Arts & Science Co-op Physical and Life Sciences

1. Arts & Science Co-opPhysical and Life Sciences Internal Admissions Information Dallas Boyer, Coordinator Co-op Programs in Arts and Science

2. What is Arts and Science Co-op? • Co-op education is a unique program based on a three-way partnership between the University of Toronto, the student and the employer • Practical work placements alternate with study terms • Work placements begin in January, May or September for 4 or 8 month terms

3. 2 Teams of Support Staff Arts and Science Co-op Staff Work Related Support: • Work Term Preparation Course • Work Term Timing and Processes • Recruitment and Job Search Support • Employer / Industry Information  Co-op Supervisor of Studies Academic Support: • Program Planning and Decision Making • Course Selection Options, • Conflicts, and Issues • CGPA hurdles • Graduation Dilemmas • Work Term Report Topics and Evaluation Questions

4. Study OptionsPhysical & Environmental Sciences Specialist • Biological Chemistry • Chemistry • Environmental Biology • Environmental Chemistry • Environmental Geosciences • Environmental Physics • Mathematics • Mathematics and Its Applications • Natural Sciences • Physical and Mathematical Sciences • Physics and Its Applications Double Major* • Astrophysics and Physics • Biochemistry • Chemistry • Environmental Science • Environmental Geoscience • Environmental Biology • Water Science • Mathematics • Physical Sciences • Statistics • * Second major must be discussed with and approved by Supervisor of Studies

5. Study OptionsBiological Sciences and Psychology Psychology NOTE: All co-op programs offered in the department of psychology are offered as specialist degree programs only. • Neuroscience • Psychology • Public Opinion and Behaviour • Cognition and Behaviour • Behavioural Disorders Biology NOTE: All co-op programs offered in the department of biological sciences are offered as specialist degree programs only • Cell and Molecular Biology • Conservation Biology

6. Themes Explored in Co-op • Networking • Career Exploration • Self-Assessment • Research • Communication • Professionalism

7. Co-op Work Term Preparation Course • Fall term only • Non credit course • Mandatory before a work term

8. All Years • Annual employer networking event • Employer speaker series • Skills development workshops • 1-on-1 consultations and resume critique • Job board • Reference letters for work or graduate school Year of Entry Years 2-4 Recruitment Support Years 2-4 Work Term Support • Orientation seminar • 12-week work term preparation course • Orientation seminars • 1-on-1 resume critique • Mock interviews • Job and career development • Interview scheduling • Job offers • Mid-term visit and evaluation • Final evaluation • Ongoing consultation and support • Work term reports and presentations • Work term debriefing Co-op Program Overview

9. Admissions After 1st Year • Registration Guide Booklet distributed in late March by Registrar’s office details deadlines & instructions • Deadlines are absolute (they can be found on the co-op website) • 2 rounds of admissions: • April to May - results available via ROSI in June, must accept by end of June • July to Aug. - results available via ROSI in September – must accept by mid September

10. Rules Regarding Applying • You must have FEWER than 10 FCEs at the end of April • You must have completed at least 4.0 FCEs at U of T by the end of April • Specific course requirements for chosen program must be adhered to – check calendar • Submit your request via ROSI with the supplementary application form, references and a résumé

11. How are Applications Evaluated? • CGPA (varies each year) and varies from program to program e.g. at least 2.5 but at least 2.75 for neuroscience • Check ROSI for details by program http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~registrar/subjectpost.html • Co-op Supervisors of Study have the final say regarding acceptances • Résumé, reference and detailed info on SAF

12. Résumé and SAF Information • We look for: • Interest (the more specific the better) in the field of XXX Why interested? What experience has led to this? How does co-op fit in? • Volunteer experience • Work experience • Extra-curricular involvement • Academic awards • Highly relevant work-related experience/involvement • Leadership activities/roles • Flawless grammar and spelling • Advanced written communication skills • Evidence of personal contact/initiative

13. How Can You Prepare? • On-campus involvement • Off-campus involvement • Attend to your academics • Practice applications • Career exploration • Speak with co-op staff and students • Visit our website: http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~askcoop/

14. Resources • Career Centre • Student clubs e.g. CSA • Company and industry info sessions • Writing Centre • International Student Centre Sessions • Career websites

15. Some Policies You Should Know About • Must end degree on a STUDY TERM (NO exceptions) • Must finish work terms before your 20 credits are done • You choose/change your sequence in consultation with your Co-op Coordinator • You MUST be enrolled in courses to seek work

16. Courses Required Before Work TermsThis varies by program and must be checked in the calendar

17. Staying in Co-op: Academically • CGPA is assessed before each work term • 2.50 needed to seek work and graduate • 2.30-2.49=probation (job searching suspended) • Below 2.3=removal from Co-op

18. Co-op Success Happens When You… • Act with integrity, honesty, responsibility and accountability • Exercise strong effort in all activities • Communicate professionally • Attend to detail and deadlines • Remain open-minded and realistic • Actively reflect: on your studies, your work and the links between the two

19. Wrap-Up • What questions do you have? • Review the Arts and Science Co-op web site http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~askcoop/student/admissions.htm • Contact Nancy Bradshaw at bradshaw@utsc.utoronto.ca for further information • phone 416-287-7310