AWE Policies and Procedures During COVID-19 - Students

Update - December 12, 2021

In order to keep Arts Work Experience running as smoothly and responsively as possible during COVID-19, our goal is to be flexible and follow best practices laid out by Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Canada (CEWIL Canada) during this time. These recommendations place student and employer health and safety as the top priority, while allowing co-op terms to continue and minimize negative impacts to students.

COVID-19 Arts Work Experience Information Advisory for students on or preparing for a work term

Adjustments and accommodations that may be considered for both students and employers include any/all of the following
  • Work terms are developed in partnership with the employer and approved by the co-operative education program as suitable learning environments
  • Students are engaged in productive work for which they receive remuneration
  • Ending the current work term early or starting the upcoming work term late (i.e., it is okay to reduce the number of hours below 420 hours and/or the number of work weeks to fewer than 12; adjustments to be assessed/approved on a case-by-case basis by your Co-op Program)
  • Work term experiences are assessed via work term consults with both students and employers (conducted remotely as necessary)
  • Completing work term report requirements, as required by your Co-op Program, must still be met including employer evaluations
  • Revising co-op student job duties to accommodate remote work. Some possibilities include: Developing research projects related to the impact of COVID-19 on the organization and/or the community it serves, assisting organization’s operational transition to online formats and supporting businesses with the movement of staff to remote locations
  • Delaying the start of the upcoming work term (e.g., May to August) (i.e., will result in a reduction in the number of hours/weeks)

A review of these accommodations coupled with an assessment of the status of the pandemic will be evaluated on an on-going basis with the intention of returning all accreditation standards to normal.

AWE Specific Recommendations - 2022
Effective May 1, 2021, the CEWIL Accreditation Council will return to its standard practice as intended albeit under the health and safety guidelines governing each institution’s respective jurisdiction.
  • All students must feel that the employment model (work from home or workplace modifications) respects their health and safety.
  • Students must generally complete a minimum of 420 hours to earn CR for work terms. 
  • Students are permitted to count work from home positions as AWE work terms, assuming their Work Experience Coordinator is confident that the opportunity is appropriately supervised (regular check-ins with supervisors strongly recommended) and that tasks are at a professional level consistent with co-op positions.
  • Student performance in the workplace is supervised and evaluated by the student's employer
  • Students and employers must participate in self and employer mid-term and final evaluations, and a remote site visit (phone or videoconference) during the work term.

FAQ

Can I still access the Career Education Associated with AWE?

Yes most definitely! Students can book their Advising Appointments with the Career Centre, by stopping by the Career Centre (2-100 SUB or 8917 HUB Mall) Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or by calling 780-492-4291 to book your appointment. All appointments are being held virtually at this time. 

Students can book a Career Coaching Session by contacting their Work Experience Coordinator.

How do I contact my Work Experience Coordinator?

You can contact your Work Experience Coordinator by stopping by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment please send your assigned Work Experience Coordinator an email to set up a meeting.

Laura Kerslake - laura.kerslake@ualberta.ca

Christine McManus christinemcmanus@ualberta.ca

My employer contacted me and said I will be working from home during COVID-19, is this okay?
Students are permitted to count work from home positions as AWE work terms, assuming their Work Experience Coordinator is confident that the opportunity is appropriately supervised with regular check-ins with supervisors being strongly recommended. The tasks associated with the work term must be at a professional level consistent with co-op positions.

See Tips for Working From Home - CEWIL Canada
Are part-time opportunities able to be counted as a summer work term during COVID-19?
Students must generally complete a minimum of 420 hours to earn CR for work terms. That being said flexibility measures may be considered during COVID-19. Please contact your Work Experience Coordinator if you have specific questions.
Will I still have to pay for tuition during COVID-19 if I am on a work term and registered in a Work Experience Course this summer?
Yes. To be counted as a work term, students must be registered in the appropriate Work Experience Course for the term and therefore pay the associated tuition. For more information head to Program and Tuition Fees. The tuition fees associated with an AWE work term can be found here.
I’m an international student and I haven't applied for my co-op work permit yet, what should I do?
It is important that you apply for your co-op work permit as soon as possible. Due to COVID-19 there may be some delays with processing permit applications. If you haven’t received a letter from your Work Experience Coordinator or instructions on how to apply for your co-op work permit, please contact them directly.

International students requiring additional information about the co-op work permit should contact International Student Services. You can email info@international.ualberta.ca to ask a question or make an appointment.

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Arts Work Experience
artsworkexperience@ualberta.ca

campusBRIDGE

 

HUB Career Centre
8917 HUB Mall
Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30