CO-OPERATIVE EpDuUCcCAT LON UPDATE OCTOBER, 1985 PAGE 3 DOUGLAS COLLEGE ARCHIVES Our program will be distinct from existing programs in B.C. in two ways. First, we will be focusing our job development efforts on the smaller, community-based businesses (approximate range of 10 to 25 employees) as potential co-operative employers, but not, of course, to the exclusion of larger companies. As we are all aware, large firms and government agencies are still being forced to cut-back staff or freeze hiring in many cases. If there is going to be any employment growth in the near future it will likely occur in the small business sector. How will our Program work? The second unique feature of our program is that it is not originating from one discipline or program area the way Co-op programs traditionally have been launched. Instead, the concept will gradually be applied college- wide in all areas which are determined adaptable to this type of instruction. There are various Co-op models; the one we have chosen is the full-time alternating calendar. It is the most prevalent in Canada and, experts generally agree, the most desirable scheme. Therefore, students who are accepted into a Co-op Program at Douglas College will alternate semesters between full-time course studies and full-time work placements. One work term will be required in Certificate programs; two work-terms for diploma programs. They will be expected to successfully complete all the regular course requirements for their chosen certificate or diploma program, but will also be evaluated (by faculty) on their work term performance. We are also considering incorporating a limited parallel calendar Co-op option into our overall program. Under this plan, students would attend classes and work in a Co-op position part-time during the same semester. This system is particularly advantageous for students enrolled in programs where, for instance, opportunities for full-time periods of employment may not coincide with the College's calendar, and also for students whose existing part-time jobs may qualify to be converted to Co-op. What's been done so far? Barbara Franck was hired as the College's first Co-operative Education Placement Officer in July of this year. She spent most of the summer researching Co-op and meeting with Co-op co-ordinators and directors at local institutions. She is now a member of C.A.F.C.E. and attended a meeting of the B.C. Chapter last month. In late September, Barbara attended a workshop in Boston, sponsored by Northeastern University, on the "mechanics" of setting up and operating a Co-op program. The following is a summary of the major activities that have taken place since July, or are currently "in the works": - During the summer, two students were hired to perform a telephone Jabour market survey of local employers and their personnel requirements. - Special interest groups (e.g. School Board Superintendents, Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, etc.) have been kept up to date on our progress. - An application for federal funding, through C.E.I.C.'S Job Entry Program, is being prepared for submission. - A policy statement regarding additive academic credit for Co-op has been put forward to E.P.P.C.0, for approval.