What doesn’t matter to you now, will matter later.
When your classes are running smoothly, schedules are routine and nothing feels urgent, it is easy to ignore student issues that don’t seem to affect you personally. It can be tempting to think that any policy changes are someone else’s problem. Besides, with assignment deadlines approaching, there isn’t time to think about other students’ situations anyway.
Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, however, provincial policy changes have raised serious concerns about the future of post-secondary education in Ontario. From changes to student funding to new legislation affecting campus services, these decisions have the power to reshape student life in ways many may not realize until it is too late.
That’s exactly why these situations matter now.
Student issues rarely stay limited to one group. What affects some students today will shape the post-secondary experience of everyone tomorrow.
Shaping your campus experience
The student experience is more than the announcements and emails you receive. It shapes what your daily life on campus looks like.
And with changes in policies, they can influence:
- Your access to support services
- Number of courses to choose from
- Clubs, events and student spaces
- Your co-ops and future career opportunities
Even if you are not directly impacted by one decision, the environment around you changes. A campus with fewer resources, less flexibility or more pressure affects every student trying to learn and succeed.
The ripple effect
Many student issues start small. A policy may seem like it only affects one area and shouldn’t matter to you at all. But the consequences spread.
Think, for example, if students lose financial support, they may need to work more hours. That can lead to more stress, more tiredness and lower attendance and participation in campus life.
One change can create a ripple effect across multiple classrooms and faculties.
Recap of changes in OSAP
One of the biggest concerns this year has been the changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
OSAP currently provides funding through a mix of grants and loans. Grants do not need to be repaid. Recent changes will have students receive only a maximum of 25 per cent of their OSAP funding in grants, as compared to the previous proportion of up to 85 per cent in grants.
Along with this, the province is also lifting its seven-year tuition freeze for domestic students.
This means students will have to face higher tuition costs, more long-term debt and increased pressure to work while studying.
With these changes, students’ access to education becomes harder and delays their career development.
Why Bill 33 matters
The passing of Bill 33, also known as the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, has also introduced concerns.
One major issue is the government gaining more authority over ancillary fees. These fees help fund student unions and many services like Zen Zone, Sleep lounge or SoupBar that students use every day.
Another concern is the proposal of merit-based admissions processes, which critics say could reduce diversity and make it harder for students to transfer or switch programs.
If supports like student clubs, campus events, food programs or wellness spaces are reduced then the effects will be felt in your daily student life
Time is Money
The Time is Money campaign highlights another recurring issue that students should care about: unpaid internships.
Many students have experienced their internship asking them to work for free in exchange for “experience,” creating an unfair barrier.
Students who are unable to afford unpaid internships are forced to choose jobs that may not be career-advancing. This can lead to burnout, financial pressure, delayed graduation, etc.
Student time has value. Experience should not come at the cost of fairness.
Slow disappearance of future opportunities
Not every student issue comes with a dramatic headline. Sometimes opportunities disappear quietly.
A reduced budget may mean fewer campus jobs. Less funding may shrink networking events or mentorship programs. Changes to student services may remove the very spaces that help students feel supported.
Students often realize the value of these resources only after they are gone.
That is why paying attention early matters.
What you can do
So what can you do about it?
You do not need to be a policy expert to make a difference. Small actions still matter.
You can:
- Stay informed and spread awareness
- Attend discussions and rallies
- Speak up when something feels unfair
- Have your voice heard with your experiences
- Read updates and keep yourself in the loop
Awareness is often the first and best step towards change.
Make it matter now
Student issues matter long before they become personal. They directly impact the cost of education, on-campus support systems and future opportunities.
Ignoring them just because they do not affect you yet can also mean noticing them when it’s too late. Even if you are doing fine today, the policies being shaped now will affect your future class, campus experience and even your finances.
Caring now allows you to protect the future you are working towards. So make it matter now.
Feature photo courtesy of IGNITE
Cluttered devices? Check out how to clean your devices at the end of the school year
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for all things student life.
