The Co-op Process

Co-op Policy Agreement 

You should read and remain familiar with the Co-op Policy Agreement, especially the responsibilities you have as a student in the co-op program. Refer to the agreement throughout your degree if you have any questions regarding the co-op policy.

Co-op Fees

For degree co-op programs, co-op fees are required for 8 academic semesters and all registered co-op work terms.  Co-op fee rates can be found here. For associate diploma co-op programs, co-op fees are required for 2 academic semesters.Your co-op fees will appear on your regular tuition bill. Please see the Co-op Policy Agreement for further details.

Getting Started 

Undergraduate degree co-op students normally complete 3 or 4 academic semesters before their first work term (program specific) and associate diploma co-op students complete 2 academic semesters before their first work term Continuation requirements for Co-op students include:

  • Taking a full-time course load each semester (minimum 2.0 credits per semester is required unless an approved accommodation plan has been implemented due to a disability-related reason or an approved accommodation due to medical, psychological, or compassionate reasons).
  • Following your Co-op program schedule* as specified in the Undergraduate Calendar or Associate Diploma Calendar* or as approved by your Program Counsellor and the

**Note: You will need to follow the appropriate schedule for the year that you started your program. For example, if you started your program in Fall 2020, then you should follow the 2020-2021 Undergraduate Calendar or Associate Diploma Calendar (not the most recent version). Be sure to check the Archived section of the Academic Calendars if you are following an older version.

**Note: In the Undergraduate Calendar and Associate Diploma Calendar, the degree or associate diploma program followed by :C (a colon and the letter C) denotes co-op; for example, MEF:C is co-op.


Introduction to Co-operative Education Course

COOP*1100 is a mandatory, non-credit course for all Co-op students.

Introduction to Co-operative Education  (COOP*1100 for Degree Co-op Programs & COOP*1120 for Associate Diploma Co-op Programs) is a mandatory, non-credit course for all Co-op students. 

The course will help you to:

  • Identify and market your skills and achievements
  • Create a well-structured resume
  • Write articulate and targeted cover letters
  • Prepare for and perform well in an interview
  • Navigate the steps of the Co-op employment process
  • Display the professional behaviours expected in a workplace
You will take a manditory "Introduction to Co-operative Education" course in either your second or third semester for degree co-op programs and in your first semester for associate diploma co-op programs.  This is in addition to your regular courses, according to the academic schedule for your program as specified in the Undergraduate Calendar or Associate Diploma Calendar. This course and your final grade of Outstanding Pass (OP), Pass (P) or Fail (F) will appear on your official transcript. 

Get Involved Early!

To make yourself a stronger candidate, you should start thinking about building your skill set before your first work term.

Consider the following:

  • Get involved with a club or student organization on campus. 
  • If your schedule permits, for degree co-op students, find a summer job or an unpaid internship between first and second year. Try to target opportunities related to your field of study. You can get great references if you demonstrate a good work ethic and do a good job.
  • Volunteer with an organization relevant to your field or explore experiential learning opportunities on campus.

Support

The Co-op Foundations Coordinators are your resource for any information, questions or concerns up to your first work term job search. On-Campus Coordinator is your resource for any information, questions or concerns up to your first work term job search.