Co-opStudentHandbook

Ó March2007RevisedDecember2017

TRUCareerEducationDepartmentCo-operativeEducationProgramsOM1712(OldMainBuilding)

OfficeHours:8:30am-4:00pmPhone:250.371.5627

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TableofContentsProgramOverview..........................................................................................................................4Introduction:TheCo-opAdvantage...........................................................................................4WhatisCo-operativeEducation?...............................................................................................4Co-opProgramsatTRU..............................................................................................................5MaximizingOpportunitiesinCo-op...........................................................................................5Co-opforCredit..........................................................................................................................6

Admission,Continuation,andWithdrawal....................................................................................8AdmissiontotheCo-opProgram...............................................................................................8ContinuationintheCo-opProgram...........................................................................................8WithdrawingfromtheCo-opProgram......................................................................................9

ActivitiesPriortoaWorkTerm....................................................................................................10COOP1000...............................................................................................................................10PostingandCompetitionProcess.............................................................................................10Interviews.................................................................................................................................11JobOffers.................................................................................................................................12AcceptingaJob.........................................................................................................................12RejectingaJob..........................................................................................................................12ReturningtotheSameEmployer.............................................................................................12DevelopingYourOwnCo-opWorkTerm.................................................................................13WorkTermRegistrationandTuition........................................................................................13

WorkTermExpectations..............................................................................................................14CommunicationwiththeCo-opOffice.....................................................................................14FailuretoReport......................................................................................................................14TransportationandAccommodation.......................................................................................14OntheJob................................................................................................................................14LearningObjectives..................................................................................................................15Vacations..................................................................................................................................15Strikes.......................................................................................................................................16Layoffs......................................................................................................................................16Resignations.............................................................................................................................16Termination..............................................................................................................................16ConfidentialityandConflictofInterest....................................................................................16

WorkTermEvaluation..................................................................................................................17WhatisRequiredtoSuccessfullyCompleteaWorkTerm?.....................................................17Co-opWorkTermSiteVisit......................................................................................................17PreparingfortheSiteVisit.......................................................................................................18

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EmployerEvaluation................................................................................................................18StudentEvaluation...................................................................................................................18

WorkTermReport.......................................................................................................................19OverviewofWorkTermReportGuidelines.............................................................................19SubmissionDeadlines...............................................................................................................20WorkTermReportEvaluationProcedures...............................................................................21Plagiarism.................................................................................................................................21

CareerPortfolio............................................................................................................................23GeneralReport.............................................................................................................................24DocumentReport.........................................................................................................................26TechnicalReport..........................................................................................................................28ReflectiononCo-opExperiences..................................................................................................29OralPresentation.........................................................................................................................30Co-opGradingSystem&OfficialTranscript.................................................................................31FailureofaWorkTerm.................................................................................................................32FrequentlyAskedQuestions........................................................................................................33

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PROGRAMOVERVIEWIntroduction:TheCo-opAdvantageTheTRUCo-opprogramisanopportunityforstudentstointegrateacademicstudywithpracticalexperiences in various fields and explore different career options. Employers prefer to hirestudents,gradsandalumniwithexperienceandCo-opcanbethekeythathelpspreparestudentsfortheirdreamjobandcareer.Studentswill receive Co-operative Education recognition on their Diploma or Degree if theysuccessfullycompletealloftherequiredworktermsfortheirprogram.EmployersthroughoutCanadaandaroundtheworldarerecognizingtheaddedvalueagraduatefromaCo-opprogramcanbringtoanorganization.TheyarelookingforgraduateswiththatCo-oprecognition!This Co-operative Education Student Handbook describes the Co-op Program requirements,regulationsandproceduresinplaceatTRU.TopicsincluderegulationsandproceduresrelatedtoadmissionintoCo-op,activitiespriortoafirstCo-opworkterm,activitiesduringaworkterm,followingeachworkterm,andworktermevaluations.AllCo-operativeEducationstudentsareexpectedtoreadandfollowTRUCo-opregulationsandpoliciesoutlinedintheStudentHandbookandtheTRUCalendarwhileparticipatingintheCo-opoption.StudentsmustalsosignandsubmitacopyoftheTRUCo-opRequirements&RegulationsAgreement(providedatthefirstCOOP1000class).WhatisCo-operativeEducation?Co-operativeEducation(Co-op)atTRUfollowsnationalstandardsestablishedbytheCanadianAssociation for Co-operative Education (CAFCE). The TRU Co-op model allows students toalternatebetweensemester(s)ofacademiccourseworkwithtimeinpaidfull-timeemployment,repeatingthiscycleseveraltimesuntilgraduation.AtTRU,studentsenterCo-opatvariouspointsintheireducationdependingonprogramrequirements.Whilethesummersemesteristhemostcommontimetocompletework-terms,studentsarerequiredtocompletework-termsinthefalland/orwintersemesterstocompletetheirCo-opdesignation.Co-opwork-termsinthefallandwintersemesterprovidesstudentswithadditionalexperiencetheywouldnotnormallyreceiveduringthesummer.In accordance with CAFCE definitions, Co-op work terms are normally paid, monitored,supervised,andevaluated.TheCo-opmodelincludesschool-basedandwork-basedlearningandincludesactivitiessuchasapre-employmentnoncreditcourse,Coordinatorworksitevisits,worktermreports,andperformanceevaluations. Theseactivitieshelpstudentsconnectworkandlearning.

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Currently,over300studentsparticipateintheTRUCo-opprograms.Studentshavetheoptiontocompletefour,eight,or12monthworktermsduringtheirstudies.Normallystudentsworkonafull-time,paidbasis.WorktermsbegininSeptember,JanuaryandMay.Co-opProgramsatTRUThefollowingDegreeprogramsoffertheCo-operativeEducationoption:

• BachelorofArts(BA)-ExceptJournalism• BachelorofBusinessAdministration(BBA)• BachelorofComputingScience(BCS)• BachelorofTourismManagement(BTM)• BachelorofNaturalResourceSciences(BNRS)• BachelorofScience(Biology)• BachelorofScience(ChemicalBiology)• BachelorofScience(Chemistry/EnvironmentalChemistry)• BachelorofScience(ComputingScience)• BachelorofScience(Mathematics)• BachelorofScience(Physics)• BachelorofInterdisciplinaryStudies(BIS)• EngineeringTransfer

ThefollowingDiplomaprogramsoffertheCo-operativeEducationoption:

• ComputingScienceDiploma(FormerlyCSOM)MaximizingOpportunitiesinCo-opCo-opeducationisanacademicprogram;itisnotajobplacementservice.Thelabourmarketiscompetitiveandemployersdecide ifandwhotheywillhire.Success inobtainingCo-opworktermsdependsontheeffortmadebythestudent. StudentsmustcompeteforemploymentopportunitiesandTRUdoesnotguaranteeaworkterm.TheskillsacquiredbeforeenteringCo-opareimportant,astheyoftendistinguishTRUstudentsfromotherapplicants.Co-opcanassiststudentsinpresentingtheseskills.Studentsmustmakesure that their résumé and cover letters are carefully prepared and effectively develop solidinterview skills. Co-op Coordinators assist with gaining these skills through COOP 1000 andthroughindividualadvisingappointments.ThevalueofCo-opasalearningexperiencedependsonthestudent.WhileintheCo-opProgramatTRU,studentsshouldlistthethingstheywanttolearn,theareasinwhichtheywanttogainexperience and the personal qualities and abilities theywant to improve. It is important to

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discussthesecareergoalswithaCo-opCoordinator.Co-opCoordinatorsareavailabletohelpstudentsidentifyspecificandgeneralgoalsthattheycanfocusonwhileworkingoninordertomeasure individual progress and return to TRU with more self-confidence and a sense ofachievement.Bothstudentsandemployershaveobjectivesandexpectations.Theworktermisanopportunityforstudentstogainknowledgeandexperience.Itisimportanttorealizethateachemployermayview it somewhat differently. Employers want reliable, conscientious and experiencedemployeeswhoareworththesalarypaid.Co-opforCreditTRUisthefirstandonlyuniversityinBCtooffernon-mandatoryCo-opforcredit.Starting January 2011, all Co-opwork termswill count for either elective or additive credit.Depending on the program, students can earn from 3 to 6 credits towards their graduationrequirements.CreditstructureforBachelordegreeprograms:• Arts–withapprovalfromtheFacultyofArts,1Co-opworktermmaybeassigned3lower

level elective credits outside of Arts & Sciences. Any additional Co-op work terms areassignedadditivecredit.

• BusinessAdministration–TheSchoolofBusinessandEconomics iscurrentlydetermining

thevalueofcreditsavailableforCo-op;however,potentially,1or2worktermsmaybeusedforupto6non-businesselectivecredits.Anyadditionalworktermsareassignedadditivecredit.

• Computing Science – 1 work term can be used for 3 lower level elective credits. Any

additionalworktermsareassignedadditivecredit.• Science– 1 work term can be used for 3 lower level, non-science elective credits. Any

additionalworktermsareassignedadditivecredit.• NaturalResourceScience-1worktermcanbeusedfor3lowerlevelelectivecredits.Any

additionalworktermsareassignedadditivecredit.• TourismManagement–1or2worktermscanbeused forupto6non-businesselective

credits.Anyadditionalworktermsareassignedadditivecredit.

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• InterdisciplinaryStudies–1or2worktermsatthe3000levelcanbeusedupto6electivecredits.Anyadditionalworktermsareassignedadditivecredit.

DiplomaProgramscreditstructure:

• ComputingScienceDiploma–AllCo-opworktermsareassignedadditivecredit.ForstudentswhodonotneedorwantCo-optocountforelectivecredit,theirworktermswillbeassignedadditivecreditandnotcounttowardstheirgraduationrequirements.

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ADMISSION,CONTINUATION,ANDWITHDRAWALAdmissiontotheCo-opProgramAdmission requirements vary by discipline and programof study in the TRUCo-op Program.Please refer to theCo-operativeEducationRequirementsandRegulations sectionof theTRUcalendar for admission requirements: http://www.tru.ca/calendar.html (Select GeneralInformationthengototheCo-operativeEducationsection).ContinuationintheCo-opProgramAllstudentsaccepted intoCo-operativeEducationmustparticipate intheCo-opCourse1000.Thisisaonecreditcoursethatservesasapre-requisitepriortoastudentsecuringtheirfirstCo-opworkterm.Attendanceandallcourserequirementsaremandatory.Inaddition,allCo-opstudentswhoreturntocampusfollowingaworktermandwhowishtocontinueintheCo-opoptionmustsubmitacompletedWorkTermNotificationForm(availablefromtheCareerEducationDepartmentoffice)bytheappropriatedeadline.TheCo-operative(Co-op)EducationCoordinator(s)willmakeeveryreasonableefforttoobtainsuitableprogram-relatedworkplacements;however,applicationandacceptanceforCo-opworktermparticipationisnotaguaranteeofplacement.ThejobsearchwillbeconductedbyboththestudentandtheCo-opCoordinator.It isthestudent'sresponsibilitytomaintainclosecontactwiththeirCo-opCoordinatorandtocheckdailyfornewjobpostings,forinterviewschedulesandfornoticesfromtheCo-opoffice.Co-op tuitionwill apply to all Co-op positions securedwith assistance from the Co-op officeincluding:back tobackwork termswith thesameemployer, subsequentextensionswith thesameemployerandstudentsreturningtothesameemployers.Co-optuitionwillalsoapplytostudentswhofindtheirownCo-opwork-term(s).Studentsareexpectedtoaccepta jobofferonce ithasbeenextended. Studentswanting towithdrawfromaCo-opcompetitionmustdosobycontactingtheirCo-opCoordinatornolaterthanimmediatelyfollowingtheinterviewwiththeemployer.Joboffersmustbeacceptedorrejectedwithin24hours.Tosuccessfullycompleteaworkterm,studentsmustcompleteallrequiredelementsfortheirprogramarea.Co-op students must complete their last semester in academic on-campus classes. Co-opstudents are not eligible to graduate on awork term. At this time the Co-op option is only

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available to TRU students that attend on campus classes at the Kamloops campus. StudentsenrolledasaTRUopenlearningstudentarenoteligiblefortheCo-opprogramInaddition,allcontinuingCo-opstudentsmustsubmitanupdatedcopyoftheirrésumétotheirCo-opCoordinator.StudentswhosignaWorkTermNotificationFormforthenexttermandfind“theirownjob”orchoosetoreturntoaformerCo-opemployerwillhavethatexperiencecountasaCo-opworktermandtheTRUCo-optuitionwillbeapplied.WithdrawingfromtheCo-opProgramThere is a one-time admission and withdrawal policy for Co-op programs. When a studentwithdraws from Co-op after partially completing the required number of Co-op terms, theycannotapplyforre-admissiontoCo-opatalaterdate.

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ACTIVITIESPRIORTOAWORKTERMCOOP1000AllstudentsacceptedintotheCo-opprogramarerequiredtocompletea13-weekonecreditCo-opCourse(COOP1000)beforetheirfirstworkterm.

• COOP1000isaprerequisitetoobtainingcreditforthefirstCo-opworkterm.• StudentstakethiscourseonceduringtheirCo-opprogram.• Several sections are offered each fall and a limited number in the winter and

summersemesters.• RegistrationtakesplacethroughtheCareerEducationDepartment(onceaccepted

intotheCo-opProgram.• COOP1000is1.5hours/weekfor13weeks.• TRUattendancepolicywillapply.

SuccessfulcompletionofCOOP1000isarequirementforCo-opeligibility.Studentperformanceinthecourseisbasedonanevaluationofattendanceandparticipation,résuméandcoverletterwritingskills,andclassassignments.Studentsmustreceivea“complete”forCOOP1000inordertomaintainCo-opeligibility.TheCOOP1000willcovertopicssuchas:

• Résuméwritingandcoverletters• Interviewskills• Careermanagementstrategies• Professionalismandcommunicationintheworkplace• Labourmarketinformation• Worktermexpectationsandrequirements

ThecoursemayalsoincludeapaneldiscussionwithstudentsandemployerswhowillprovidefeedbackonpaststudentexperiencesandinformationonwhatemployersexpectfromCo-opstudents.AssignmentsandrequiredreadingsareapartofCOOP1000.PostingandCompetitionProcessThe Co-op Coordinator will work to generate suitable Co-op employment postings for allstudents. However, TRUdoes not guarantee anyone a Co-op job. Students are required toparticipatefully inthecompetitionprocessandtostartworkingwiththeirCo-opCoordinatorearlyeachsemester. Co-opopportunitiesaretypicallypostedonlinethroughapasswordprotectedwebsite.Insomecases,studentsworkwiththeirCoordinatortoconductaself-directedjobsearchbyapproaching

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specificemployersthroughnetworkingandtargetedmarketing.Co-oppostingsandCOOP1000informationisonlyaccessibletoregisteredCo-opstudents.Co-opstudentshaveanumberofresponsibilities:

• Checking email regularly for program updates, interview shortlists and otherimportantinformation.

• Readingeach jobdescriptioncarefully,notingdetailsof thepositionand the jobnumber.

• ConsultingtheCo-opCoordinatorifadditionalinformationisrequired.• Applyingforallpositionsthatmatchtheirdisciplineandinterestarea.• Following the application instructions outlined in the job posting carefully and

submittingacompleteapplicationbytheposteddeadline.Once the employer has received the applications, they normally will notify our office whichstudent(s) they wish to interview. It is up to each student to secure a position through acompetitivepostingandinterviewprocess.ManyofthepostingsgiventotheTRUCo-opofficearealsopostedatotherinstitutions;therefore,thecompetitionismuchlargerthansimplywithina given TRU program or class. Seeking support and feedback from a Co-op Coordinatorthroughoutthisprocessisstronglyencouraged.InterviewsTheemployerwilldevelopashortlistofapplicantsforinterviewing.TheCo-opCoordinatorwillhelparrangealocation,timeanddatefortheinterview.Someinterviewsoccuroncampus,somebytelephone,andsometimesattheemployer’splaceofbusiness.Studentsselectedforaninterviewwillbenotifiedbye-mail.Itisthestudents’responsibilitytochecktheire-mailregularlyandtoconfirmwiththeCo-opofficethattheyareavailablefortheinterview.Insomecases,anemployermaycontactstudentsdirectly.ItisimportanttoinformtheCo-opofficeimmediatelywhenthishappens.Studentsareexpectedtoattendallinterviewsscheduledwithanemployerandtobepreparedforeachone.Ifastudentanticipatesmissinganinterviewforalegitimatereason,contacttheCo-opoffice immediately. Failure toattendan interviewwithouta valid reason,or failure toadvisetheCo-opofficeinadvancemayresultinthestudentbeingexcludedfromthatworktermandfutureworkterms.Employer feedback on students’ interview performance is encouraged. This feedbackwill besharedwitheachstudentthroughtheirCo-opCoordinator.

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JobOffersEmployersgenerallymaketheiroffertoastudentthroughtheCo-opCoordinator.Occasionally,anemployerwillcontactastudentdirectly.Ifthishappens,thestudentmustcontacttheCo-opofficeimmediatelyastothenatureoftheofferandtheirdecision.AcceptingaJobCo-opjoboffersmustbeacceptedorrejectedwithin24hours.JoboffersareformallyacceptedorrejectedthroughthecompletionoftheAcceptanceofCo-opWorkTermEmploymentFormwhichwillbeprovidedbytheCo-opoffice.Whentheemployermakesajoboffer,studentsmakeafirmcommitmenttotheemployerbycompletingthisform.Justasemployersdonotmakefirmoffershopingtofindsomeonebetterlateron,studentsareexpectedtocommittoanemployerandnotapplyforotherpositionsonceplaced. Failure to honour a commitment will lead to withdrawal from the Co-op program.ExtenuatingcircumstancesmustbehandledthroughtheCo-opoffice.RejectingaJobStudentsshouldconsiderallaspectsofaCo-opjobopportunitybeforeapplying.However,ifastudentinterviewsforajob,andthendecidesitmaynotbethebestfitforthemforwhateverreason,theymustdiscussthesituationwiththeirCo-opCoordinatorimmediatelybeforeanyjoboffersareextended.Normally,studentsareexpectedtoacceptjoboffers.StudentsthatrejectoffersofemploymentwithoutdiscussionandapprovalbytheirCo-opCoordinatorwillnolongerbeeligibletocontinueintheCo-opprogram.ReturningtotheSameEmployerAlthoughitisquitecommonforemployerstoasksuccessfulstudentemployeestoreturntoworkinsubsequentworkterms,studentsshouldconsiderwhatisbestfortheircareerdevelopmentanddiscusstheopportunitywiththeirCo-opCoordinator.If a student returns to a previous employer, TRU expects that the employerwill offermoreresponsibilityandavariedexperience.

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DevelopingYourOwnCo-opWorkTermItisimportantthatstudentsdevelopjobsearchskillsbeforegraduation.Conductingajobsearchprocess within the "safe" confines of a Co-op program provides students with a legitimateframeworkforapproachingpotentialemployers. Co-opCoordinatorscanassistwiththisself-directedprocess.TheTRUCo-opofficehasdirectcontactwithmanycompaniesandgovernmentofficesintheBCinterior, throughout the lowermainland, and across Canada. To avoid confusing employers,studentswhoareattempting todevelop theirownwork termmustconsultwith theirCo-opCoordinator.StudentsthataresuccessfulinsecuringtheirownpositionmustbringinthedetailsofthepositiontotheCo-opCoordinatorforapprovalbeforeacceptinganyofferofemployment.Ifaccepted,students must adhere to all the regular Co-op requirements as stated elsewhere in thisdocument.WorkTermRegistrationandTuitionOnce a student has accepted a position, the Co-op office will register the student for theappropriateworkterm(s)throughtheTRURegistrarsoffice.DomesticCo-opstudentspay$344.55tuition+$169.94inancillaryandstudentsocietyfeesforeachfullorpartialworktermuponreceiptofaninvoicefromtheRegistrarconfirmingtheworkplacement.(StudentworkingoutoftowncancontactTRUSUforarefundoftheUPASSfee).International Co-op students pay a $1380 tuition + 227.89 in ancillary fees (ISAP is extra todomestic).prior to thestartofeachCo-opworkterm. (InternationalstudentsworkingoutoftowncancontactTRUSUforarefundoftheUPASSfee).NOTE:TuitionfeesaresubjecttoincreaseseveryFall(abovefeeswillchange)Itisthestudents’responsibilitytoinformtheRegistrar’soffice(250-828-5036)everytimetheymoveduringtheirparticipationintheCo-opprogram.Outstandingtuitionmaypreventstudentsfromregisteringinsubsequentacademicsemesters.AllCo-oppositionssecuredwithassistancefromtheTRUCo-opoffice, includingback-to-backworkterms,extensions,returningtoapreviousemployeroranindependentlyacquiredpositionwillbesubjecttotheTRUCo-optuitionandancillaryfees.

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WORKTERMEXPECTATIONSCommunicationwiththeCo-opOfficeStudentsareresponsibleforcontactingtheCo-opdepartmentwiththenameoftheirsupervisor,their new address and phone numberwithin threeweeks of starting awork term. StudentsshouldalsocontacttheirCoordinatoratanytimeregardingquestionsorconcernsthattheymayhaveabouttheirCo-opexperience.StudentsmaycalltheCo-opofficecollectifnecessary.FailuretoReportStudentsthatfailtoreportfortheirworktermafteracceptingaCo-opjobmaybeexcludedfromfutureCo-opworktermsandwithdrawnfromtheCo-opprogram.TransportationandAccommodationTransportation to and from theworkplace and arrangements for living accommodations aretypically the student’s responsibility. The Co-op office may be able to assist with accessingresourceslistinghousingoptions;andinsomecases,Co-opemployersmayproviderelocationassistance.TheAssociationforCo-operativeEducationBCdoesmaintainaprovincialhousinglistthat you can find short term accommodations for and search for roommates in othercommunities.StudentscancontacttheirCo-opCoordinatorregardinghowtoregisterforthisservice.OntheJobStudentsshouldexpecttobetreatedatworkasaregularemployeeandshouldobservealltherulesandregulationsoftheiremployer.HerearesometipstohelpstudentsbesuccessfulduringtheirCo-opworkterm:

• Takethetimetoclearlyunderstandtheemployer’sexpectations• Learnandfollowtherulesandregulations• Withinthefirstweek,checktoensuretheseexpectationsarebeingmet• Whenunsureof theworkor duties assigned (eg. due to inexperienceor lackof

information)askasupervisor• When completingprojects andwork aheadof expectations, update a supervisor

knowandconsidermakingsuggestionsforadditionalworkorprojects.• Look foropportunities todemonstrateapositiveattitude, strongworkethicand

initiative• Askquestionsandbecomeanactiveparticipantintheorganization• Lookforlearningopportunities

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• Showenthusiasm,bewillingtotakeonchallengesandmundanetasks• Continuetoaskforfeedbackandonwaystoimprove• Acceptfeedbackandacknowledgeitasawaytodevelopskills• Lookforwaystodeveloppositiveandreciprocalprofessionalrelationshipswithco-

workers,supervisorsandmanagers• Avoidnegativeoffice‘politics’• Use company resources for company work only. This includes not using the

telephone,internet,orcomputerforpersonaluse.• Don'ttrytocoverupmistakes;everybodymakesthem.• Befriendlyandconsiderate.• Becautiousaboutdisagreeingwiththewaythingsaredone–askquestionsbefore

criticizing.Theremaybegoodreasonsforthesemethods.• Don'tgetcaughtupinofficeorshoppolitics.Peopleandorganizationseachhave

goodandbadpoints.Concentrateonthegoodones.LearningObjectivesSetting goals, or learning objectives, at the beginning of the work term, will help studentsmaximize the work term experience. Learning objectives help define realistic targets fordeveloping new skills and applying knowledge from coursework. Students are expected todeveloplearningobjectivesanddiscussthesegoalswiththeirsupervisoratthebeginningofeach4-monthworkterm.Learningobjectivesshouldbeacombinationoftechnicalskillsandknowledge,aswellasmoreintangible items, suchasanareaofpersonalorprofessional growth thata studenthopes todevelopduring thework term. Whendevelopingobjectives students should considerwhen,what, how these goals will be accomplished. Being specific makes reaching and evaluatinglearningobjectiveseasier.StudentsarealsorequiredtosubmittheapprovedlearningobjectivestotheirCo-opCoordinatorviaemailbytheendofthefirstmonthonthejob.Duringthesitevisit,aCo-opCoordinatorwillrevisittheseobjectiveswiththestudenttoassesswhethertheyaremeetingtheirgoalsandtodeterminewhatadditionallearningisoccurring.VacationsDuetotheshorttime-frameofaworkterm,normallyCo-opstudentsdonotrequesttimeoff.However,studentsmaybeabletonegotiateabsencesinadvance,ifnecessary.Thisisdonepriortoacceptingtheposition.

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StrikesWhethertocrossapicket lineandwork,orobserveapicket lineandnotwork, isapersonaldecision.TheroleoftheCo-opCoordinatorinthissituationistoinformthestudentofpotentialresultsofeitherdecision.LayoffsLayoffsduetoashortageofworkmustbereportedimmediatelytotheCo-opCoordinator.ResignationsStudentsconsideringquittingaCo-opjobbeforetheendofascheduledworktermmustconsulttheirCo-opCoordinatorpriortotakinganyaction. FailuretoconsultmayleadtowithdrawalfromtheCo-opprogramanda“DNC”willbenotedonthestudents’transcript.TerminationStudentsthatareterminatedfromaco-oppositionmustnotifytheCo-opofficeimmediately.Eachterminationwillbereviewedwiththestudent,theemployer,andaCo-opCoordinator.ConfidentialityandConflictofInterestItisimportantthatstudentsbeawareofanyconflictofinterestsituation.Aconflictofinterestcanariseifastudents’accesstotheemployerortheinformationgatheredattheworksitecouldresultinpersonalgainforthestudentorarelative.Studentsthatfindthemselvesinapotentialconflictofinterestsituation,orareinanywayconcernedthatsuchasituationmightarise,mustinformtheirsupervisorandtheirCo-opCoordinatorimmediately.Some employers may be concerned about disclosure of confidential information. Studentemployeesmustcomplywiththeiremployer'spoliciesinthisrespectastheinformationtheyareexposedto,includingtheresultsoftheirownresearch,belongstotheemployer.Evaluationofco-op assignments that are deemed confidential by the employermay be conducted by theemployerandnotTRU.TheimportanceoftheseandotherissuesarecoveredinCOOP1000.

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WORKTERMEVALUATIONWhatisRequiredtoSuccessfullyCompleteaWorkTerm?

• Co-opstudentsuccessfullyobtainsaworkterm.• Co-opstudentmustpaytheirworktermtuition.• Co-op studentmust complete theobjectives of thework termas agreedby the

student,theemployer,andtheCo-opoffice.• Co-opstudentmustsubmit learningobjectivesandparticipate inamid-termsite

visit.• Co-opstudentmustfacilitateandsubmitanEmployerEvaluation(availableonthe

Co-opwebsite)uponcompletionofthework-term.• Co-opstudentmustsubmitaStudentEvaluationoftheWorkTermForm(available

ontheCo-opwebsite)uponcompletionofthework-term.• Co-opstudentmustsubmitasatisfactoryWorkTermReportbytheduedate.

Co-opWorkTermSiteVisitDuring each work term, TRU will conduct a midterm site visit with the student and theirimmediatesupervisor(s)byaCo-opCoordinatororrepresentativefromTRU.Dependingonthesituation,whatworktermthestudentisin,andthescheduleoftheCo-opCoordinator,aface-to-facesitevisitwillnotalwaysbepossible.IfthisisthecaseanalternativearrangementwillbecoordinatedbetweenthestudentandtheCo-opCoordinator,suchasaphoneconference.Thestudents’leveloflearningandunderstandingofthepositionandtheiroverallprofessionaldevelopmentwillbereviewed.Thismeetingisanopportunityforthestudent,thesupervisor(s),andtheCo-opCoordinatortoassessanddiscuss:

• Theresponsibilities/tasksperformedbythestudentandtheirprogresstodate.• Thestudent’slearningobjectivesandareasforfurtherdevelopment.• Therelationshipbetweenworkandtheclassroom.• TheCo-opprogramandremainingrequirements.• Anyotherquestions,commentsorconcerns.

InadditiontheCoordinatorwill:

• Offersupportandguidancetostudentandemployer.• Discusswithemployerthetypeofworkandworkingconditionsavailable.• ExploreadditionalemploymentopportunitiesforfutureCo-opstudents.

Essentially,duringthesitevisitstudentswillpresenttotheirCo-opCoordinatorinformationontheirwork,skillsdevelopedtodate,andhowthiscomparestotheirinitiallearningobjectives.

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PreparingfortheSiteVisit

• Bringpaper,apen,andbepreparedtomeetwiththeCo-opCoordinatorforaboutanhourtoanhourandahalf.

• Reviewandbringacopyofthejobdutieswithanychanges.DiscusshowthejobdutieshavechangedandwhatprojectsareplannedfortheremainderoftheWorkTerm.

• ReviewandbringacopyoftheWorkTermLearningObjectivesForm(availableontheCo-opwebsite)withanychangestothemeeting.Bepreparedtodiscusshowthese goals have been met, if any have changed, and any new goals for theremainderoftheWorkTerm.

• ReviewandbringanswerstotheReflectiveWorkTermQuestions(availableontheCo-opwebsite)tothemeeting.

• PrepareforquestionsthattheCo-opCoordinatorwillaskduringsitevisit.• Coordinator will share employer’s feedback on student’s progress to date (if

available).• Review the variousoptions for theWorkTermReport andplan todiscuss these

choiceswiththeCo-opCoordinatorandthesupervisor.• Conductatourandtakepictures(iftime).

EmployerEvaluationAttheendofeachworkterm,theemployerwillbeaskedtocompleteaformalwrittenevaluationofthestudents’performance.Tosuccessfullycompleteaworkterm,thestudentmustreceiveatleasta“satisfactory"ratingfromtheiremployer.Theemployer/supervisorwillbeprovidedwiththisformdirectlyfromtheCo-opofficehowever,itisthestudents’responsibilitytofollowupandensuretheEmployerEvaluation(availableontheCo-opwebsite)hasbeensubmittedbythedeadline.StudentEvaluationThestudentwillberequiredtocompleteandsubmitaStudentEvaluationoftheWorkTermForm(availableontheCo-opwebsite)alongwithaworktermreportattheendofeach4-monthterm.

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WORKTERMREPORTForeachCo-opworktermstudentswillberequiredtocompleteandsubmitaWorkTermReporttotheCo-opoffice.StudentsshouldconsultwiththeirCo-opCoordinatorregardingtheintendedsubmissionformatandfollowtheguidelinesoutlinedinthisHandbook.Studentshouldalsodiscusstheirplanswiththeirworksupervisor(s)toensurethattheyhavetheopportunitytoreviewthereportforaccuracyandconfidentiality.TheWorkTermReportisanessentialingredientintheCo-operativeEducationprocess.Thesereportsserveavarietyofpurposes.Theyaredesignedto:

• stimulate thestudents thinkingabout theworkexperienceandreflectonhow itrelatestotheiracademicandprofessionaldevelopment;

• increaseunderstandingoftheorganizationtheyareworkingforandtheirspecificjob;

• provideaforumforstudentstorecordtheknowledgeandskillstheydeveloponthejob;

• challengestudentstodeveloptheircommunicationskills,bothwritten,verbalandorganizational;

• provideatoolbywhichthestudent,theemployer,theCo-opCoordinators,andtheUniversitymayevaluatetheirperformanceandmeasurelearning;

• help the Co-op Coordinator evaluate the usefulness of the worksite and job inpreparingfutureCo-opstudentsfortheirworkterms;and

• helpfutureCo-opstudentsprepareforinterviewswiththatemployer.OverviewofWorkTermReportGuidelinesGeneral guidelines for submitting a Work Term Report are outlined below and will also bereviewedduringCOOP1000.Itisthestudents’responsibilitytoensuretheyunderstandwhatisexpectedandsubmitallnecessaryrequirementsbytheappropriatedeadline.SatisfactorycompletionofWorkTermReportsisanacademicrequirementforgraduationwithCo-op designation. Evaluation of these reports is subject to the usual regulations regardingsatisfactorydemonstrationofability,submissionofgrades,andprocessingofappeals.There are several types of work term reports available, and students are encouraged to trydifferentformats.

• ACareerPortfolioisatooltoshowcaseaccomplishmentsinpreparationforaneffectiveCo-opandgraduateworksearch.Usuallycompletedafterthefirstorsecondworkterm.

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• AGeneral/ReflectiveReportisanoverviewoftheworkplaceandworktermexperience,andismostsuitableforafirstorsecondworktermreport.ItmustincludeaCo-opTitlePage, Introduction, Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations. Only ONE reportshouldbeinthegeneralformat.

• ADocumentReport canbe submitted if theCo-opemployer required the student to

completeadocument,manual,orreportaspartof theirwork termduties. StudentsmustdiscussthisoptionwiththeirCo-opCoordinatorPRIORtothesubmissiondeadline,preferablyduring the site visit. A summary of thework termexperience, including adiscussionofthereport,mustaccompanythedocumentreport,andmustincludeaCo-op Title Page, Introduction, Summary of Work Term Duties, Conclusions andRecommendations.

• ATechnicalReportiswrittenononespecificaspectoftheworkterm.Thisreportcould

befocusedonaspecifictechnology,projectorotheraspectoftheexperience.ThisreportmustalsoincludeaCo-opTitlePage,ExecutiveSummary,Introduction,ConclusionandRecommendations.

• An Oral Presentation can be made to an audience comprised of faculty, staff, and

students. The presentationmay also be presented to a different audience (i.e., workcolleagues andmanagers), but thismust first be approvedby the Co-opCoordinator.StudentsmustprovidetheCo-opCoordinatorwithanoutlineofthepresentationbythesubmissiondeadline.AcopyofthePowerPoint(includingspeakernotes)mustbegiventotheCo-opCoordinatoratleastoneweekpriortothepresentation.

• AReflectiononCo-opExperiencesisawrittenreportthatallowsstudentstoreflecton

alloftheirCo-opexperiences,andhowtheseexperienceshaveshapedtheircareerandacademicgoals.ThistypeofreportissuitableforstudentswhohavecompletedalloftheminimumCo-opworktermsrequiredforthedesignation.

• OtherOptionsmaybepossiblewithPRIORapprovalfromtheCo-opCoordinator.These

includeaclassfieldtrip,amemorandumusedtopersuademanagementtoimplementachangeor an improvement in theworkplace, an interactivedisplay for anon-campusevent,aposterpresentation,videopresentationorwebpresentation.

RefertothespecificinstructionsandacademicguidelinesoutlinedforeachoftheseoptionsinthefollowingsectionsoftheHandbook.SubmissionDeadlinesWorkTermReportsandoralpresentationoutlinesarerequiredatthecompletionofeveryworkterm.SpecificsubmissiondeadlinedateswillbeconfirmedbytheCo-opCoordinatorforeach

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program;however,typicallytheWorkTermReportmustbesubmittedtotheCo-opOfficebythefollowingdates:(Note:someprogramsmayhavedifferentdeadlines-pleaseconsultwithyourcoordinatortoensureyoumeetthedeadlineforyourco-opprogram)• 2ndFridayinSeptemberby4:00p.m.forMay–AugustWorkTerm• 2ndFridayinJanuaryby4:00p.m.forSeptember–DecemberWorkTerm• 2ndFridayinMayby4:00p.m.forJanuary–AprilWorkTermWorkTermReportEvaluationProceduresStudentsthatfailtosubmitareport(oranoutline),onorbeforetheduedate,willreceiveagradeof"NCG"fortheworkterm.Latereportswillbeacceptedonlyonmedical,compassionate,orothersuchexceptionalgrounds,andONLYwithpriorapprovalfromtheCo-opCoordinator.Reportswill beevaluatedby selectedmembersof theCo-opand instructionalDepartments.Reportswillreceiveagradeof"Outstanding","Satisfactory"or"Unsatisfactory".Unsatisfactory written reports must be revised and submitted for re-evaluation within twoweeks.Studentswhoreceiveanunsatisfactoryevaluationforaverbalpresentationwillbegiventwoweeks to submitawritten reporton the same topic. Agradeof "Satisfactory"mustbereceivedbeforetheWorkTermwillberecognizedascomplete.If the report is confidential, threeoptionswill be considered. First, a specifiedCo-op facultymemberwillmarkthereportafteragreeingtoreturnthereporttotheemployeroncemarkedandnottodisclosetheinformation.Second,theemployerwillbeaskedtoreleaseaneditedversionofthereport.ThethirdoptionistohavetheemployerevaluatethereportonbehalfofTRU,usingtheCo-opevaluationform.Inthiscase,theemployer'sevaluationwillbeusedinsteadofadepartmentalevaluationwhentheoverallWorkTermperformanceisbeingassessed.Students should consult the evaluation forms used to assess the Work Term Reports, OralPresentations, and Career Portfolio available the Co-opwebsite for additional guidelines andgradingcriteria.PlagiarismPlagiarismistheinclusionofsomeoneelse’swords,dataandevensomeoneelse’sideasasyourownwork. Wheneverastudent incorporates ideasorphrasesfromanotherwriter intotheirwork term report they need to indicate the source. This includes information found on theinternet.TheTRUCalendardetailspolicyandregulationsonacademicstandards.

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SubmittingaWorkTermReportthatisplagiarizedorcontainsplagiarizedcomponentscanleadto removal from theCo-operative EducationProgramand further actionson thepart of theUniversity.

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CAREERPORTFOLIOTheCareerPortfolioisintendedtohelpstudentsshowcasetheskillsacquiredduringacademicstudies,Co-operativeEducationWorkTerm(s),andpreviousworkand/orvolunteerexperience.Aportfolioenablesstudentstodemonstrateandprovideevidenceoftheskills,experience,andqualitiesapotentialemployermaybelookingforinaprospectiveemployee.The Career Portfolio must contain certain required items (or artifacts) and adhere to apresentationstyleasoutlinedinthePortfolioEvaluationForm(availableontheCo-opwebsite).Studentsareencouragedtobecreative,whilemaintainingaprofessionalappearanceandstyle,whenassemblingtheirCareerPortfolios.TypicalitemsfoundinaCareerPortfolioinclude:

• Coverpage• Updatedresume• Transcript(s)• Performancereviews,evaluationforms,andreferenceletters• Samplecorrespondenceoremails(non-confidential)• Presentationsandspeakernotes• Researchpapersandacademicassignments• Projectexamplesorlist• Certificates,training,orawards• Professionalassociationmemberships• Lettersofappreciationorvolunteerrecognition• Newspaperclippingsorrecordings(ondisc)• Spreadsheetsandstatisticalevidenceorexamples

TheCareerPortfolioisnotlimitedtotherequireditems,andstudentsareencouragedtoincludeitemsbeyondwhatislisted.TheCareerPortfolioisanevolvingdocument,andwillchangeasstudentschangeandgrowthroughouttheirtimeinCo-opandatTRU.The Career Portfolio can only count for ONE work term. Students who complete a CareerPortfoliofortheirfirstworktermwhileonanextendedworktermmustsubmitanotherreportforthesecondandsubsequentworkterms.StudentsshoulddiscussthenextreportwiththeirCo-opCoordinator.

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GENERALREPORTThisreportissuitableforafirstorsecondworktermreport.OnlyONEwrittenreportshouldbeinthegeneralformat.PrimaryPurpose:TheGeneralReportisintendedtohelpstudentsreflectontheirCo-opworkexperienceandhowitrelatestotheiracademicandprofessionaldevelopment.TheseobservationscanbeusefultootherCo-opstudentsconsideringaworktermwiththisemployer.Thereportshouldbewritteninthethirdperson,exceptforyourpersonalobservations.Avoidtheuseof“you”.Thereportshouldbe6-8pages,double-spaced,typed,NOTincludingtitlepage,tableofcontents,appendices,footnotesorbibliography(iftheseareincluded).TheGeneralReportshouldincludethefollowingelements:1. Co-op TitlePage-includesthenameandaddressoftheorganization;students

name,program,worktermandstudentnumber;thedate;andatitle forthereport.

2. Table of Contents – indicates by page number the position of the executive

summaryandallheadingsofthereport.AlltopicsandsubheadingsshouldbenumberedorletteredbothintheTableofContentsandthroughoutthereport.

3. ExecutiveSummary–thisshouldbe150-200wordsinlengthandhaveitsown

page. Thesummary isNOTadescriptionofhowthereport is setup. It isasummary of the main points of all sections, including conclusions andrecommendations.Itprovidesaquicksummaryforthosereaderswhodonothavethetimeand/ortechnicalbackgroundtoreadthereportinfull.

4. Introduction–preparesthereaderforthediscussionthatfollows.Itindicates

purpose, scope, order of presentation and any necessary backgroundinformation.

Adiscussionofthefollowingtopics:Theemployer-itsmission,organizationalstructure,productsandservices,markets,customers,co-workers,size,ownership,history,culture,andsoon.Includeadescriptionofthedepartment,areaorunitwherethestudentworkedanditsmajoractivitiesanditsrelationshiptotheoverallorganization.

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Worktermduties–adetaileddescriptionoftheresponsibilities(thejobdescriptionaspostedand as the student experienced it); routine duties; the knowledge and skills acquired by thestudent;projectsassigned,andhowtheywereanalyzedandthencarriedthroughtocompletion.Diagrams,graphs,documentsand/orphotographscanbeaddedtoenhancethissection.Personalobservations–Thissectionshouldbegivencarefulattentionandthoughtandshouldbepositiveandconstructive.Observationscaninclude:

• areflectiononhowthisworkexperiencewillcontributetoboththestudentsacademicandprofessionaldevelopment

• whatinfluencetheworktermhashadonthestudentscareerobjectives• what the student learned about their strengths, and areas needing improvement

(technicallyandpersonally)• whatthestudentlikedbestandleastabouttheworkexperience• howthestudentchangedasapersonasaresultoftheworkterm• therelevanceofthestudentsacademicstudiestothejobnotingareaswhereacademic

preparationwasusefulorinadequate.• whatthestudentswantstoaccomplishbeforetheirnextworktermtomakeitamore

enrichingexperienceRecommendations – Recommendations offer suggestions for the employer (items requiringaction),forfuturestudentscomingtothisorganization,andfortheTRUcurriculum.Conclusions–Conclusionsareshortanddeveloplogicallyfromthediscussioncontainedinthereport.References–TheTRUpolicyonAcademicDishonesty isdetailed in theTRUCalendar. Co-opstudents are expected to adhere to this policy through the appropriate use of footnotereferences, quotation marks, acknowledgements of indebtedness and a complete listing ofresourcesusedinthewritingoftheirworktermreport.Referencesoftenincludeinformationprovided by the company, resources describing technologies or processes used, Web sites,books,andsometimesindividualsthatprovidedinformationforthereport.Appendices–Appendicesareformaterialthatistoolongtobeinsertedinthebodyofthereport.EverysectionoftheAppendixshouldbekeyedtothetextbyafootnoteoradirectreferenceinthetext.Anysupportingdocumentationfromtheorganizationwherethestudentwasworkingthatwillhelpthereaderunderstandtheworkordutiesmaybeincludedasappendices.

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DOCUMENTREPORTThisisareportcompletedfortheemployeraspartoftheworktermduties.Itmaybeatechnicalreport,manual,oraninformativereportintendedforpublicationorpublicuse.Studentsmusthaveprior approvalofBOTH theemployerand theCo-opCoordinatorbefore submitting thereport.Seebelowforadditionalrequirements.PrimaryPurpose:Preparing a report for the employer enhances formal report writing skills, and solidifies theknowledgeandskillsacquiredon thework term. As these reportsareoften intended foranaudience,studentswillnormallyhavealotofinputfromtheemployerduringthewritingprocess.ASummaryoftheWorkTermMUSTaccompanythedocumentreport. TheSummarywillbesimilartoanabridgedGeneralReport,andshouldbe4–6pages,NOTincludingTitlePage,doublespacedandtyped.ThefollowingelementsmustbeincludedintheSummary:1. Co-op TitlePage–usetheCo-opformatdiscussedintheGeneralReport.2. Introduction–introducestheemployer,theCo-oppositionintheorganization,

thedutiesandthebackgroundandreasonsforthedocumentreport.Briefdiscussionofthefollowing:Theemployer-Descriptionoftheemployer,theorganization,itsmissionstatementandsize.Worktermduties-Descriptionofyourpositionandyourregularworktermduties.Anyadditionalspecialprojectsshouldalsobediscussed.The report -This sectionprovides information foryour readeron thebackgroundbehind theattached document report. This section should include a discussion of why the report wasgenerated,howitrelatedtoyourregularduties,andhowmuchofyourtimewasdedicatedtogeneratingthereporteg.gatheringdataorinformation,andwritingthereport.Personal observations - In this section, you should focus on the challenges and benefits ofgeneratingthereport. Whatwerethechallengesyoufacedandhowdidyoumanagethese?Whatwerethehighlightsofworkingonthereport,andwhatdidyougainfromthisexercise?In addition, be sure to include any other observations about your work term duties andexperience.

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Recommendations - These could include recommendations for future students planning onworkingwiththisorganizationand/orsuggestionsforstudentsplanningtowriteareportforanemployer.Conclusions -Conclusionsareshortanddevelop logically fromthediscussion in thesummaryreport.Youmayalsowanttodiscusstheconclusionsgeneratedbythedocumentreport.TheSummaryandtheDocumentReportmustbesubmittedtogether,withthesummarybeingthefirstpartofthereport,andtheDocumentReportattached.

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TECHNICALREPORTTheTechnicalReportshouldbewrittenaccordingtothefollowingguidelines.PrimaryPurpose:TheTechnicalReport is intended tohelp youdevelopyour skills inproducingan informativetechnicalreport(similartoanacademicpaper)whichcouldbeusefultoanexpertorprofessionalworking in this field, but which can also be understood by a reasonably informed generalaudience.Theemphasisinthisreportshouldbeonclearlyexplainingsomeaspectofyourwork,providing a comprehensive view of your project, or a description of your activities and theknowledgeyouhaveacquired.The Technical Report should be 8-12 pages, double spaced, typed, NOT including title page,executivesummary,tableofcontents,appendices,footnotesandbibliography.ThereportmustincludeaCo-opTitlePage,TableofContents,ExecutiveSummary,Introduction,ConclusionandRecommendations.(seeGeneralReportformatforadiscussionofthese).Thetechnicalreportwillfocusonthefollowing:

• a technical description of some aspect of your work, including work objectives orresearch,approach,activities,andconclusionsortheresultsofyourwork.YoushoulddiscussyourtopicwithyourCo-opCoordinatortoensureitssuitability.

• aglossary,ifappropriate

Anysupportingdocumentationfromtheorganizationwhereyouworked,thatwillhelpthereaderunderstandtheworkyouhavedone,maybeincludedasappendices.

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REFLECTIONONCO-OPEXPERIENCESThisreportissuitableforstudentswhohavecompletedALLoftherequiredCo-opworkterms.PrimaryPurpose:TheReflectiononCo-opExperiencesReportisintendedtohelpyoureflectonyourpresentandpastworkexperienceandonhowyouwillapplythislearninginthedevelopmentofyourcareer.Whatgeneralprinciplescanyoudrawfromwhatyouhavelearnedineachofyourworkterms?Howhavetheseworktermscontributedtoyouracademicandprofessionaldevelopment?Howhavetheyshapedyourviewsonwhatyouintendtoachieveaftergraduationandhowyouintendtodevelopyourcareer?Thereportshouldbe10-15pages,double-spacedandtyped,NOTincludingtitlepage,executivesummary,tableofcontents,andanyillustrations,appendices,footnotesorbibliography(iftheseareincluded).ThereportmusthavetheproperCo-opTitlePage,TableofContents,anExecutiveSummary,IntroductionandConclusion(seeGeneralReportformatforadescriptionofthese).Thereportwilldiscuss:

• ThenatureoftheworkyouaredoingandhavedoneonyourCo-opworkterms(thejobdescriptionsaspostedandasyouexperiencedthem);

• theknowledgeandskillsyouareacquiring;• a reflection on how this accumulated work experience will contribute to both your

academicandprofessionaldevelopment.You may wish to submit with your report any supporting documentation from your Co-opplacementswhichwillhelpthereaderunderstandtheworkyouhavedone.

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ORALPRESENTATIONThesamerangeoftopicsavailableforwrittenreportsisavailabletoyouifyouchoosetodoanoralpresentation.YoumustdiscussyourtopicwithyourCo-opCoordinatorfirst,toensureitssuitability.Youmustalsohaveanaudienceinmind,andpermissionfromtheinstructortodeliveranoralpresentationduringclass time,orpermission fromanotherorganizationtodeliveranappropriatepresentationforthem.Youshouldsubmitanddeliver:

• A2-pageoverviewofyourpresentationalongwithcopiesofyourvisualaidstoyourCo-opCoordinatorbytheusualdeadlineforawrittenreport.

• A 20 minute verbal presentation. You must use visual aids such as a PowerPoint

presentationoroverheadtransparencies.Youmayrefertoyournotesbutyoumustnotreadyourspeech.

YoumustnotifyyourCo-opCoordinatorofthedate,timeandlocationofyouroralpresentationat least ONEmonth prior to the presentation. Overheads or a PowerPoint printout of yourpresentationmustbesubmittedatthistime.Students should also consult theOral Presentation Evaluation Form (available on the Co-opwebsite)foradditionalassessmentcriteriaandguidelines.RemembertohavefunwiththisWorkTermReportoption.Youareamongthebravefewwhoseethisoptionasanopportunitytochallengeyourselfandhoneanincrediblyvaluableskillasapublicspeaker!

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CO-OPGRADINGSYSTEM&OFFICIALTRANSCRIPTOnceaCo-opjobhasbeenconfirmed,thestudentwillberegisteredinthatworktermbytheTRUCo-opProgramthroughtheRegistrarsoffice.Theworktermbecomesapermanententryonthestudentstranscript.Uponcompletionoftheworkterm,theCo-opdepartment,likeallother academicdepartments, submits grades for thework term to theRegistrar. This gradeappearsonthestudentsofficialtranscript.TheCo-opProgramusesthefollowinggradingsystem:

COM-Toreceivecredit,studentsmustmeetspecificcriteriawhichareevaluatedbyaCo-op Coordinator in consultation with the Co-op employer. Details of the evaluationprocesscanbefoundatwww.tru.ca/careereducation/coop.NCG-StudentswhofailtocompleteallrequirementsforsuccessfulcompletionofaCo-opworktermwillreceiveaNCG.SituationsresultingindismissalofaCo-opstudentbytheir Co-op employer will be reviewed by the Co-op Coordinator and a NCGmay beapplied. Studentswho leaveaCo-opwork termbefore theenddateon their signedAcceptanceFormwithout theknowledgeandconsentof theirCo-opCoordinatormayreceiveaNCG. StudentswhoreceiveaNCGmaybewithdrawn fromtheTRUCo-opProgram.Withdraw(W) -Onlywith theknowledgeandconsentof theirCo-opCoordinatorwillstudentsbepermittedtowithdrawfromaCo-opworkterm. StudentswhowithdrawfromCo-opmaybediscontinuedfromtheCo-opprogram.StudentswhoarelaidofffromtheirCo-opwork termmay receiveaW.TRUCo-op tuition isnon-refundablewithoutapprovalfromtheCareerEducationDepartmentChairperson.

StudentsthatcompletetherequirednumberofworktermsfortheirprogramareawillhaveCo-oprecognitionnotedontheirdiplomaordegree.

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FAILUREOFAWORKTERMStudentsthatfailaworktermmaybeprohibitedfromcontinuinganyfurtherwiththeCo-opprogramandwillreceivean"unsatisfactory"markofNCG(nocreditgiven)ontheirtranscriptforthatterm.Itispossibletofailaworktermifastudent:

• receivesalessthan"satisfactory"evaluationfromtheiremployer;• failstocompleteaworktermreportandalltheevaluationsbytheduedate;• is terminated from their position due to unacceptable behaviour or other valid

reasonsgivenbytheemployer;• breachesthetrustoftheemployerandbetraystheprincipleofconfidentiality.

Students that have issues or concerns about theirwork environment or co-op requirementsshouldspeaktotheirCo-opCoordinator.

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FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONSQ.Whatiselectiveandadditivecredit?ElectivecreditmeansastudentcancountaCo-opworktermtowardstheirgraduationrequirements.AdditivecreditmeansstudentswillgraduatewithmorecreditsthanrequiredbecausesomeoftheirCo-opworktermswillnotcountaselectivesandnotreducethenumberofcreditstheyneedtograduate.Q.WhatisaCo-opwork-term?TheCo-opworktermisacreditcoursethatstudentsareenrolledinwhentheyacceptanemploymentofferfromaCo-opemployer.Worktermsaretypicallypaidandlastfor4months.Each4monthworktermisconsideredone3creditCo-opcourse.Studentscancombinetwoorthreeworktermsforatotalof8or12months.Studentsmustobtainandsuccessfullycompleteaworktermtobeawardedelective/additivecredit.Q.WhatareCo-opwages?Co-opwagesvarydependingontheemployer,thestudent’slevelofexperienceandyearofstudy.Wagesvarybetween$10and$24anhour.Q.HowdostudentsfindaCo-opworktermorjob?Co-opworktermsarefoundseveralways.TRUCo-opCoordinatorsidentifymanyCo-oppositionsandstudentsareexpectedtoapplyforthosejobsthatrelatedtotheirinterestsandcareergoals.ManystudentsfindtheirownCo-oppositionsandrequestapproval fromtheirCo-opCoordinator tocount themforCo-opcredit.Sometimesstudentsona2ndor3rdCo-opsemesterwillreturntothesameCo-opemployerforanotherexperience.Q.WhatifIcompleteCOOP1000anddonotobtainaCo-opjob?StudentskeeptryingwiththehelpoftheirCo-opCoordinator.PersistenceisimportanttosucceedanditmighttakeawhiletosecureafirstCo-opworkterm.Q.DoIhavetopaythetuitionifIfindmyownCo-opposition?Yes.Q.IamacurrentCo-opstudentandhavecompletedtwoworktermsalreadypriortoJan2011.Canthoseworktermscountforelectivecredit?No,electivecreditforworktermswillbegrantedstartinginJanuary2011.Creditcannotbebackdated-PLARisalsonotavailabletoCo-opStudentsatTRU.