Co-op is a great opportunity to learn, expand your skill set, build your network, and earn a bit of cash. But the program does come with responsibilities.

Initial Responsibilities

Before the start of your first work term, you'll have to take care of a few things:

1. Attend all co-op workshops which focus on the development of pre-employment skills
2. Pay the pre-employment workshop fee by the date provided by Science Co-op
3. Initiate an independent search for an appropriate work term placement using both personal contacts and the resources of the Co-op office, and ensure that all offers of employment are directed through the office
4. Prepare for interviews, which includes researching both the company and the job posted
5. Accept work term placements in consultation with your Coordinator
6. Pay your Co-op course fees for every four-month work term
7. Review Work Term Checklist under "Forms"
8. Contact your faculty advisor or coordinator to discuss your work term expectations

Academic Requirements

A co-op work term does not replace or add academic course credits for that term and the credits are not counted towards graduation. You're responsible for ensuring that you meet all of the Faculty and program requirements applicable to your degree and year, in addition to the requirements for your Co-op program. Contact your faculty advisor for questions.

Contacting your Coordinator

Your Co-op Coordinator has an open door policy or office hours. If you have an urgent issue to discuss with your Coordinator, you should e-mail or phone your Coordinator to arrange a convenient meeting time. Interact with your Coordinator as much as possible. He or she will provide guidance, direction and feedback during your participation in this program. Your Coordinator also needs to be able to get in touch with you! Update your contact information on PlacePro everytime your contact information changes.

Evaluation

To complete your work term successfully, you must receive a satisfactory evaluation from your employer and a 'Pass' on your work term report. Specifically, the evaluation process requires you to:

1. Meet with your supervisor to go over your employer's evaluation of your performance review for the work term
2. Complete the student evaluation of work term in PlacePro, providing thorough answers
3. Complete your Work Term Report and submit it to your work supervisor for review on or before the last working day of your work term
4. Ensure that the Co-op office receives your work term report the week following the completion of your term

International Students

1. All International students are required to have an Employment Authorization from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). You'll need to obtain and submit a letter of support from the Co-op office when you apply for an Employment Authorization. Please give 24 hours notice when requesting this letter from the Co-op Office. Applications for an Employment Authurization are available from the CIC website or at International House
2. Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from any Canada Employment Centre before your first work placement
3. If your status changes during your participation in Co-op, please notify the office immediately, as this will affect your eligibility for employment with a number of government agencies

For further clarification, arrange an appointment with your coordinator or an international student advisor at International House.

Exception Policy

Any circumstance or situation that affects your Co-op eligibility must be discussed with your coordinator. Your situation will be reviewed and you will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.