Co-operative Education - General Information

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Business Administration

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Deadline to apply for 2012-13 Co-op: March 1, 2012

*Career Services will continue to accept applications after March 1 if spaces are available.

See additional information and application packages in the "Who can do co-op?" section below.

1. What is a co-operative education?
2. Who can do co-op?
3. How will I get my co-op work terms?
4. What does co-op cost?
5. Will I be paid while I am on my co-op work terms?
6. Will I get help when it comes time to prepare for my co-op work terms?
7. How will I be graded on my co-op courses?
8. Will there be support for me while I am on my co-op work terms?

1. What is co-operative education?

A program that formally integrates students’ academic studies with work experience
Students alternate academic semesters at Mount Royal University with periods of experience in appropriate work settings, which are approved by the institution as suitable learning situations
Co-operative education students are engaged in productive work, are paid for the work performed, and are monitored by Mount Royal University
Students’ performance on the job is supervised and evaluated by the employers

2. Who can do co-op?

Students interested in pursuing co-op need to meet the following eligibility requirements:

Complete a co-op application form and submit it to your Co-operative Education Coordinator by the required deadline
Bachelor of Arts students require a minimum GPA of 2.5 at time of application, and Bachelor of Business Administration students need a minimum GPA of 2.0
Once accepted, students must register and pay for the Orientation to Co-operative Education course, attend the classes, and receive a “Pass” grade prior to the first work term
Complete 15 courses prior to your first work term, including co-op course requirements for your major or minor
Co-op students must maintain minimum GPA's throughout the three Co-op work terms and transcripts will be re-evaluated prior to each work term

ATTENTION: Bachelor of Arts Students
(Anthropology, English, History, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, and Undeclared)
Deadline to apply: March 1, 2012
Applications will continue to be accepted after March 1, as long as spaces are available

Please select the attached link for a PDF version of the Bachelor of Arts Co-op Application Package.
Bachelor of Arts students can also pick up a hard copy in the Career Services Department (A200 Kerby Hall).

ATTENTION: Bachelor of Business Administration Students
(Accounting, General Management, Human Resources and Marketing)
Deadline to apply: March 1, 2012
Applications will continue to be accepted after March 1, as long as spaces are available

Please select the attached link for a PDF version of the Bachelor of Business Administration Co-op Application Package.
Bachelor of Business Administration students can also pick up a hard copy in the Career Services Department (A200 Kerby Hall).

3. How will I get my co-op work terms?

Employers post job opportunities on the Career Services website, based on industry participation and labour market conditions, and are accessible by eligible co-op and work experience students only
Employers review the applications, shortlist, interview candidates, and offer the positions to the successful students
Co-op students are expected to fully participate in the job competition process offered through Career Services
Students who hesitate to apply for a wide range of opportunities usually have the greatest difficulty acquiring placements, while those who apply and interview for numerous positions enhance their chances of being successful
Student self-marketing initiatives (ie: looking for co-op work terms independently), in areas of personal and professional interest, are also strongly recommended in order to increase students’ chances of success
Positions that students find independently (“student-identified”) must be approved by the Co-operative Education Coordinator prior to accepting offers

Please note: The availability and number of co-op opportunities is dependent upon employers’ needs and labour market conditions. Many employers post opportunities at a number of post-secondary institutions – creating competition for available positions. Therefore, co-op placements cannot be guaranteed.

4. What does co-op cost?

The Orientation to Co-operative Education course and co-op work terms 1, 2, and 3 are all non-credit courses with fees. Consult the Fee Schedule for more information
There may also be additional costs associated with your program or major. Please see your program-specific web pages for more information

5. Will I be paid while I am on my co-op work terms?

Yes. Co-op students are paid competitive salaries based on the current job market and the specific industry.

6. Will I get help when it comes time to prepare for my co-op work terms?

Orientation to Co-operative Education is a course designed to prepare students for the workforce
Course materials and assignments are designed to assist students in achieving and maintaining a competitive edge in the job search process and workplaces
Feedback from employers supports the necessity and value of student participation in the orientation course

7. How will I be graded on my co-op courses?

Students who successfully complete the Orientation to Co-operative Education course, and work terms 1, 2, and 3, will be awarded a “Pass” grade for each.

8. Will there be support for me while I am on my co-op work terms?

During your three co-op work terms, you will have access to, and support from, your Co-operative Education Coordinator
The Co-operative Education Coordinator is there to assist you with the academic components of your work terms, as well as any work-related issues you might encounter
You will be required to complete assignments, work reports and projects specific to each program during each work term
The Co-operative Education Coordinator maintains ongoing contact with employers to ensure their needs are being met and answers any questions about work terms while continuing to promote further participation in the program
Students are asked to complete a feedback form in the first month to let Career Services know how the job is going
We also encourage students to contact us at any time if they have questions or concerns about their jobs or the workplace