Co-operative Education

Introduction

Co-operative Education integrates academic study with relevant, supervised, paid work experience. It is based on the principle that relevant work experience, combined with academic programs, plays an important part in the effective professional and personal development of students. In the Co-operative Education program, students alternate periods of academic study with periods of applicable work experience.

Co-operative Education programs are currently available for a variety of programs on the Okanagan campus. The respective co-operative education offices help in securing potential employers, arranging interviews, and generally managing the work placement process.

Admission

Admission to a Co-op program is based on academic performance and employment suitability. Students wishing to enrol must meet all the requirements of their department and faculty. Enrolment is subject to the availability of appropriate work placements.

Courses and Fees

Students admitted to a program must register in, and pay Co-op fees for, a Co-operative Education course for each work term. Co-op courses marked Pass/Fail are recorded on student transcripts. All students accepted to a Co-op program must also pay a Co-op workshop fee (see Program and Course Fees).

Employment

Although every effort is made to find work-term positions for students enrolled in Co-op programs, no guarantee of employment can be made. The employment process is competitive, and a student's academic performance, skill set, attitude, motivation, maturity, and potential all influence employment offers.

Graduation from Co-op Programs

To graduate with a "Co-operative Education" designation noted on the transcript, a student must successfully complete the minimum number of work terms required for the respective program and obtain a grade of Pass (P) for each work term.

International Students

Co-operative Education programs are available to international students. Admission criteria for international students are the same as for Canadian students. International students are responsible for ensuring that their student work visas are in good standing during their Co-op work terms.

Transfer Students

Students transferring from another institution may receive credit for Co-op placements at their former institutions. This decision is made through the respective co-operative education offices.

Applied Science Co-op: Applied Science Co-op Program 
Arts, Fine Arts, Media Studies, Science, Sustainability, Human Kinetics / Health & Exercise Science and Management Co-op: Interdisciplinary Co-op Program