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Work-integrated learning (WIL) has a significant contribution to education. Not only does it deepen academic understanding, but also enhances employability outcomes, fostering the exchange of knowledge between students and workplaces. Implementing the ideal environment for WIL consists of understanding stakeholders' goals and needs, creating a supportive environment, as well as navigating diverging interests. Dr. Norah McRae, associate provost of CEE, discusses with the National Skills Network, the distinction between experiential education and practical work experience, and how WIL plays a role in contributing to the broader educational framework.

This Giving Tuesday, we share short vignettes of the large impact a small donation can have on the lives of co-op students.

Waterloo’s strengths in work-integrated learning and innovation set the foundation for new programming that brings generations together to solve problems for social good.

New York-based Balyasny Asset Management (BAM), engaged with University of Waterloo co-op students at a fireside chat recently. On May 24, at the University of Waterloo’s Davis Centre, BAM hosted a fireside chat with one of their leaders in technology followed by a “Bubble Tea with BAM” networking session.

Much like the namesake of the award they recently received, three University of Waterloo students are dedicated to the pursuit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The students, who each have a strategic vision in this space, were awarded the Louis Giroux Scholarship in Greenhouse Gas Reduction Science.

Global leaders in work-integrated learning (WIL) recently gathered at the University of Waterloo to discuss the future of work. Key themes of the conference included innovation, entrepreneurship and economic recovery.  

On Friday, June 30, the University of Waterloo and the Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) solidified their first bilateral work-integrated learning agreement. The agreement allows both universities to offer exceptional international co-op/WIL experiences to students at both institutions. 

Each year, Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) presents one student from each of Waterloo’s six faculties with a Co-op Student of the Year award for exceptional contributions to their employers. CEE announced the award winners in a hybrid in-person and virtual ceremony on March 9, 2023.

On Thursday, April 20^th, the United Way Waterloo Region communities (United Way WRC) recognized the University of Waterloo for its outstanding contributions in helping develop a better community. The University, specifically Co-operative Experiential Education (CEE), received the 2022 Spirit of Community Award in recognition of the Co-op for Community program.

Staff loss is a struggle that many universities are facing post-pandemic. To combat this trend, leaders should focus on human-centered approaches, including recognition, professional development, and building community in the workplace.