For a Co-op work term to be successful, the supervisor and the student must establish an effective relationship. Students become an employee of the employing organization and is expected to be treated as any other temporary employee regarding benefits and other employment requirements as defined by the Employment Standards Act or a Collective Agreement. As such, the employer assumes responsibility , as they would for any other employee, for the period of the Co-op employment, and students accept the responsibilities of an employee.

• In order to increase the student's productivity and facilitate learning, it is recommended that employers:
  • at the outset, advise the student with regard to all issues of confidentiality in the workplace and ensure that any non-disclosure agreements are signed prior to the commencement of work
  • outline important corporate policies (e.g. Internet, E-mail, Telephone, Smoking etc)
  • prepare the student's co-workers and other staff for the arrival of the student
  • provide the student with an orientation to the workplace, including an overview of the organization (e.g., mission statement, products, etc.), physical layout, relevant personnel, safety practices, and the duties or tasks expected during the work term
  • provide a supervisor for the Co-op student who will oversee the student's work and discuss expectations for the work term with the student and, on a regular basis, give the student feedback on how he/she is doing, including areas of strength and areas which require improvement
  • provide a formal letter of offer/contract specifying employment conditions, start and end dates, wages, hours of work, confidentiality disclosure, supervisor name, etc.
  • forward a copy of the student’s letter of offer to the Co-op department
  • notify Co-op department immediately of any job related performance issues (e.g. attendance, punctuality, quality of work, etc.)
  • contact Co-op department prior to any job termination action
  • encourage their Co-op student to return to their studies and secure their diploma prior to offering contract or full time employment.
• Learning Enviornment
  • assist students to set realistic learning objectives and provide relevant learning/training opportunities
  • acquaint the student with relevant resources and materials.
• Evaluation of Learning
  • participate in any scheduled work-site visit or follow-up measures by the institution to assess the student's progress and performance
  • complete a final evaluation of the student's performance during the work term, which they are encouraged to discuss with the student
  • discuss with the student the topic of the work term report and, if necessary, may be required to evaluate the work term report if considered confidential

The students’ responsibilities extend equally to the College and to the employer and this partnership cannot be altered without the knowledge and consent of all parties.

• Co-op students are expected to:
  • conform to all the conditions and rules that apply to employees in the organization
  • conform to the Co-op Education process and guidelines
  • consult with their Program Coordinator prior to any decisions or requested changes to their program of study are made. Cooperative Education is principally an educational program and, consequently, controlled by the College
  • to remain on cycle with their Program of study
  • exercise ethical workplace conduct
  • set goals for learning
  • work on enhancing their academic, professional and personal skills
  • maintain employer confidentiality
  • accept feedback, suggestions for improvement
  • participate in any scheduled work site visits
  • resolve problems or issues that may arise in a prompt, professional manner
  • advise the employer and their Co-op coordinator/officer of any concerns or problems with their work assignment immediately
  • keep in contact with their Co-op Office
  • return to their studies following their last scheduled work term to complete the requirements to be awarded their diploma.
• Co-op student are required to:
  • complete a Co-op preparatory course prior to undertaking their first work term. Pre-employment training is designed to prepare students for the work term and covers topics such as Co-op program objectives and expectations, job search skills, transferring skills to the workplace, workplace conduct, developing learning objectives, job performance progress and evaluation.
  • complete a formal written report for each work term. The student's work term report must provide an overview of the organization/company, description of your work environment, describe the organization's product and/or services, your job responsibilities/duties, projects you were involved with, training received, contributions you may have made etc. For additional information on the content, format and guidelines for completing your report (see Final Report Guidelines). If a report contains confidential information, the employer may arrange to undertake the assessment or arrange for a non-disclosure agreement with the Co-op office. This report and the employer's evaluation are used to evaluate the success of the work term, as recognized on the student's transcript.

• College Responsibilities include:
  • College Responsibilities include:
  • ensuring the integrity of its Cooperative Education Programs
  • developing and maintaining relevant curricula which reflects the needs of employers
  • providing relevant academic training for students in their chosen career field
  • providing adequate resources to the Co-op program
  • developing Co-op programs which meet the needs of employers
  • proposing for employment only those students meeting the established guidelines set out by the College
  • monitoring student progress and performance in Co-operation with the employers
  • defining and administering the Co-op process (Admission, Recruiting, Ranking, Matching etc.)
  • maintaining up-to-date Co-op student files
  • maintaining Co-op student placement results
  • mediating work term issues/concerns to ensure most appropriate resolution on behalf of all parties
  • preparing Co-op students for their work term with appropriate skills and attitude
  • providing program information to students and employers
  • assisting employers with their Co-op recruitment activities (e.g. job advertisements, forwarding applicants’ resumes, coordinate interview schedules etc.)