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 Position

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 Advocacy Position Statement here.

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.

Learn more about MATES

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.

Learn more about Co-op Connection

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.

Learn more about Food Support Service

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.

Learn more about our Health and Dental Plans

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.

Learn more about Empower Me

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.