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The Ontario Student Assistance Program was a scheme offered through the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities. It provided financial assistance to 4 difference strands of full-time students by way of, part interest-free loan and part grant. Loans were provided interest-free until six months after the student’s graduation or cessation of full-time study, at which time interest was charged at the prime bank rate. Awards ranged from as little as $50 to as much as $2300 depending upon the Government assessment of the student’s need. As an example, full-time academic fees at Scarborough College, part of the University of Toronto, ranged from $500 to $750 per year depending on the course load and sex (women’s fees were lower).

The contents of this simple informational leaflet is purely functional typesetting, but it’s the covers where G+A designer Tiit Telmet manages to visualize the process of application in stunning simplicity. The 4 applicant types are represented by 4 tracked (green and yellow) strands. These strands simultaneously reach a point where they all hit a barrier, a change in their trajectory and a point of required assistance. Once resolved, the paths continue on a new, continued course through to a natural culmination the rear face. Typography is all Helvetica, the provincial corporate typeface.

There are two editions of this artefact, one in English (this version) and one in French. Canada Modern hold both editions in the permanent collection.

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