Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I join the Asper Co-op Program?
2. How many work terms do I participate in during the Co-op program?
3. Will I need to study over a summer term?
4. What is the average salary for Co-op work terms?
5. What type of commitment is required to make Co-op work for me?
6. Does everyone in the program find jobs?
7. If I do not find a job, will I fail Co-op?
8. Do I have to pay the co-op work term fee if I find my own job?
9. How does co-op affect my academic program?
10. Am I still considered a Full Time U of M student while ona Co-op work term?
11. What happens to my health and dental plan coverage through UMSU while I am on a Co-op work term?
12. What kind of support will I get from the Co-op office while I am on a co-op work term?
13. Who can I ask for more information?

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1. Why should I join the Asper Co-op Program?

The Asper Co-op program will help you to

• Graduate with 12 months of related experience
• Figure out what type of work you are interested in - and what type of work you are not interested in
• Earn money
• Learn about the type of organizations you want to work for after you graduate
• Meet professionals in your discipline who are in the workforce
• Learn job search, resume writing, and job interviewing

2. How many work terms do I participate in during the Co-op program?

To complete the Asper Co-op Program requirements, you completed three work terms (of four months each). Here is the set schedule for the order of work terms and academic study.

	Sept. - Dec. (Fall Term)	Jan. - April (Winter Term)	May - Aug. (Summer Term)
Year 2	Academic Term	Academic Term	Work Term 1
Year 3	Academic Term	Work Term 2	Academic Term
Year 4	Work Term 3	Academic Term	Academic Term

3. Will I need to study over a summer term?

Yes. Because the program engages you to experience the seasonal aspects of work, you will need to complete a work term from January - April and/or September - December. For example, if you are an accounting student, think of how competitive you will be once you graduate having worked over the busy tax season.

4. What is the average salary for Co-op work terms?

Based on the 2011 work terms, the average salary per hour was $15.36.

5. What type of commitment is required to make Co-op work for me?

Participation in Co-op usually adds the equivalent workload of a 3 credit course while you are searching for a job. With acceptance into the Co-op Program, you should expect to commit to the following:

• Mandatory attendance and participation in workshops
• Frequently checking your email and promptly responding to communication from the Co-op office
• Applying to all jobs for which you have the required qualifications
• Preparing for and participating in all interviews for which you are selected
• Completing all Co-op requirements on your work terms, and receiving a successful employer evaluation, in order to receive a 'P' on your transcript for the Co-op work term

6. Does everyone in the program find jobs?

Being accepted into the Co-op program does not guarantee a job. Co-op placement rates vary depending on economic stability and labour market trends. Co-op coordinators are constantly working with employers to develop work terms. For students to maximize their chances of finding employment they must:

• Undertake their own job search
• Apply to all jobs for which they qualify
• Take advantage of the resources available through the Co-op office such as resume and cover letter review, interview practice, etc.
• Be flexible and willing to try new things!

7.  If I do not find a job, will I fail Co-op?

No, a co-op work term title does not go on your transcript until you have a job confirmed. If you are unsuccessful in your job search,your contribution in the Co-op program will be discussed with you on an individual bases withyour coordinator and/or the program director.

It is important to note that youwill receive an 'F' on your transcript if you accept a Co-op job, and then do not fulfill your obligations to either the employer or the Co-op office.

8. Do I have to pay the co-op work term fee if I find my own job?

It is the responsibility of the Co-op students to pursue their own job search in addition to applying for positions posted through the Co-op office. A Co-op student pays the same fee per work term regardless of whether the job is posted by the Co-op office or if the position is found independently.

9. How does co-op affect my academic program?

Students in the Co-op program will take an additional term to complete their business degree.

10. Am I still considered a Full Time U of M student while on a Co-op work term?

While you are on a Co-op work term Revenue Canada does not consider you a full-time student. However, while on a work term you are eligible to apply for Asper scholarships, you retain your student loan status and medical coverage (please review next question for important information regarding the UMSU Health and Dental plan.)

11. What happens to my health and dental plan coverage through UMSU while I am on a Co-op work term?

UMSU provides its members with a health and dental benefits plan, which was approved by referendum in 2002. The plan is a group benefit, providing many services and benefits to students without coverage, and is mandatory for full-time students unless there is proof of an existing plan for health and/or dental.

In September, every student who is enrolled in full-time credit hours (6 credit hours or more on campus) is automatically enrolled in the UMSU student health and dental plan. Please review the General Provisions here for additional information and detailed eligibility criteria.

If you are already covered by another plan and do not need this plan, you will need to opt out before the deadline as indicated on the UMSU website here.

Important information for students on a Fall Work Term:

Students enrolled in a fall work term are not enrolled in full-time credit hours and therefore, will not automatically be enrolled in the UMSU health and dental plan. If you want to receive coverage under this plan you must opt-in before the deadline indicated on the UMSU website here.

For more information please contact the UMSU Health and Dental Office:

Location: 110 University Centre Phone: 474-6666
Email: healthplan@umsu.ca

12. What kind of support will I get from the Co-op office while I am on a co-op work term?

Your co-op coordinator is always available for you to contact throughout your work term and the school year, should any questions or concerns arise. We encourage you to make use of this resource by keeping in touch.

13. Who can I ask for more information?

For general information, you can email the Asper Co-op office at aspercoop@umanitoba.ca or phone us at 474-8521. You can also drop by our office at 254 Drake Centre, Asper School of Business. We are open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

You can also contact a specific coordinator for detailed information:

• Amber Pohl: 204-474-6673 or amber_pohl@umanitoba.ca    
• Liza Haines: 204-474-7103 or liza_haines@umanitoba.ca