Experiential Education

Rationale

Issue

Students should have access to meaningful, accessible, discrimination-free, and safe co-op opportunities. It is critical to support them throughout the recruitment, work, and post-work phases.

Our Research

Research Highlights

Co-op Size and Success: Waterloo hosts Canada’s largest co-op program, linking over 26,000 students with 7,500+ employers globally.
Employment Rate: 96% of co-op graduates secure relevant employment within six months post-graduation.

Challenges Identified

Unequal Opportunities: Non-STEM students find fewer opportunities compared to their STEM counterparts.
Workplace Vulnerabilities: Students report discrimination and lack of support, particularly international students facing additional barriers.
Market Influence: Post-pandemic economic shifts and housing affordability significantly affect co-op placements.

Supporting Data

Food Insecurity: 30-40% of students experience food insecurity (Canadian Food Studies Journal).
Discrimination in Hiring: International students face higher discrimination rates in workplace settings.

Our Stance

WUSA advocates for equitable co-op opportunities and robust support systems addressing the unique challenges faced by all students, especially international ones.

Equitable Opportunities: Advocacy for equal access to co-op placements across all disciplines, challenging disparities particularly in STEM vs. Arts/Humanities.
Legislative Protection: Support for inclusion of co-op students under the Employment Standards Act to ensure fair treatment and safety.
International Support: Enhanced policies to improve work permit processes and reduce discriminatory practices.

Read the full Experiential Education – Co-op stance.

Student Resources

MATES (Mentor Assistance Through Education and Support)

Offers peer-to-peer support to help students navigate personal and academic challenges. This can be particularly useful for co-op students dealing with workplace stress or seeking guidance on balancing work and study.

Co-op Connection

Aims to support students during their co-op terms, especially those away from campus, by providing networking opportunities and connecting them with other co-op students in the same city.

Food Support Services

Addresses issues of food insecurity among students, which is particularly important for co-op students who may be relocating frequently and facing financial challenges.

Health and Dental Plans

Ensures that co-op students maintain continuous health and dental coverage during their work terms, which is crucial for their overall well-being.

Empower Me

Provides mental health support through counseling sessions available via phone, video, and in-person, supporting the emotional well-being of co-op students.

Campaigns

While there are no active campaigns at this time, we continue to work closely with our community, ensuring ongoing efforts and progress behind the scenes.