Arts & Science Co-op Physical and Life Sciences Internal Admissions Information Dallas Boyer, Coordinator Co-op Programs in Arts and Science

What is Arts and Science Co-op? Co-op education is a unique program based on a three-way partnership between the University of Toronto, the student and the employer Practical work placements alternate with study terms Work placements begin in January, May or September for 4 or 8 month terms

2 Teams of Support Staff Arts and Science Co-op Staff Work Related Support: Work Term Preparation Course Work Term Timing and Processes Recruitment and Job Search Support Employer / Industry Information Co-op Supervisor of Studies Academic Support: Program Planning and Decision Making Course Selection Options, Conflicts, and Issues CGPA hurdles Graduation Dilemmas Work Term Report Topics and Evaluation Questions

Study Options Physical & Environmental Sciences Specialist Biological Chemistry Chemistry Environmental Biology Environmental Chemistry Environmental Geosciences Environmental Physics Mathematics Mathematics and Its Applications Natural Sciences Physical and Mathematical Sciences Physics and Its Applications Double Major* Astrophysics and Physics Biochemistry Chemistry Environmental Science – Environmental Geoscience – Environmental Biology – Water Science Mathematics Physical Sciences Statistics * Second major must be discussed with and approved by Supervisor of Studies

Study Options Biological Sciences and Psychology Psychology NOTE: All co-op programs offered in the department of psychology are offered as specialist degree programs only. Neuroscience Psychology – Public Opinion and Behaviour – Cognition and Behaviour – Behavioural Disorders Biology NOTE: All co-op programs offered in the department of biological sciences are offered as specialist degree programs only Cell and Molecular Biology Conservation Biology

Themes Explored in Co-op Networking Career Exploration Self-Assessment Research Communication Professionalism

Co-op Work Term Preparation Course Fall term only Non credit course Mandatory before a work term

Co-op Program Overview  Orientation seminar  12-week work term preparation course Year of Entry  Orientation seminars  1-on-1 resume critique  Mock interviews  Job and career development  Interview scheduling  Job offers Years 2-4 Recruitment Support  Annual employer networking event  Employer speaker series  Skills development workshops  1-on-1 consultations and resume critique  Job board  Reference letters for work or graduate school All Years  Mid-term visit and evaluation  Final evaluation  Ongoing consultation and support  Work term reports and presentations  Work term debriefing Years 2-4 Work Term Support

Admissions After 1 st Year Registration Guide Booklet distributed in late March by Registrar’s office details deadlines & instructions Deadlines are absolute (they can be found on the co-op website) 2 rounds of admissions: –April to May - results available via ROSI in June, must accept by end of June –July to Aug. - results available via ROSI in September – must accept by mid September

Rules Regarding Applying You must have FEWER than 10 FCEs at the end of April You must have completed at least 4.0 FCEs at U of T by the end of April Specific course requirements for chosen program must be adhered to – check calendar Submit your request via ROSI with the supplementary application form, references and a résumé

How are Applications Evaluated? CGPA (varies each year) and varies from program to program e.g. at least 2.5 but at least 2.75 for neuroscience Check ROSI for details by program Co-op Supervisors of Study have the final say regarding acceptances Résumé, reference and detailed info on SAF

Résumé and SAF Information We look for: – Interest (the more specific the better) in the field of XXX Why interested? What experience has led to this? How does co-op fit in? – Volunteer experience – Work experience – Extra-curricular involvement – Academic awards – Highly relevant work-related experience/involvement – Leadership activities/roles – Flawless grammar and spelling – Advanced written communication skills – Evidence of personal contact/initiative

How Can You Prepare? On-campus involvement Off-campus involvement Attend to your academics Practice applications Career exploration Speak with co-op staff and students Visit our website:

Resources Career Centre Student clubs e.g. CSA Company and industry info sessions Writing Centre International Student Centre Sessions Career websites

Some Policies You Should Know About Must end degree on a STUDY TERM (NO exceptions) Must finish work terms before your 20 credits are done You choose/change your sequence in consultation with your Co-op Coordinator You MUST be enrolled in courses to seek work

Courses Required Before Work Terms This varies by program and must be checked in the calendar

Staying in Co-op: Academically CGPA is assessed before each work term 2.50 needed to seek work and graduate =probation (job searching suspended) Below 2.3=removal from Co-op

Co-op Success Happens When You… Act with integrity, honesty, responsibility and accountability Exercise strong effort in all activities Communicate professionally Attend to detail and deadlines Remain open-minded and realistic Actively reflect: on your studies, your work and the links between the two

Wrap-Up What questions do you have? Review the Arts and Science Co-op web site Contact Nancy Bradshaw at for further information – phone