Financial Policies

In the 2012-2013 academic year, tuition for full-time students is $5,950.00 ($2,975.00/semester), and room and board is $5,000.00 ($2,500.00/ semester). There is a $50 non-refundable application fee. The $200 activities fee will include a copy of the yearbook and the costs associated with graduation, as well as various student facilities and events mentioned below.

Full-time students should budget approximately $700 total for books.

Tuition for part-time students is $200.00 per credit in the academic year 2012-2013. The rate for auditing a course is $100.00 per credit.

OLSWA offers non-residence students a choice of two meal plans.  The cost of the full meal plan is $200.00 per month from September through April during the academic year 2012-2013. The cost of a limited meal plan, one which does not cover weekend meals (beginning with the Friday night dinner,) is $170.00 per month. Non-residence students have the option of both the full and limited meal plan, as well as the option of purchasing an occasional meal at OLSWA. Lunches are $4.00 and dinners are $6.00.

OLSWA provides students with access to a computer lab, library, volleyball nets, student lounge, as well as various other student activities throughout the year.  The activities fee of $200.00 is added to full-time students' invoices and $55.00 to part-time students' invoices to assist in the cost of covering these items.  Additional fees may be charged for such costs as transportation to events, meals off campus, etc.

 
Family Discount Plan
The second and subsequent students in the same family simultaneously enrolled full-time will receive a $500.00 ($250.00 per semester) deduction from tuition.

Outstanding Accounts

All accounts must be paid in full in order for marks, certificates, or transcripts to be issued. Unless alternate payment arrangements have been made with the Registrar, interest at a rate of 12% per annum (1% per month) will be added to the outstanding balance.

Refund Policy

OLSWA has commitments with regards to housing, faculty, and other educational costs made in advance of the semester, and so has adopted a refund policy that is equitable to the Academy and its students.

Students who withdraw from the Academy before the end of the semester by filing a written withdrawal notice are eligible for refund of semester tuition, room and board payments due on Registration Day according to the following schedule. Students who have arranged an alternate payment plan must understand that any unpaid balance must be paid.

Refund Schedule:

First 14 calendar days of semester: 60%

15th calendar day through 28th calendar day of semester: 40%

29th calendar day through 42nd calendar day of semester: 20%

After the 42nd calendar day of semester: No refund

Deposits

A deposit of $500 is required of all full-time students when they decide to accept a place at OLSWA (normally by the 31st of May). This money will be applied towards tuition for the second semester.

Residence students must pay a $75.00 key/damage deposit before moving into residence.  This amount is refundable once the key is returned to OLSWA, provided that the student's room is left clean and in good condition.  Students will be required to cover cleaning fees or repairs in excess of $75 if these costs are incurred through negligence or carelessness on the part of the student.

Admission Policies

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy’s program in the liberal arts is guided by Catholic tradition. No one, however, is excluded on the basis of religion; the truth is universal and open to all. The Academy admits students without discrimination with regard to race, colour, non-disqualifying physical handicap, national and ethnic origin, to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students.

Since the program offered at the Academy is post-secondary, prospective students must complete the requisite preparatory work at the secondary level, i.e., the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Students must have achieved an average of 65%, and have completed the proper advanced level courses including six Grade 12 U or U/C (M) courses, one of which must be Grade 12 U English.

We welcome applications from homeschooled students, provided that they can show equivalency, for example by submitting SAT or ACT scores. For information regarding OLSWA's policy on SAT and ACT scores, please contact the Academy.

Application Procedure

Application forms may be obtained by contacting us by mail at P.O. Box 249, Barry's Bay, Ontario, K0J 1B0, Canada; or by telephone at 613-756-3082, or toll free at 1-877-369-6520. Application forms may also be downloaded here.

Transcripts from secondary and any previous post-secondary educational institutions must be submitted. Any questions concerning transcripts for homeschooled students may be directed to the Academy.

Applicants must also present two letters of reference, provided in the application package. Along with other information, the Admissions Committee also uses the written application to judge whether the student would benefit from attending the Academy. Students should strive to present a clear and well-written application. If possible, potential students are encouraged to visit the Academy, talk with the professors and students, and tour the area.

The intial application deadline for the 2012 Fall Semester is March 11, 2013. Applications continue to be accepted through the summer.

Scholarships for Incoming Students

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy is offering two scholarships for students entering in the 2011-2012 academic year.

The first of these is the St. Scholastica Scholarship.  This scholarship of $1000 will be awarded to one entering student from among those whose deposits are postmarked by February 8, 2013 or received by February 12, 2013. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and outstanding character.  In order to be eligible for this scholarship one must have a complete application in by or around the early admissions deadline of January 11th.  All applications received on or before January 11th, or postmarked on or before January 7th, will also have the application fee waived and, if complete, will receive a response from the Academy within 2-3 weeks.

The second of these is the St. Benedict Scholarship: A scholarship of$1000 will be awarded to one entering student from among all those whose applications are in by March 11, 2013.  The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and outstanding character.  Both those who were considered for the St. Scholastica scholarship, with the exception of the actual recipient of the St. Scholastica scholarship, as well as all others whose applications are in by March 11, 2013 will be considered for this scholarship.

Financial Aid

We strive to keep our fees affordable. Work study may be available for those who wish to minimize their costs. There are also several scholarships and bursaries available.

Work Study Program and Bursaries
Information and Application Form

What is the work study program?
Work study is an on-campus part-time job program to assist students with financial need in meeting their educational costs by working part-time during the study year. You may earn up to $1148.00 per semester.

Bursaries
Needs-based bursaries will also be awarded.  To be considered for a bursary, students need to request and complete and Work Study and Bursary Application Form available through the Bursar's office or online (see below).  Students should be advised that application for and, if approved, participation in the work study program is normally a precondition of the award of a bursary. The statement of need on the work study application form is the basis for the award of bursaries.
 
When is the work study program available?
The program mirrors the academic schedule start and end dates of each semester. You will need to apply every year for consideration.

What conditions apply?
All students who maintain a minimum course load of 14 credits per semester may be considered. Students with disabilities may, upon the recommendation of the Director of Counselling and Learning Support Services, qualify for the program with a lower credit course load. All students must hold a valid social insurance number.

The rate of pay for the work-study program is $10.25 an hour. The minimum number of hours which can be worked in the program is three hours a week, for fourteen weeks a semester (thirteen weeks of classes and one examination week). The maximum number of hours a week is eight. Students may opt to work more hours in one semester than another, as long as the minimum of three hours per week is met. In exceptional circumstances students may be permitted to participate in the program for only one semester of the academic year. The work involved will typically be clerical or janitorial. Satisfactory performance of the work assigned is essential: failure to discharge one’s duties may result in the termination of participation in the program.

Click here for the Work Study and Bursary Application Form.

The scholarships and bursaries are, as follows:

* The Divine Infant of Prague Scholarship ($2,000) — awarded based on academic merit to a student who has completed the Basic Certificate of Christian Humanities and is returning for a second year.

* The St. Scholastica Scholarship ($1,000) — awarded to one incoming first-year student based on academic excellence and outstanding character. Applies only to those who have met the early application deadline.

* The St. Benedict Scholarship ($1,000) — awarded to one incoming first-year student based on academic excellence and outstanding character. 

* The Mosielski Family Scholarship (in memory of Boguslaw Mosielski - $1,000) — awarded to a student entering the third year who has achieved academic excellence, and who intends to pursue further studies.

* The St. Bede the Venerable Scholarship (in honour of Dr. Keith Cassidy - $1,000) — awarded to a student who has achieved excellence in both the study of history and pro-life work.

* The Janine Lieu Pro-Life Scholarship (variable) — awarded to a female student noted for her achievements, particularly in the area of pro-life work.  

* The Paul Sanders Pro-Life Scholarship (variable) — awarded to a male student noted for his achievements, particularly in the area of pro-life work.  

* The Mary Ward Bursary ($1,000) — awarded to a female student entering second year who has demonstrated good Christian character and who has financial need.

* The St. Athanasius Bursary ($1,000) -- awarded to a male student entering second year who has demonstrated good Christian character and who has financial need.

* The Father Archie Afelskie Award (donated by the Barry's Bay and Area Knights of Columbus, Council #6894 - $500) — awarded to a returning local student in financial need.

* The Cardinal Newman Bursary (founded in memory of Dr. David B. Warner, first president of OLSWA) — awarded to a student who is the child of a former OLSWA employee or past member of the Board of Directors, Academic Senate, or a committee thereof.

There are also regional bursaries for the following regions: West Coast (BC), Prairies (AB/SK/MB), Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Provinces, and USA.

OLSWA also has a general bursary fund. Its funds are distributed at OLSWA's discretion to deserving students in need.

Memorial Scholarships

Memorial Scholarships have been established in honour of Janine Lieu and Paul Sanders.  

* The Janine Lieu Pro-Life Scholarship (variable amount) — awarded to a female student noted for her achievements, particularly in the area of pro-life work.  

* The Paul Sanders Pro-Life Scholarship (variable amount) — awarded to a male student noted for his achievements, particularly in the area of pro-life work.  

Anyone who wishes to contribute to these scholarships is instructed to send a cheque to Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, made out to OLSWA, with the name of the scholarship/bursary in the memo line. The money will be directed to the appropriate fund, and the donation will be tax-deductible.

Our address is:

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, P.O. Box 249, 18 Karol Wojtyla Square, Barry's Bay, Ontario, K0J 1B0.