Recruiting, Engaging and Retaining an Increasingly Diverse Student Population

Sarah Cameron Co-op Placement Educator University of Victoria

Today’s Session  Defining diversity  Strategies  Future directions

Destination University ….what does that mean?  71% of students come from outside of Greater Victoria  6% from outside of Canada

Optional and Professional Programs 10 co-op offices, 12 coordinators…  Biology  Biochemistry/Microbiology  Chemistry  Physics, Astronomy & Earth and Ocean Sciences  Social Science  Humanities, Fine Arts & Professional Writing  Public Administration  Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education  Law  Health Information Science

Activity With a partner, come up with a list of 10 things you have in common.

 Academic Programs  Education Level  Mandatory and Optional  Culture and Language  Type of work  Other Factors Diversity within Co-op

Recruitment Prospective students  Office of Student Recruitment  Campus Tours  Publications  Transfer credit

Recruitment New students  Experience UVic  Day of Welcome / Orientation  Classroom presentations

Recruitment Ongoing  Co-op Info Day  Bulletin Boards  Offices within the faculties = high visibility  Presence in classrooms  Interested students are invited to student debriefs

In the classroom  Boot camp and Weekly classes  Interactive, lots of room for discussion Student Engagement

One-on-One Coaching  Review resumes and cover letters individually  Invite them to come see us  Seek out students that are struggling  Job Search Planning Student Engagement

Optional Workshops/Events  International Students  Sector specific: HR, Provincial Government  Working Abroad  Interest topics: networking, competencies, diversity in the workplace  Mock Interview Clinic Student Engagement

 Responsive to student feedback  Continued outreach  Dream job search  Celebrate Success: Co-op Student of the Year & Designation Retention

Strategies for Success  2 Placement Educators dedicated to student support  Diverse program delivery  Outreach to other units on campus  Student Advisory Board

Sarah Cameron Co-op Placement Educator University of Victoria

Thank You!