Faculty of Arts

Co-operative Education Option

Assistant Director of Co-operative Education
Karen McCargar, BA, ext. 4105

All full-time honours students in the Faculty of Arts may apply for the Co-op Option, which provides an opportunity for participants to integrate their academic studies with work experience in co-operating organizations.

Faculty of Arts co-op students complete two work terms of at least 10 weeks each, in approved employment related to their discipline or career goals. Students begin the first work term after completing at least four academic terms. Normally work terms will be completed during the summer after Year 2 and Year 3, although work term requirements may also be fulfilled through full- or part-time positions scheduled during one academic year.

To obtain the co-op designation, students must successfully complete all the requirements of both their academic program and the option. For a complete description of the academic program, refer to the academic program requirements of the departments offering honours programs.

Students successfully completing the option will have the notation "Co-operative Option" appended to their transcripts and noted on their degree. No academic credit is given for participation in co-op.

The development of suitable work term positions for co-op students is under the direction of the Department of Co-operative Education. Students apply to employers with whom they are interested in working. Employers are encouraged to interview on campus. Students prepare for the job search by attending workshops and individual counselling sessions.

Although employment cannot be guaranteed, every effort is made to ensure that suitable employment is available for students admitted to the option. Each position is approved as a suitable learning situation, and students are engaged in productive work. Their progress is monitored by the Co-op Office and their performance is supervised and evaluated by their employers. Students are compensated by their employers for work performed, unless students elect to accept volunteer positions.

A co-op fee is payable in each academic term of Year 2 and Year 3.