Cookie Notice
The purpose of this cookie notice (the “Cookie Notice”) is to inform you about the use of Cookies on the OCAS website (ontariocolleges.ca or ocas.ca, the “Website”) which may be installed on your device such as your computer, tablet or smartphone.
If you would like to deactivate certain Cookies, please consult “How can I manage Cookies” below.
1. What are Cookies?
We may collect certain types of information electronically when you interact with our Website through cookies and similar technologies.
For example, we may use this information to allow our Website to authenticate you, to remember your preferences, to help our Website function, to support OCAS analytics, and to deliver advertising about colleges. We may use your location or language preference to auto-select features when you visit our Website, though these preferences are deactivated by default.
Technologies we use include:
- Cookies, which are small text files that are saved on your computer when you visit our Website so that information can be saved between visits such as your login credentials or language preferences.
- Web beacons and single pixel gifs, which are small image files that collect information about you such as your IP address, that can be downloaded when you visit our Website. These tools may also allow our third-party tracking tools to gather information, such as your IP address, and provide this back to us in an anonymized aggregate for (i.e., in a manner where we cannot identify you). “Aggregate form” refers to a format of information where personal information is compiled and expressed in a summary form where no personal identifiers are included.
For ease of reference, we generally refer to those various technologies as “Cookies”.
2. What types of Cookies might we use?
First Party Cookies. Our Website uses first party Cookies, which are specific to us. These Cookies enable us to operate an efficient service and to track patterns of user behavior to our Website.
Third Party Cookies. We also allow third parties to place Cookies on your device or browser.
When we allow third parties to access our Website to place such Cookie, we do not retain control over the information collected by it. This information is controlled by that third party according to its privacy policy.
The Cookies that we use on our Website are the following:
Strictly Necessary Cookies. These cookies are necessary for the Website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of our Website may no longer work as intended. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
Performance Cookies. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our Website. We use various tools such as Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the Website. Performance cookies can also be used to identify and remedy operational problems with the Website. All information these cookies collect is aggregated. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our Website and will not be able to monitor its performance.
Functionality Cookies. These cookies enable the Website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Social Media Cookies. These cookies are set by a range of social media services that we have added to the Website to enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They are capable of tracking your browser across other sites and building up a profile of your interests. This may impact the content and messages you see on other websites you visit. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to use or see these sharing tools on our Website.
Targeting or Advertising Cookies. These cookies may be set through our Website by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
3. How can I manage cookies?
At any time, you can refuse cookies that are not necessary for the proper functioning and security of our Website, modify your cookie preferences, or accept all cookies by clicking the Cookie Setting link in the footer on the Website. Please note that disabling, blocking or deleting some types of cookies may impair the quality of your experience on our Website and may reduce certain features of our Website.
You can disable, block, delete and manage cookies in the internet browser on your device. These tools are generally available in the browser settings. You can also use the quick links below, based on the browser that you are using:
Internet Explorer (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17442/windows-nternet-explorer-delete-manage-cookies)
Microsoft Edge (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/manage-cookies-in-microsoft-edge-view-allow-block-delete-and-use-168dab11-0753-043d-7c16-ede5947fc64d)
Google Chrome (https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en&co+GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop)
Firefox (https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/block-websites-storing-cookies-site-data-firefox)
Safari (https://help.apple.com/safari/mac/8.0/en.lproj/sfri11471.html)
There are other tools you can use to opt-out of the collection and use of Information for ad-targeting. For example, visit the Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada Consumer Choice (http://www.aboutads.info/choices/) website for more information.
For more information about how we handle your personal information, please contact OCAS at 519-763-2363 or at privacyofficer@ocas.ca.
Changes to this Cookie Notice
We reserve the right to modify this Cookie Notice from time to time. If we make any changes to this Cookie Notice, we will change the “Last Update” date below, post the updates on this page, and ask you to re-consent use of cookies.
This Cookie Notice was last updated on: February 3, 2026
