Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is co-op?

A. In co-operative education programs, students alternate periods of academic study with periods of work. The Co-op Office approves jobs that will provide students with the opportunity to learn while performing productive work. Employers supervise their students and evaluate their performance, and co-op co-ordinators monitor students’ progress on the job. Students are paid by their employers.

Q. Has the minimum GPA for applicants to Business and Economics Co-op been established yet for 2013 admission?

A. No. Applicants to Business and Economics Co-op needed an overall GPA of at least 8.0 out of 12 in first year to be granted an admission interview in 2012. We will set the minimum for 2013 in July. Please see the marks page for more information.

Q. During high school and in the summer, I have had many jobs but they are not very relevant to business. How will this affect my eligibility for SBE Co-op?

A.  The admission process is very competitive, as we interview many more students than we can offer admission to in co-op. We assess both the quality and the quantity of work experience. Students have an advantage if they have related experience (such as in an office or in a supervisory role) and they are able to communicate this effectively in the interview.

Try to build on the work experience you have obtained already, and search for relevant work experience during your first year or during the following summer. It is also important to be able to communicate the skills you’ve obtained through any work experience, and to explain how these skills can be applied in other work environments.

Q: I am in my first year and majoring in Economics but hope to transfer to Business. Which program should I apply to when using the online application process?

A: Choose Economics Co-op when applying online. If you are successful in transferring, contact the Co-op Office at 519.884.0710 ext 4484, and a staff member will update your status online.

Q: Which marks do you consider when calculating my GPA?

A: We consider all first-year courses completed between September and April in your first year.

Q: Can I take courses during the summer to improve my GPA?

A: We will not consider other courses you complete after winter term unless they are required for progression to second year. We do not encourage you to retake courses in an effort to raise your average. If, however, you do retake courses, please contact the Co-op Office once you have received your new marks.

We are unable to consider marks we receive after the last day of interviews.

Q: I am a high school student applying to Laurier. How do I specify that I want to enrol in co-op on my application?

A: Students apply to Arts Co-op, Business and Economics Co-op and Science Co-op at the end of their first year or beginning of their second year at Laurier. There is, therefore, no code for co-op on the OUAC undergraduate application form for these programs.

Q: What are interviewers looking for when assessing volunteer and extracurricular involvement for the co-op admission process?

A: Candidates should be able to describe ongoing involvement during senior high school and university, in a variety of roles. Strong applicants are able to articulate the responsibility they have demonstrated, the skills they have attained and the leadership roles they have held.

Q: Do I need to supply a list of references? (NEW)

A: No; please do not supply reference letters or a list of references.

Here is an excerpt from the introductory statement: "Students are expected to present their skills and experience truthfully and factually. We reserve the right to verify information provided and any student who is found to have misrepresented himself or herself will be ineligible for enrolment in the co-op program."