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Responsibilities of Co-op Participants

Co-operative Education is a tri-part relationship involving the employer, the student, and the University. The success of the program depends greatly on the active contribution of each participant to the partnership.

Responsibilities of the Employer

Before embarking on the Co-op partnership, an employer should be convinced of the merits of the Co-operative Education program. Employers should enter the program with a sincere intent to:

  • provide meaningful employment in the student's field of study;
  • provide accurate, informative job descriptions;
  • provide an orientation to familiarize the student with the organization's situation and to determine the student's expectations during employment. The orientation would also include instruction regarding procedures and practices in the organization, including all safety practices;
  • provide supervision of the student by individuals who understand and are interested in Co-operative Education.
  • be available to meet with a member of the Co-op staff during the work term to review the student's performance;
  • evaluate and review the student's performance with them near the completion of the work term.

Responsibilities of the Student

In order to continue in the Co-op program and receive credit for work terms, students are
required to:

  • meet all commitments and responsibilities as agreed upon, prior to the start of the Co-op work term;
  • follow all policies, regulations, and procedures expected of the business/agency;
  • make a productive contribution to the employer;
  • conduct themselves in a professional, responsible manner as an employee of the business/agency, and also as a representative of the University and the program;
  • maintain professional appearance and behavior at all times;
  • upon completion of each work term, submit a work term report and/or a verbal class presentation which will be evaluated by the coordinator and faculty.