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COVID-19 FAQ for Co-op Students

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Updated July 7, 2020

Laurier announced on May 15 that the university will continue to provide most courses online and virtually for the fall, to align with public health requirements.

Co-op staff members continue to help students find jobs, and to help employers recruit students.

Please contact your co-op coordinator or any staff member by email for assistance, using our staff directory.

Spring 2020 Work Term

I am not yet employed for the spring/summer work term; is it too late to find a job?

In light of the pandemic, we reduced the minimum number of hours required, for the spring 2020 work term only, to 280 hours, or eight weeks of full-time hours.

If you get a job that is too short to be approved for co-op, you will still gain skills and experience that will help you in your next co-op job search.

Where can I find job postings, besides Navigator?

Employers who received funding through the Canada Summer Jobs program may still be advertising their positions on the Youth-Job Bank site.

Join agri-food heroes who help put food on Ontario’s store shelves and kitchen tables; check out this portal to agriculture and food jobs.

You might also uncover jobs while checking out job sites such as these:

Can I get a grant to run a project that supports my community?

  • The Canada Service Corps, through TakingITGlobal/Rising Youth, is offering micro-grants to students who are "inspired with ideas and ready to take action through youth-led community service grants."

  • The federaql government is launching the Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG), which will help students gain valuable work experience and skills while they help their communities during the COVID‑19 pandemic. For students who choose to do national service and serve their communities, the new CSSG will provide up to $5,000 for their education in the fall. More details will be made available on the “I Want to Help” platform soon.

Prospective employers tell me their businesses are strapped financially these days; may I tell them about funding programs?

Yes; please see our funding page for information about funding programs and the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit.

If I don't find work, how can I get support myself?

You can find the latest information about support from the federal government in its COVID-19 response plan.

Since May 15, students may apply for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), which provides financial support to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19.

This benefit is for students who do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance (EI).

From May to August 2020, the CESB provides a payment to eligible students of $1,250 per month for eligible students or $2,000 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities.

Fall 2020 Work Term

My work term is scheduled for the fall; how will I find a job?

During the continuous employment period, you will continue to apply to job postings on Navigator. We are arranging interviews and extending job offers.  We will continue to post jobs, arrange interview and extend job offers throughout the term. View recruiting dates here.

In addition to applying to co-op postings through Navigator, you are welcome to apply directly to jobs through companies' websites and job posting sites.

Will employers see my winter 2020 marks?

 If you choose to use the credit format for any marks, employers will see only that you received credit.

Working Remotely

Any tips I can share with employers on training me remotely?

Some employers are shipping laptops and other devices by courier. (You would return the devices by courier at the end of term, and the company disinfects the devices before shipping them to the incoming co-op students.) Here are some tips for your employer on onboarding students remotely.

Do I need to work at home?

Because Public Health Canada recommends physical (social) distancing, we are urging employers to allow students to work remotely. Check out these working from home tips for students.

To hear what it is like to work remotely, listen to UXD student Joel Schellenberger speak about his experience working with Ontario Digital Service. Joel's interview begins about 22 minutes into this podcast.

If employers need you to work on location, they should enable you to clean your hands and follow physical distancing guidelines. If you have concerns, please contact your coordinator.

Financial Concerns

I am struggling to pay tuition for fall; where can I find information about grants and loans?

I am a renter; what do I need to know?

The Government of Ontario has suspended new eviction orders during the current crisis.

Other Resources

Are there any other resources for employers trying to recruit or supervise students during the pandemic?

CEWIL, the national co-operative education association, has put together COVID-19 resources for co-op employers and students.