COVID-19 FAQ for Co-op Students
Updated October 8, 2020
Laurier is holding courses primarily online and virtually for the fall 2020 and winter 2021 study terms, to align with public health requirements.
Co-op staff members continue to work remotely while helping students find jobs and helping employers recruit students.
Please contact your co-op coordinator or any staff member by email for assistance, using our staff directory.
Winter 2021 Work Term
My work term is scheduled for the winter; how will I find a job?
We encourage you to participate actively during the recruiting periods. To increase your potential for employment in a job market constrained by the global pandemic, we recommend you consider applying to job postings in a variety of industries and locations.
Will employers see my winter 2020 marks?
If you chose to use the credit format for any marks, employers will see only that you received credit.
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 such as the Student Work Placement Program and the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit.
Where can I find job postings, besides Navigator?
You might uncover jobs while checking out companies, associations, and online job sites. Before accepting a job you find on your own, please send details to your co-op coordinator, who will decide whether to approve it for co-op.
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?
- Canada Student Loans - COVID-19
- National Student Loans Service Centre
- Ontario Student Assistance Program
- Ontario Works
- Canada's COVID-19 Support Plan
I am a renter; what do I need to know?
- Read about your rights as a tenant in Ontario.
- Consult the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Can I get a grant to run a project that supports my community?
Possibly, though we can't guarantee that it will provide more than a stipend or count as a co-op job.
- 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."
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.