Sustainability Work-Integrated Learning
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities through Co-operative Education (Co-op) and other WIL programs are available to students in Environment, Society and Sustainability (ESS) for Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Bachelor of Community Design (BCD) degree programs. These programs integrate academic studies with practical work experiences in order to equip Sustainability students with the knowledge and initial experience needed to develop expertise and excel in their career.
Sustainability Co-operative Education
Sustainability Co-operative Education (SUST Co-op) is a work-integrated learning program during which academic study in Environment, Society and Sustainability (ESS) is combined with paid career-related work experience. SUST Co-op students undertake at least three work terms that are discipline-related, career-focused and paid. Co-op work terms are interspersed with academic study terms so that students are able to apply what they learn in class to real-world work situations and then, upon returning to campus, apply what they learn at work to their studies, thereby enriching their learning. Students who complete the SUST Co-op gain work experience enabling them to explore their career options by test-driving different work environments before they graduate in order to make informed career choices. SUST Co-op is available to students in 120 credit-hour BA and BSc Double Major and Combined Honours programs with ESS as a Major/Honours subject.
Admission & Eligibility. Interested students must complete the first year ESS program requirements and apply in the spring of their first year as the number of students admitted into SUST Co-op each year can be limited. It is strongly recommended that interested students meet with their ESS Academic Advisor early in the Winter term of their first year. Students who wish to explore the possibility of Co-op after the first-year intake are encouraged to contact their department’s faculty co-op advisor and the co-op office to explore options available to them. ESS students applying for SUST Co-op must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Eligible ESS students in Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts students enrolled in a 120-credit hour degree program (Major or Honours)
- Be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 for admission and continuation in Co-op program
- Completed ESS academic program requirements:
- SUST 8890.00 (Sustainability Co-op Orientation Seminar) in the Fall term of second year
- SUST 2000.06 and SUST 2001.06 prior to the first work term (typically summer Year 2)
- Eligible to work in Canada (international students must apply for a co-op work permit)
- Proficient in oral and written English
- Motivated and capable of handling the extra workload of preparing for and actively participating in a job search while carrying a full course load
Sustainability Work Experience
Sustainability Work Experience (SUST WEP) is a form of work-integrated learning that involves a single paid four-month work term in the third year of the ESS program. SUST WEP is intended for ESS students who are not enrolled in Co-operative Education to have access to a work term experience. Students in SUST WEP develop professional skills and competencies and explore a career option in an applied real-world work environment. SUST WEP students graduate with a meaningful work experience that informs career choices and facilitates employment post-graduation. SUST WEP is available to ESS students in 120 credit-hour BA, BSc, and BCD Double Major and Combined Honours programs with ESS as a Major/Honours subject who are not enrolled in SUST Co-op or another WIL program (allied Co-op program through WIL Co-op, BMGMT Internship through MCS or International Internship programs).
Admission & Eligibility. Interested students must complete the second year ESS program requirements and apply in the spring of their second year in ESS. It is strongly recommended that interested students meet with their ESS Academic Advisor in their second year. ESS students applying for SUST WEP must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Eligible to third year ESS students in BSc, BA, or BCD (Major or Honours) who are not already participating in Co-op/WIL offered by WIL Co-op or Management Career Services
- Be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 for admission and continuation in Co-op program
- Completed ESS academic program requirements:
- SUST 8890.00 (Sustainability Co-op Orientation Seminar)
- SUST 3000.03 prior to the work term (typically Winter or Summer Year 3)
- Eligible to work in Canada (international students must apply for a co-op work permit)
- Proficient in oral and written English
- Motivated and capable of handling the extra workload of preparing for and actively participating in a job search while carrying a full course load
Study and Work Term Schedules for Sustainability Co-op and WEP
Year
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
|
F
|
W
|
S
|
F
|
W
|
S
|
F
|
W
|
S
|
F
|
W
|
S
|
SUST Co-op
|
S1
|
S2
|
-
|
S3
|
S4
|
W1
|
S5
|
W2
|
W3
|
S6
|
S7
|
S8
|
SUST WEP
|
S1
|
S2
|
-
|
S3
|
S4
|
-
|
S5
|
-
|
W1
|
S6
|
S7
|
S8
|
S1
|
S2
|
-
|
S3
|
S4
|
-
|
S5
|
W1
|
-
|
S6
|
S7
|
S8
|
Due to limited enrollment space, acceptance is not guaranteed, even for students who meet all requirements. ESS students generally apply to co-op before the end of their first year of study, however some major programs may have flexibility to allow students to apply at the end of their second year. Intake for SUST Co-op and SUST WEP take place on a yearly basis. Applications to SUST Co-op or SUST WEP must be submitted by the annual deadline. Students are encouraged to monitor email for guidance on when and how to apply.
Contact
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Email
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WIL Co-op Office
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General Inquiries: “Ask Co-op"
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askcoop@dal.ca
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Wenying Wu, Co-op Coordinator
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w.wu@dal.ca
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College of Sustainability Academic Faculty Co-op Advisors
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Dr. Peter Mushkat, Faculty Co-op Advisor
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pwm@dal.ca
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Kaarin Tae, ESS Academic Advisor
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ess.advising@dal.ca
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Further details on SUST Co-op and WEP can be found on the WIL Co-op office’s website at dal.ca/wil.