How the Co-op works
- You will have 3 paid work terms that alternate with academic semesters (please refer to the sequence below).
- You will experience a true job search process where you submit applications and compete for jobs.
- You will work full time hours while on a work term, and study full time while in school.
- You will set learning goals and submit a self-evaluation for each of your work terms.
- Your employer will evaluate your performance.
Co-op Fees
Students in the Co-op option are required to pay an administrative fee for each work term. These nonrefundable fees are set by the University. Co-op students are also responsible for tuition and incidental fees related to their study terms and costs related to any Trent courses taken while completing a work term.
Co-op Program Sequence
The sequence for the co-op degree for students completing summer-only co-op work terms is as follows:
| Fall | Winter | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Study Term 1 | Study Term 2 | Free |
| Year 2 | Study Term 3 | Study Term 4 | Work Term 1 |
| Year 3 | Study Term 5 | Study Term 6 | Work Term 2 |
| Year 4 | Study Term 7 | Study Term 8 | Work Term 3 |
| Year 5 | Study Term 9 |
Please meet with the Co-op Coordinator Sarah Jamieson in extenuating circumstances regarding deviation from this sequence or in the case of a missed work term.
A detailed course map can be found here.
Work Terms
Every effort is made by the department to find suitable work term placements for students. However, the department cannot guarantee a work term opportunity for every student. The placement process is competitive and dependent upon market conditions as well as the academic performance, skills, motivation, maturity, attitude, and potential of a student as well as their Co-op interview process and/or their own job search activities.
When you are offered a job:
1. Create a Work Term Record (WTR)
When you have your offer letter or employment contract, you need to create a WTR on the Student Experience Portal (SEP) for your co-op job.
On the main landing page for the Co-op Module, you will see the term listed under Work Terms. There will be a button at the bottom of the term that says “+ Add Work Term Record".
When you click on that button, you will be able to fill out the details of your co-op job, upload a copy of your job confirmation form, and save the record.
Your WTR will sit as pending until it is approved by your Co-op Coordinator.
2. Registration in Co-op Work Term
Your Co-op Coordinator will have you registered in your co-op program’s work term and have the courses you registered for in that term dropped. Students are unable to register themselves in a co-op work term.
3. Set Learning Objectives
Students must set 5 learning objectives for each co-op work term experience they have. Learning objectives will be filled out directly on the Student Experience Portal and must be completed at the end of your first week of work. Detailed instructions around what is expected for your learning objectives can be found on your WTR.
4. Mid-Term Evaluation
Students will complete a Mid-Term Evaluation of their work term experience. Your Co-op Coordinator will provide more information about how to complete your evaluation when the time arises. Employers also complete a Mid-Term Evaluation of the experience.
Both the student and the employer will meet to review the Mid-Term Evaluation and offer feedback on the student's performance and work term experience.
5. Final Evaluation and Work Term Report
Employers will complete a Final Evaluation of the work term experience. It is encouraged that students meet with their supervisor to review the evaluation and receive feedback.
Students will complete a Work Term Report sharing insights and reflections from their overall work term experience. Your Co-op Coordinator will provide instructions and a rubric for the report as you near the end of your work term.
Both the Final Evaluation & Work Term Report will be due the last day of your work term. Upon successful completion of both and receiving a satisfactory evaluation from the employer, you will have passed your work term. You will either receive a PASS or FAIL on your transcript for the work term.
Students who are unable to obtain a suitable Co-op placement in an upcoming work term are expected to continue with their academic program on a full-time basis. A missed work term can be made up later in the program. In the event that a Co-op student is unable to complete three work terms, but fulfills the remainder of the degree requirements, the student will be awarded an Honours Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology.
