Co-operative Education

Navigating Your Work Term Experience

Your Co-op work term is a pivotal opportunity to apply classroom learning in a professional setting, build valuable skills, and expand your network. This page provides key resources and guidance to help you make the most of your Co-op experience. Explore how to navigate expectations, enhance your professional development, and succeed in your work term.

Components of your Work Term

1. Receive a Job Offer

Once you are selected as the successful candidate for a position, contact the Co-op Office either before or after signing the contract to proceed with the next steps.

2. Connect with Co-op Office

  • Submit Signed Offer Letter: Send your signed offer letter to the Co-op Office.
  • Receive Confirmation: Wait for confirmation from the Co-op Office.
  • Course Registration: The Co-op course will be registered as an academic non-credit course and will appear on both your academic and MyExperience transcripts.

Co-op Office

3. Attend Send Off

If this is your first Co-op Work Term course, attend the mandatory Send Off session before starting your work placement. You will receive an email with scheduling information before your Co-op Work Term begins. This session will prepare you for employee and Co-op standards, workplace expectations, professional conduct, payment schedules, and navigating your Co-op experience.

You will be assigned a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Instructor who will assess your work placement and course. They will contact you after the university's add/drop deadlines.

Your WIL Instructor will grade your assignments, conduct monitor visits, and support your personal and professional development throughout the course.

4. Work Term Student Status

While in your work term, you will maintain your full-time student status with financial loans, Students Union and Health Plan, Universal Bus Pass (UPass), and registration privileges.

Important Reminders:

  • Opt-Out Responsibilities: You must opt out of Health Benefits or the UPass before the ULSU's opt-out deadlines if you do not wish to use these services.
  • Scholarships and Awards: If you have questions or concerns about scholarships or awards, contact the Scholarships & Student Finance Office for assistance.
  • Course Enrollment During Co-op: You may be permitted to take one course in addition to your work term, but you must contact the Co-op Office before the semester starts to submit a request. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis, considering your past GPA, work/life balance, and program planning. Keep in mind that your primary focus should be on your co-op work term, as it is full-time and includes academic assignments.

5. Co-op Work Term Curriculum

Co-op work terms are graded on a pass/fail basis. To successfully complete each work term or semester, the following requirements must be met:

  • Monthly Assignments: Complete three monthly assignments or reports as specified by your Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Instructor.
  • Monitor Visit: Participate in a monitor visit involving your WIL Instructor, yourself, and your co-op supervisor to discuss progress and address any concerns.
  • Final Project: Submit a final project, which can be either a completed presentation or participation in a focus group.

Tip: Establish and maintain good communication with your WIL Instructor and the co-op office. They can provide valuable assistance and guidance in navigating any challenges or concerns that arise during your co-op semester.

6. Co-op Designation

The Co-op designation signifies that students have completed the required number of months of discipline-related work experience, showcasing their ability to apply theory to practice and their professional development. Each program and student type are below. This designation indicates to employers that graduates are ready for the workforce and life.

Student Type Work Terms Required for Designation Maximum Work Terms
Domestic Undergrad 3 (12 months) 6 (24 months)
International Undergrad 3 (12 months) 3 (12 months)
Domestic Grad 2 (8 months) 4 (16 months)
International Grad 2 (8 months) 2 (8 months)

Combined Degree
(e.g., BSc/BMgt, BA/BSc, BFA/BMgt)

  • For combined degree students, the designation is applied to the degree with the most work terms.
  • Domestic students can receive the Co-op designation on both degrees by completing at least 2 work terms per degree program.