Experiential Learning Opportunities at Brock University

I. Overview of Experiential Learning at Brock

Brock University offers a variety of Experiential Learning Opportunities for student employment and career preparation, on and off campus. Experiential learning at Brock incorporates both alternatives that are integral to students' academic programs, and alternatives that are optional, non-credit services for students.

Academic experiential learning opportunities are offered by each of the Faculties and include:

	Co-op degree programs
	Internship degree programs
	Teaching placements
	Course-based internships and field work projects
	Service learning courses

Non-credit experiential opportunities for current students are co-ordinated in Student Services and include:

	Experience Plus
	Mentorship Plus
	International Plus
	Med Plus

Experiential learning at Brock is designed to develop students' skills as productive, competent, responsible and reputable graduates that are well prepared for the workplace.

II. Co-op and Internship Programs

1. Co-operative Programs Office

Director

Cindy Dunne

Academic South 362, extension 4325

Hours: Monday­Friday, 8:30­4:30

E-mail:coop@brocku.ca

http://www.brocku.ca/co-op/

The Co-operative Programs Office at Brock provides information and assistance to applicants and registered students for all campus co-op and internship programs, and will:

	advise students regarding application to co-op programs, academic program requirements, job placements, and job searches;
	recruit employers for co-op and internship placements;
	maintain computerized on-line job banks for co-op and internship postings;
	facilitate the co-op placement process from employer job posting through co-op employer offer to hire;
	prepare students for successful placement experiences with pre-employment workshops;
	introduce students and employer through co-op job postings and on-campus interview assistance;
	monitor and support employer/student placements with regards to placement quality and student contribution through work site visitation and performance evaluation;
	support student recruitment to co-op and internships programs and evaluate student applications for admission decisions;
	provide placement information to the Registrar's Office for inclusion on students' academic transcripts.

Students who are interested in applying to a co-op or internship program are encouraged to contact the Co-operative Programs Office for information.

2. What is a Co-op or Internship?

Co-operative education combines traditional undergraduate academic programming and relevant work experience in alternating terms. The work term experiences are designed to prepare students for their transition from university to the professional community. The 4 and 5 year programs enable students to acquire experience in their areas of career interest. The practical experiences and academic studies complement one another. The Co-op Programs Office manages the administration and facilitation of the co-op experience at Brock. Co-op coordinators for each program support students throughout their co-op experience.

Brock University co-op programs have clear advantages, particularly the limited class sizes that ensure appropriate time is allocated to each individual student. Students can explore career possibilities, where their interests lie and the type of work environment that best suits them, helping them make informed decisions about their career options. Co-op graduates have the highest rates of employment after graduation. Many employers use co-op programs as a way to identify and recruit their future permanent workforce.

3. List of Current Programs

Please consult calendar copy programs for specific requirements.

Co-op programs:

Accounting

(BAcc Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Applied Linguistics/Teaching English as a Subsequent Language

(BA Honours, 4 yrs)

Biochemistry

(BSc Honours, 5 yrs)

Biotechnology

(BSc Honours, 5 yrs)

Business Administration

(BBA Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Business Economics

(BBE Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Chemistry

(BSc Honours, 5 yrs)

Computer Science

(BSc Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Computing and Business

(BCB Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Computing and Network Communications

(BSc Honors, 4.5 years)

Computing and Solid-State Device Technology

(BSc Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Dramatic Arts

(BA Honours, 4 yrs)

Earth Sciences

(BSc Honours, 5 yrs)

Earth Sciences - Environmental Geoscience

(BSc Honours, 5 yrs)

Economics - Applied Economic Analysis

(BA Honours, 5.5 yea)

Economics

(BA Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Geography

(BA Honours, BSc Honours, 4.5 yrs)

History

(BA Honours, 4 yrs)

Liberal Arts

(BA Honours, 4 yrs)

Mathematics Integrated with Computers

Applications (MICA)

(BSc Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Mathematics Integrated with Computer Science with a Concentration in Statistics

(BSc Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Mathematics and Computer Science

(BSc Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Neuroscience

(BSc Honours, 5 yrs)

Oenology and Viticulture

(BSc Honours, 4 yrs)

Physics

(BSc Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Political Science

(BA Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Politics

(BA Honours, 5.5 yrs)

Political Science - Public Administration

(BA Honours, 4.5 yrs)

Psychology

(BA Honours, with Major, 5 yrs)

III. Practica and Course-based Experiential Learning1. Courses With Work Placements

In addition to co-op and internship programs, many other academic programs at Brock include specific courses that require a significant work placement. Normally, these course-based experiences are arranged with public service agencies, schools or employers on a voluntary work basis rather than as paid employment. Most of these courses are a core program requirement for a particular degree program in the discipline.

2. Records and Fees Policy

The course number, course title and final grade are listed on the student's academic transcript. At the discretion of the individual faculty teaching the course, course-based experiential learning can also be linked to students' Experience Plus Records in the following ways:

	students may find exclusive course work placement opportunities for their course on the Volunteers Plus posting service at Career Services;
	through the on-line posting, students can begin their placement search in the summer, to have an approved placement arranged when the course begins in the fall;
	in collaboration with their professor, students can arrange with their placement supervisor for the placement details (location, job title, duties/employability skills) to be recorded on their Experience Plus Records. The standard course tuition fee normally covers the costs of course-based experiential learning.

IV. Part-time Experiential Learning through Career Services

Director

Amy Elder

Administrative Assistant

Peggy Karges

905 688 5550, x3242

Resource Centre - Main Floor, Learning Commons

Administrative Offices, ST 119

Hours: Monday - Friday - 8:30 - 4:30

careers@www.brocku.ca

brocku.ca/career-services

Career Services is dedicated to helping students explore career options, define career goals and plan their academic, work and volunteer opportunities to meet those goals. To see a complete description of the services available, please refer to the Student Services and Academic Support section of this calendar.

The following describes the experiential learning experiences available through the Career Services department, Experience Plus and Med Plus:

EXPERIENCE PLUS

Plus Programs Manager

Pauline Dawson

905 688 5550, x4414

brocku.ca/career-services

Experience Plus - Brock's co-curricular transcript program

Brock's unique co-curricular program will provide you with an opportunity to track, highlight and document your activities, experiences and learning done outside of the classroom - things like on-campus jobs, volunteer work, participation in clubs, certificates and workshops. Your Experience Plus transcript will provide an inventory of your university experiences and growth, and will be useful when applying for graduate or professional schools, scholarships and awards, and employment opportunities.

What's unique about Brock's program compared to other university co-curricular programs? We've added a suite of programs designed to create experience and skill-building opportunities in specific areas. The following outlines two of our most popular programs:

MENTORSHIP PLUS

Mentorship Plus

Plus Programs Manager

Pauline Dawson

905-688-5550, ext. 4414

brocku.ca/career-services/students-alumni/get-experience/mentorship-plus

Starting university can be challenging and even a bit over-whelming! You will probably come to Brock's campus with a mixture of excitement, confusion, anxiety, and lots of questions. The Mentorship Plus program can give you the support and encouragement you need to ensure that your first year experience is a successful one. By participating in the program, you will be matched with a successful senior student who shares the same area of study was well as similar career goals and/or interests as you. Your mentor will share their experiences and help answer any questions you may have about campus life. For further information, please visit the Career Services website at brocku.ca/career-services.

MED PLUS

Med Plus Co-ordinator

Donna Chistoff

905 688 5550, x3106

brocku.ca/career-services/students-alumni/get-experience/med-plus

If you're thinking about a career in health care, the Med Plus program is for you! In partnership with area hospitals, health organizations, and practitioners, Med Plus will provide you with career development, practical experience and the most up-to-date information about the health care sector. Activities include workshops, volunteer placements, job shadowing and guest speakers and community service projects. Students need to apply for this limited enrolment program; applications are due by May 1, 2011.

For further information about Career Services and other Plus programs, please visit the Career Services website at brocku.ca/career-services.