Co-op Option Overview

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. 

Ongoing requirements

To remain in the Co-op Option, students must achieve a minimum 75% average in COIS courses and maintain a minimum 70% cumulative average throughout their study terms. In addition, Co-op students must continue to receive satisfactory evaluations during their work terms. Students who do not maintain these requirements will be required to meet with the departmental Co-op Committee and will be considered for continuation on a case-by-case basis. 

Work Terms

Every effort is made by the department to find suitable work term placements for students enrolled in the Co-op option, but 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.

• No more than two of the three placements can be completed with the same employer.

Students returning from a work term must submit a report and give a presentation describing the nature of the work undertaken and the experience gained. A grade of S (Satisfactory)  or U (Unsatisfactory) will be assigned based on the report/presentation and the employer's assessment. The report is normally due within the first two weeks of the study term following the completion of a work term, with the presentation being scheduled by the department later that term.

Withdrawal from Co-op Option 

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 Computer Science (and any of the Specializations they are able to complete). 

• Withdrawal from the Co-op option will not be normally approved while a student is on a work term.