support or a clear path forward. We would like to resolve this collaboratively, but students cannot be expected to wait indefinitely while their finances and education remain at risk.

We are committed to completing our education. We expect an equally clear commitment from SODC to helping us do so.

Regards,

Students of Dental Hygiene Cohorts 37 and 38