{"id":1613,"date":"2021-04-21T12:32:12","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T16:32:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/?page_id=1613"},"modified":"2025-07-22T13:32:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T17:32:19","slug":"a-guide-to-workplace-success","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/hire-co-op\/i-hired-a-co-op-student\/a-guide-to-workplace-success\/","title":{"rendered":"An Employer\u2019s Guide for a Successful Work Term"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n            <div class=\"cu-textmedia flex flex-col lg:flex-row mx-auto gap-6 md:gap-10 my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 max-w-5xl\">\n        <div class=\"justify-start cu-textmedia-content cu-prose-first-last\" style=\"flex: 0 0 100%;\">\n            <header class=\"font-light prose-xl cu-pageheader md:prose-2xl cu-component-updated cu-prose-first-last\">\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold !mt-2 mb-4 md:mb-6 relative after:absolute after:h-px after:bottom-0 after:bg-cu-red after:left-px text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] pb-5 after:w-10 text-cu-black-700 not-prose\">\n                        An Employer\u2019s Guide for a Successful Work Term  \n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                                \n                            <\/header>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n        \n    \n    <dl class=\"cu-description cu-component-updated\">\n        \n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-prior-to-the-start-date\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    Prior to the Start Date\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-prior-to-the-start-date\">\n            \n\n<p>After the Offer is Accepted\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If required, begin the background check and\/or security clearance process immediately.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Contact the student directly to confirm details of the job offer including the start and end date, work location, salary, dress code, health coverage, workplace insurance, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ask the student if they require any accommodation with respect to visible or non-visible disabilities to support their success in the workplace.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Introduce (via email) the student to their direct supervisor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Arrange for any nondisclosure\/confidentiality agreements to be signed.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure your Human Resources\/Payroll department is aware of the hire and complete the necessary payroll information.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u202f\u202fTwo Weeks Before the First Day\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure the workspace is ready, including computer and phone set-up, network access, keys, security passes and any reference manuals or directories they may need.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Send the student documents, articles, and\/or websites to review to help them learn about their job, the organization, and its industry.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consider assigning the student a mentor. This is someone different from their supervisor \u2013 someone who is closer to their level (e.g. former co-op student) who can provide help, advice and insight.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Announce (via email) the student\u2019s upcoming arrival and their role with the organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-within-the-first-week\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    Within the First Week\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-within-the-first-week\">\n            \n\n<p>Establish a Supportive Working Relationship&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Connect with the student to better understand their goals, interests, and background. Get to know who you will be working with.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set clear expectations for hours of work, in-office days, remote work privileges if applicable, expectations, and behavior in the workplace.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure your student is familiar with your organization\u2019s policy for reporting sick days, personal days, requesting vacation time and time off for appointments.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Record your student&#8217;s emergency contact information.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Establish what their deliverables are and how you will help them achieve them.&nbsp; Consider the level of co-op experience your student has and prepare\/adjust expectations accordingly.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schedule regular (weekly or bi-weekly) status updates with the student to track their progress and review projects, workload, learning objectives, and performance.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make clear how the student can ask for support\/ask questions (Teams, email, phone, etc.).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Discuss a preferred course of action from the student once their work is completed and next steps.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Student Orientation\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Develop an orientation plan for your student. Carefully plan their first two or three weeks. Consider including the following:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A tour of the workplace, highlighting key areas including restrooms, kitchen, and emergency exits.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Discuss policy for breaks and lunch with the student.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In-person\/virtual\/email introduction(s) with their supervisor, key team members, and other co-op students, if applicable.\u202f Identify who the student may want to connect with during their work term (mentor, senior staff, etc.).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An overview of workplace wellness programs, resources, or support systems available to employees.\u202f Review any accommodations to ensure success in the workplace.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Establish clear expectations for phone usage, social media conduct, and AI policies.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Introduce student to acronyms or language used in your work environment&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-throughout-the-work-term\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    Throughout the Work Term\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-throughout-the-work-term\">\n            \n\n<p>Progress Reports and Feedback\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure your regular meetings include feedback. State your observations of their work and behavior. Be constructive, highlighting strengths and areas where the students can improve.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the rare event that your student\u2019s performance is consistently below expectations, the co-op office is here to support and, if necessary, intervene. Don\u2019t hesitate to <a href=\"mailto:co-op@carleton.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact us<\/a> when you become concerned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You will receive an email from Co-op asking you to complete a Work Term Check-in. This will take less than 30 minutes to complete and allow you to provide a brief overview of their performance and outline any of your concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Development of \u201cSoft\u201d Skills&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In addition to the technical skills the student will develop and refine during their work term, our students are encouraged to also develop Carleton\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employability-framework\/wp-content\/uploads\/Career-Competencies.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Career Ready Competencies<\/em><\/a>. These are skills that will help them throughout their career. Your support and awareness of these competencies will help the student develop into a well-rounded, self-aware member of your team (and future teams!).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Future Work Terms&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The student may approach you to ask for an extension (i.e. an additional 4-month work term). If that is acceptable to you and your organization, the student will inform the Co-op office and manage the extension process. You will be contacted by our office to confirm the details of the extension.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The student may also be job-searching and interviewing for their next work term while with your organization.\u202fIt should have a minimal impact on their current job with your organization.&nbsp; If you notice their job search is affecting their work, please contact our office.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Site Visits\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mid-way through the work term, a co-op staff member may contact your student to arrange a site visit to discuss the student\u2019s progress and review any concerns.\u202f\u202fYou do not need to be part of this meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At this time, a Co-op team member may request a check-in with you to obtain feedback on the Co-operative Education program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Academic Course Registration&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You may receive a request from your student to take a course during work hours. This should be refused, and the Co-op office should be notified.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&nbsp;As per Carleton\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/co-op\/rules-regulations\/co-op-participation-agreement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Co-op Participation Agreement<\/a>&nbsp; students are permitted to take a 0.5 credit course. All course components (lectures, labs, tutorials) must start no earlier than 4:00 pm. This rule applies regardless of whether the student works remotely and\/or has flexible work hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-in-the-last-month\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    In the Last Month\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-in-the-last-month\">\n            \n\n<p>Work Term Report (student\u2019s responsibility)\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Every co-op student must write a work term report at the end of their term \u2013 even in a multi-term co-op (i.e. 8 or 12 or 16 months).\u202f <strong>It is the student\u2019s responsibility to write it, and Carleton\u2019s responsibility to grade it, <\/strong>but a supervisor must review it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review the report for accuracy and request changes where necessary.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure there is no confidential\/sensitive information included in the report.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the report is deemed confidential by you\/your organization, we ask that you grade the student\u2019s report. Grading instructions will be sent via email.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The report is due on the 16<sup>th<\/sup> of the last month of their term. (August 16<sup>th<\/sup> in Summer terms, December 16<sup>th<\/sup> for Fall terms, April 16<sup>th<\/sup> for Winter terms).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expect to see (or consider asking for) the report two weeks before it is due.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Work Term Evaluation (employer\u2019s responsibility)\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You will receive an email from Co-op asking you to complete a Work Term Evaluation.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Discuss it with the student prior to submitting it online to the Co-op Office.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Submit it on or before the student\u2019s last day.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Student Off-Boarding\u202f\u202f\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Collect any company items from students including security passes, keys, and any electronic equipment they were given.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Conduct an exit interview to obtain feedback on their experience, review skills\/competencies developed, transfer ongoing projects, and enhance future students\u2019 co-op work terms.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Fulltime Employment&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>After a successful co-op term (or terms) you may wish to extend an offer of permanent employment to the student. A student\u2019s final term must be an academic one, so the student will not be available for full-time employment for at least 4, and potentially up to 8 or 12 months. You are free to extend the offer at the end of their co-op term, but the start date will be delayed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If eligible, they can work part-time during their final academic terms.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/dl>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":80,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cu_dining_location_slug":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_page_type":[],"class_list":["post-1613","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1613"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2945,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1613\/revisions\/2945"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/80"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_page_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/employers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_page_type?post=1613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}