Workplace/Academic Issues

Any misunderstanding or problem that a student might have with an employer should be discussed with Co-op Director without delay. 

Dropping Out of the Co-op Program

Although it is discouraged, students may drop out of the Co-op Program at any time; however, there may be consequences.

Notify the Co-op Director immediately to discuss the situation. Leaving a position without the consent of the Co-op Director results in being automatically dropped from the program. An unexpected resignation can put the employer in a bind and deprive another student of filling the position.

Changing Majors

If the student changes majors to a non-engineering major, the student is automatically dropped from the Co-op Program.

Academic Probation

Academic probation can jeopardize your continued participation in the Co-op Program. Contact the Co-op Director as soon as you realize this might be an issue for you.

Working Only 1 Semester

You must inform the Co-op Director if you are considering terminating your co-op after working only one semester at your employer. You will need to meet with your departmental advisor to determine how this may impact degree progress, technical elective credit, etc.

Extended Absence Due to Illness or Other Emergencies

The Co-op Director should be notified immediately of any extended absence from the work assignment because of the impact it may have on the coursework and work assignment.

Employer Terminates the Position Early

Discharging Students

Unfortunately there are circumstances where a student is terminated from their Co-op position before the agreed-upon semesters have been worked. The way an employer proceeds to do this is not under the control of the Co-op Program. The student should contact the Co-op office and the Co-op Director as soon as they find themselves in this position.

Layoff

While it happens rarely, employers have at times found it necessary to lay off a Co-op student. Employers are expected to 1) handle the process in the same manner as for a regular employee working at the company in the probationary period, and 2) notify the Co-op office.

If a layoff occurs, employers are highly encouraged to allow the student to finish out the work term. If that is not possible, the supervisor is asked to review and sign the student's academic assignments, so that the term is not a complete loss for the student. If layoffs are imminent before a Co-op student begins the work term, then the employer is expected to notify the student and the Co-op Program, and give the student the option to decline that work term and take classes instead.

If a student is laid off, they will not lose the credits earned for any of the work semesters completed, even though the full credits have not been acquired. If a student is laid off mid-term and all the academic assignments are completed, it is still possible to complete the Co-op course for credit.

Dismissal

In the case of possible dismissal for cause, we would like to offer assistance and try to obtain a positive outcome for all parties. Thus, contact the Co-op Director as early in the process as possible. If the difficulties cannot be resolved it may be necessary for the employer to follow normal dismissal procedures. An employer is well within its rights to maintain and enforce its corporate standards.