X. Degree Programs

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Co-operative Education Programs

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Co-operative Education formally integrates the student's academic study with work experience in co-operating employer organizations. Academic programs are scheduled to allow the student to alternate periods of study with periods of work in appropriate fields of business, industry, government, social services or the professions. Students are engaged in productive work in jobs developed and/or approved by the institution as suitable learning situations. Progress on the job is monitored by the institution and is supervised and evaluated by both the employer and the institution. Co-operative Education is intended to provide students with the practical knowledge of their discipline and to assist them in making more precise career decisions as a result of the frequent and extensive exposure to the work environment.

Through an introductory co-op class, continuing contact with supervisors and fellow workers, work performance evaluations, on the job visits and return to campus interviews, Co-op students become increasingly aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Practical communication skills are enhanced through the medium of work reports which are intended to accentuate awareness of real life situations and responsibilities. Also, a greater degree of financial independence may be realized, and a wider variety of permanent employment opportunities may be possible. Co-operative Education Services is primarily responsible for administering the work semester aspects of Co-operative Education programs. This involves marketing the concept of Co-operative Education to potential employers, identifying appropriate jobs, and organizing the on campus employer interview system. Co-op Co-ordinators contact students on the job site, and along with the On-Campus Co-ordinator provide a wide range of counselling and career development services.