Co-operative Education’s process and procedures are designed to support students in the employment process as well as ensure fair and equal access to co-op job opportunities. Policy 70 is your opportunity to articulate in writing, why you feel an exception and/or different decision is warranted in your case. Undergraduate students can access support for the submission process through the Centre for Academic Policy Support (CAPS) provided by WUSA.
If you feel that a decision made by Co-operative Education staff follows appropriate policies and procedures, but believe there are extenuating circumstances that may warrant exemption from the standard decision, you may choose to proceed with an official petition under the Student Petitions and Grievances Policy (Policy #70).
If you feel that a decision made by Co-operative Education staff is unfair, unreasonable or made in error, have discussed the matter with your co-op advisor and remain dissatisfied with the resulting decision, you may choose to proceed with an official grievance under the Student Petitions and Grievances Policy (Policy #70).
Process
Policy 70 submissions are reviewed on a weekly basis by a committee within Co-operative Education that includes a Co-operative Education student advisor, an account manager, a faculty relations manager and a student representative from WUSA. Your case will be reviewed by the committee once the petition and all supporting documentation are received. Please note that this process may take a few weeks based on your petition submission. Final decisions or an update on the status of your request will be communicated to you within five business days following the committee meeting where your petition is reviewed.
Please note that some decisions related to your enrolment in the co-op program do not fall under the jurisdiction of Co-operative Education. For example:
- Evaluations from employers are governed by your co-op workplace and not the University of Waterloo. The University of Waterloo cannot change an evaluation.
- Decisions related to co-op degree requirements, work term reports/reflections and PD courses are not under the jurisdiction of Co-operative Education. You should follow your faculty’s standard petition or grievance processes for such matters.
How to submit a Policy 70 Petition or Grievance
| Petition | Grievance | |
|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate students |
Submit your petition and supporting documentation using the Petition for Exemption to Academic Regulation - Form 70A |
Submit your completed package with supporting documentation directly to: Director, Student & Faculty Relations |
| Graduate students (programs supported by Co-operative Education) | Submit your petition and supporting documentation using the Petition for Exception to Academic Regulations - Graduate Students (Form 70A) (webform) |
Submit your completed package with supporting documentation directly to: Director, Student & Faculty Relations |
