Community and Workplace Partnerships FAQs for Winter 2021

Coordinating meaningful and quality curricular experiential learning opportunities remains possible in the pandemic context. Community and Workplace Partnerships is able to partner with employers and community organizations to offer students practical experience in new ways. Projects, research, and simulated workplace models have moved to remote delivery most easily. If your course involves a weekly volunteer placement, internship or practicum, you may be wondering what that will look like. We have tried to answer some of your most pressing questions below but don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any additional questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I still be able to complete my experiential learning opportunity in Winter 2021?

In most cases, students will still be able to complete placements, projects, job shadows and other experiences coordinated through the Community and Workplace Partnerships office in Winter 2021. If the course involves a placement component we expect that most opportunities for the Winter 2021 term will be remote. Where it is appropriate and safe, placements that are offered on-site may be posted for your course.

What training do I need to do in order to begin my placement?

If you are doing an in-person placement, the partner organization must provide you with health and safety training specific to their workplace. You should not engage in any potentially hazardous activity at your placement prior to receiving their specific training. You will complete a Safety Orientation Checklist before you begin your placement.

Do I have a choice about whether I attend an in-person placement?

No student is compelled to attend an in-person placement. Students can work with their coordinator and/or their placement partner to determine the best option for them.

Can I choose a remote placement instead of an in-person one?

For all CWP courses using a placement model of engagement remote options will be posted for your course in addition to in-person placements. Students will select a placement that they are comfortable with. We will also accept both remote and in-person self-initiated opportunities for most courses that have a placement component.

What do I do if I don’t feel safe working on site at my placement?

Students have the right to refuse work if they believe that the workplace is unsafe. If a student finds themselves in an unsafe situation or hazardous condition, they should not proceed with that work and should immediately report the hazard to their placement supervisor. If the student has addressed this situation with the placement supervisor, and still feels unsafe, the student should immediately stop work and notify their placement coordinator at Laurier, who will assist the student in navigating the work refusal.

What insurance coverage does Laurier provide if I contract COVID-19 in a placement setting in Ontario?

For unpaid placements, there is no specific coverage related to COVID-19, but students will be covered if the placement is insured under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). If the placement employer is in Ontario and does not have WSIB, there will be workplace injury coverage through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MOU), but not for infectious disease, such as COVID-19.

Students need to understand that this may be a risk that is assumed when accepting a placement. Some placements will not have WSIB coverage, and alternative insurance coverage may need to be arranged.

Please note information regarding insurance for unpaid placements may change frequently and we will update as we receive updates from Health and Safety as well as Legal departments at Laurier.

I am a student with documented accommodations. Will this be considered in my placement?

Yes, students with documented disabilities are required to register with Accessible Learning per policy 2.3 Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities. Students are encouraged to register in advance of the start of term by submitting their documentation and application via the registration link below. Students will meet with an accommodation consultant to formulate an accommodation plan that considers their practicum/ placement requirements.

What happens if there is an outbreak at my agency setting, and my agency asks me to continue placement attendance? What if I want to continue attending my placement and the agency permits me to do so? Will Laurier ask me to pause or end my placement?

If there is an outbreak at your placement location, you will need to work with the placement and Laurier to determine if it is safe and appropriate for you to continue in the placement. No student will be required to continue to attend an in-person placement. If you want to continue and the agency has determined that it is safe for you and the people they serve to continue, Laurier will not prevent you from continuing with the placement. The placement location always has the right to end a placement if they determine that continuing is not appropriate for you or the people they serve.

What happens if there is an outbreak at my agency and my placement ends? Will I lose my academic credit?

If an outbreak or other situation forces the placement partner to end or pause your placement, CWP staff will work with you and your professor to determine how you will meet your courses requirements. In planning for in-person placements, we have already determined with professors what options students will have if they can no longer attend. Some of these include:

• You will move to a remote or virtual placement if the partner can offer it.
• You will complete an academic assignment.
• Depending on how many hours you have completed at the time the placement is ended, it may be determined that you have already met requirements.

Do I need to bring my own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to my placement, or will my placement supply it?

The standards for PPE vary based on the placement, the type of services provided by the placement, and the hazards present during the students course of work. If the placement site requires any PPE in addition to the standard cloth mask required in all indoor settings, they are required to provide the necessary PPE for you to be safe in their setting.

Will I need to be tested for COVID-19 before beginning my placement?

This will depend on the placement location. Some organizations are requiring testing before beginning a placement, and/or every two weeks. You will need to follow up with the placement to determine their specific requirements, which could change over the term of your placement.

If I contract COVID-19 at my placement setting, do I need to report this to Laurier?

Yes, if you contract COVID-19 at your placement you need to report this to your placement supervisor, and follow the protocols established at your placement site. You will also need to inform your coordinator at Laurier so that we can complete any further reporting for WSIB or insurance purposes. Your placement partner will then work with Laurier on addressing this issue.