The Co-op Student Guide
Special Circumstances
Cancellation of Co-op Work Term
If a student's confirmed position is cancelled through no fault of their own, the student must contact a co-op coordinator immediately. Every effort will be made to assist the student in finding another position or arranging to return to school, and in making appropriate adjustments on the transcript regarding the co-op practicum.
Failure to Maintain Academic Standing While on a Work Term
Normally, if a student fails to maintain the academic requirements of their co-op program, they may be permitted to complete their work term, provided the employer agrees. However, the student will not be allowed to apply for another co-op work term until their academic standing has improved.
Extenuating Circumstances During a Co-op Work Term
If a student cannot complete a co-op work term for medical or compassionate reasons, he or she may be eligible to receive a Pass on the work term if all of the following have occurred:
- the student notifies a co-op coordinator who confirms with the employer that he or she is aware that the student cannot complete the work term;
- the student provides a co-op coordinator with a letter from their doctor or a medical certificate indicating they cannot complete the term;
- the coordinator considers the student's performance and learning process on the co-op work term to date to have been satisfactory; and
- the employer completes a satisfactory evaluation.
Complaints About Employers and Co-op Placements
Your safety, well-being, and rights as a Co-op student are very important to us. If you experience or witness concerning behaviour in your workplace, we encourage you to contact your Co-op Coordinator immediately. We will meet with you to discuss your concerns and determine appropriate next steps.
When a complaint is raised, the Co-op Program follows a clear process:
- Investigation and Dialogue: We review the situation by gathering information from you, the employer, and other relevant parties.
- Education and Resolution: In many cases, issues can be resolved through education, coaching, or changes to workplace practices.
- Monitoring: We conduct site visits and maintain ongoing relationships with employers to monitor workplace environments and ensure students are working in safe and respectful conditions.
- Termination of Partnership: As an educational program, we strive to educate and if possible, correct, problematic supervisory practices and behavior. However, if concerns are serious, irresolvable, or present legal or ethical risks, we may explore pausing or ending our relationship with a Co-op employer. This decision will be made only after a thorough consultation process involving 大象传媒's Legal Office and other relevant University units. It is important to note that while every student complaint is taken seriously and investigated, not all complaints will lead to the termination of partnerships. Each case will be assessed on its own merits, balancing the need to support and protect students with the University鈥檚 responsibility to maintain fair, ethical, and productive partnerships with employers. Our goal is always to ensure that concerns are addressed, that students are supported, and that workplaces provide safe, inclusive, and meaningful learning opportunities.
Withdrawal from or Failing a Work Term
A student may be assessed a 'Withdrawal' or a 'Fail' for their work term for the following reasons:
- failure to report for work at the employer's location;
- ending work term without permission from the co-op coordinator and/or employer;
- dismissal based on student鈥檚 actions;
- unsatisfactory performance as determined by the employer; or
- failure to submit required work term documents to their respective program (ie. supervisor鈥檚 evaluation form and work report).
In all of the above cases, a coordinator will investigate the circumstances prior to assessing the 'Withdrawal' or 'Fail' grade.
Any student failing a work term will be asked to discuss their situation or circumstance with their co-op coordinator. Failing a co-op work term may result in the student鈥檚 withdrawal from 大象传媒 Co-op.
Appealing a Withdrawal or Fail Grade
A student assessed a Withdrawal or Fail for their co-op work term may appeal their situation in writing to the Director of Co-operative Education. Further appeals would follow 大象传媒's established academic appeals process described in the 大象传媒 calendar under 鈥淕eneral Regulations鈥�.