Andre De Freitas, EdD
Revolutionizing Ontario's Higher Education with AI: Driving Retention, Access, and Innovation
With over two decades of experience in policy advocacy, research, and AI-driven digital transformation, I develop scalable, data-driven solutions that enhance student success, financial aid accessibility, and workforce integration—empowering institutions to create equitable, future-ready education systems.
AI in Higher Education & Policy Transformation Expert
Leading Ontario’s Higher Ed AI Transformation
Ontario's universities and colleges are at a crossroads. The future demands a scalable, AI-powered
education system that enhances student retention, financial aid accessibility, and workforce alignment.
My approach integrates: AI-driven research, data-driven policymaking, and multi-sector collaboration to create sustainable, future-ready solutions saving institutions $$$ MILLIONS $$$
Revolutionizing Financial Aid Processing with AI
📌 The Current Challenge:
Ontario’s OSAP processing is slow, manual, and inefficient, leading to delays in funding, student frustration, and institutional bottlenecks.
📌 The AI Solution:
🔹 Automated OSAP Processing – AI-powered chatbots & voicebots streamline financial aid inquiries.
🔹 Faster Service Delivery – Reduces processing time witn NO FUNDING DELAYS.
🔹 Scalable Across Government Services – ServiceOntario integration can extend to immigration,
credential recognition, and employment services.
Impact: This AI-driven solution reduces administrative burdens, minimizes errors, and enhances student financial access.
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Transforming Student Engagement with AI
Bringing AI-Driven Student Success Solutions to Ontario
📌 The Current Challenge:
Postsecondary institutions struggle with student retention, engagement, and personalized support. Traditional methods fail to identify at-risk students early.
📌 The AI Solution:
🔹 AI-Powered Student Engagement – We personalize communication, ensuring timely interventions.
🔹 Predictive Retention Analytics – Uses AI to flag students at risk of dropping out before it happens.
🔹 AI-Enhanced CRM for Universities – Automates advising, communication, and student success planning.
🔹 Automated Services – Students can access a counsellor, advisor or service support 24/7.
Impact: Institutions using our partnered platform have seen higher retention rates, improved student satisfaction, and increased efficiency in student services.
Building Curriculum-Aligned Courses in Minutes with AI
📌 The Current Challenge:
Ontario’s curriculum development is slow, manual, and resource-intensive, delaying course updates and limiting flexibility.
📌 The AI Solution:
🔹 Instant Course Creation – Generate full courses, assessments, and adaptive content in minutes.
🔹 Ontario Curriculum Standards Alignment – AI ensures compliance with provincia frameworks.
🔹 Scalability for All Institutions – Enables seamless adoption across universities, colleges, and MCU.
My approach empowers educators to build, modify, and deploy courses faster, ensuring curriculum agility and innovation.
AI-Powered Chatbot for
Ontario’s Student Services
A Unified AI Assistant for Seamless Student Support
Ontario’s student services are fragmented, leading to delays and inconsistent support across institutions. My AI-powered chatbot serves as a centralized, 24/7 assistant, providing instant support for OSAP, financial aid, academic advising, mental health, career services, and more.
🔹 One-Stop Student Support – Answers inquiries across all student service areas.
🔹 Multi-Institution Integration – Connects universities, colleges, and ServiceOntario.
🔹 AI-Powered Personalization – Delivers tailored guidance, reminders, and next steps.
🔹 Scalable & Efficient – Reduces staff workloads while improving service accessibility.
By implementing AI-driven automation, Ontario institutions can streamline student services, enhance accessibility, and ensure students get the support they need—when they need it.
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The Future of Education:
Ontario's AI-Driven Digital Transformation
Presentation
COU, HEQCO & NJM Consulting
Discussion Paper
by Storm 2.0
2025 SMA's and Ontario Funding Models
Research by EdVisingU
Podcast
Research Paper
Whitepaper
Podcast
How I Future-Proof Higher-Ed Institutions
Strategic Enrollment & Retention
I take a data-driven, student-centered approach to enrollment and retention. By integrating predictive analytics with holistic advising and early intervention strategies, I help institutions proactively support students, ensuring they persist, graduate, and thrive.
Next-Gen Financial Aid & Scholarships
Access to education should never be limited by financial barriers. I streamline financial aid processes, advocate for equitable funding policies, and implement strategic scholarship programs to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.
Digital Engagement & Community
Today’s students expect connection, inclusion, and engagement beyond the classroom. I develop digital strategies, social media initiatives, and student-centered communications that enhance institutional relationships and increase participation in campus life.
Enhancing Support with Innovation
Technology should enhance, not replace, student services. I leverage
AI, automation, and innovative systems to make services more
accessible while ensuring that students receive high-touch,
personalized support that meets their unique needs.
Empowering Career Readiness & Leadership Development
Student success extends beyond graduation. I design career development programs, leadership pathways, and experiential learning opportunities that equip students with real-world skills
and professional networks to launch their careers.
Future-Ready Course & Micro-Credential Solutions
Launch adaptive, AI-enhanced learning experiences that
bridge the gap between traditional degrees and in-demand
workforce skills. We build curriculum that is already 2030 ready!
Leaders Trust My Approach to Success
I had the pleasure of working with Andre during his time at Algonquin College. Andre has a deep understanding of the post-secondary sector and emulated a profound respect for learning and commitment to students.
Andre is fueled by engaging his team and dedicating his time to his department, and team member's, successes. He proved himself to be a caring leader who acts with integrity and respect. He offered the time to understand what my goals were and invested himself in my growth by holding me accountable to take the next steps.
Although our time working together was far too short, I would recommend Andre for any position whereby engagement, leadership, and commitment to education are at the heart of the role.
Charmaine Childs, CCMP
Communications and Change Management Algonquin College
Andre is a resilient, steadfast individual who embraces the relentless reality of change with strength and patience. I witnessed Andre work through iterations of his dissertation in practice in a way that showcased his ability to persist and succeed. I admired his ability to balance several priorities during our time together at Western.
Andre is a caring and empathetic person. He has a deep respect for students from diverse backgrounds and educational experiences including first generation students. He fosters a sense of belonging for his peers and offers encouragement and a safe space.
Andre likely thrives in a space that prioritizes creativity and innovation. He is happy to “roll up his sleeves” and dive into complex and ambiguous problems with no readily available solutions. He is able to connect institutional priorities with his own vision for change at a local level.
Danielle Palombi, EdD
Academic Chair
Seneca Polytechnic
Andre demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to my personal growth and attainment of goals, despite not holding a formal managerial role in relation to my academic journey.
Through open and frequent communication, Andre delved into an in-depth exploration of my aspirations and ambitions, ultimately enabling me to recognize the full extent of my potential and empowering me to strive for their realization. Going above and beyond, Andre invested countless hours in meticulously preparing and equipping me with the necessary resources and skills to excel.
In his capacity as a teacher and student-services professional, Andre exemplifies the quintessential qualities one would expect to find in such esteemed roles: kindness, willingness to offer guidance, attentiveness, resourcefulness, and an unwavering support system. His ability to motivate students along their academic paths is truly remarkable, fostering an environment conducive to growth and development.
Alison Furtado. M.Ed
Higher Education Strategist & Advisor
York University
"Education is the foundation of a thriving society, and transformative leadership is key to ensuring its resilience, accessibility, and alignment with the future of work. I am committed to driving innovation, equity, and strategic reform in Ontario’s postsecondary landscape to empower learners and strengthen institutions for generations to come."
- Dr. Andre De Freitas
My Approach – A Strategic 5-Step Policy & Research Framework
1
I begin by conducting in-depth analysis of policy landscapes, labor market trends, and workforce integration barriers. This involves engaging with government agencies, employers, education leaders, and immigrant support organizations to assess policy gaps, credential recognition challenges, and economic mobility obstacles. The goal is to build evidence-based, equitable strategies that drive systemic change.
2
I conduct a comprehensive analysis of workforce trends, talent mobility barriers, and policy effectiveness. Using AI-driven research, predictive modeling, and cross-sector collaboration, I identify the gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities in workforce integration, government policies, and global credential recognition.
3
I focus on scalable, AI-powered policy frameworks that enhance credential recognition, workforce participation, and economic inclusion. Whether it’s modernizing licensing processes, automating workforce credentialing, or enhancing policy efficiency, my approach ensures that solutions are strategic, data-informed, and equitable.
4
High-impact policy solutions require ongoing assessment, stakeholder feedback, and iterative refinement. I establish performance tracking systems that analyze employment outcomes, credential recognition success rates, and economic mobility impact—ensuring policies remain adaptive, evidence-based, and effective.
5
My work doesn’t stop at implementation. I help institutions, policymakers, and workforce agencies refine policies through long-term impact studies, stakeholder engagement, and data-backed decision-making. My approach is rooted in collaboration, equity, and a commitment to building long-term economic opportunities.
Bold policy leadership. Data-driven innovation. Systemic impact. Let’s build a future where every learner has the support they need to thrive.
My mission is to create a policy and research framework where economic and social mobility is accessible to all. If your organization is looking for bold, evidence-based, and equity-driven leadership to enhance workforce integration, credential recognition, and policy impact,
let’s connect and build the future together.
OUR SOLUTIONS
LEARNERS & STUDENTS
OUR BRANDS & PARTNERS