Work Terms

As an integral component of Co-operative Education Programs, students are employed for a number of work terms, which are arranged and evaluated by the individual departments. Co-op program coordinators must review all potential Co-op positions and evaluate their suitability for work term credit. Coordinators may determine some positions as unsuitable.

Work terms, normally of four months' duration, begin in January, May, and September. Normally, the expected number of weeks per work term is 15 and the expected number of hours per week is 35. The minimum number of weeks per work term is 12 and the minimum number of hours per week is 35. Work terms generally alternate with full-time academic terms on campus, and provide productive and paid, full-time work experience that is related to the student's program of studies and individual interests. In special circumstances, approval may be granted for a work term to be undertaken on a more flexible schedule, as long as it does not exceed eight months and the total time worked is equivalent to a four-month term of full-time work. Normally, students are expected to end their program on an academic term.

In limited situations, students may be admitted on a provisional basis into a co-operative education program pending formal admission into the related academic program; such students may, with special authorization by the Executive Director, Co-operative Education, on the recommendation of the academic director responsible for admission to the academic program, undertake a first Co-op work term.

In such cases, the Co-op work term will be recorded on the student's transcript as COOP 001 and the program as COOP, and, if successfully completed, will be accepted as one of the required work terms for the student's Co-op program.

Students registered for work terms are considered to be enrolled in a full-time course of studies.

4.5 units of academic credit are awarded for each approved work term successfully completed according to the requirements of the various faculties and their co-op programs. These credits may only be applied to completion of the work term requirement of an approved co-op program. These work term credits may not be applied towards the graduation requirements for any degree or program except in fulfillment of the co-op work term requirement as noted above.

Work Term Preparation

Co-op students are expected to complete successfully a program of seminars and workshops (typically one hour per week), prior to undertaking their first work term. This program is designed to prepare students for the work term. The following topics will be covered: Co-op program objectives/expectations, job seeking skills, competencies self-assessment, transferring skills to the workplace, learning objectives, job performance progress, competencies development and evaluation. Students should consult with their coordinator for program schedule information. This program is a co-requisite for students participating in the placement process prior to their first work term.

Work Term Credit By Challenge

Certain Co-op programs allow students to challenge a work term on the basis of relevant work experience undertaken prior to their first work term. Normally a work term challenge should be made prior to commencing the first work term. Students should discuss any potential challenge with the Co-op Coordinator for their program. Not all programs permit Work Term Challenge; where it is permitted, it is subject to the following regulations:

1. Students must be registered in the session in which the work term challenge is to be recorded.
2. Application forms for Work Term Challenge may be obtained from and submitted to the Co-op Program Coordinator for approval to challenge, after which the Challenge fee is assessed.
3. Normally, work term credit by Challenge is limited to one work term; exceptions require recommendation by the Program coordinator and the approval of the Executive Director of the Co-operative Education Program.
4. Assessment of Work Term Challenge will be carried out by the appropriate Co-op Program, based on the following:
   1. an aggregate of relevant work experience that is similar in length and scope to that of a registered work term and not previously counted toward work term credit. Normally, the expected number of weeks per work term is 15 and the expected number of hours per week is 35. The minimum number of weeks per work term is 12 and the minimum number of hours per week is 35
   2. where possible, written confirmation of employment and evaluation of performance from the employer
   3. an outline by the student of the prior work experience, providing evidence that he/she has acquired professional and personal knowledge, skills and attributes appropriate to the discipline or interdisciplinary field
   4. a work term submission appropriate to the discipline or interdisciplinary field
5. Once the assessment has been administered, the result will be entered on the student's academic record.