Educational Studies Co-operative Education

*2025-2026 - UG - Major Program Modification (Create New Calendar Entry)

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(A) Proposal summary
Next
  • STEP 1 - Complete the proposal summary information
  • Home faculty*
    Choose your faculty from the list of available options.
  • Content type*
    Choose ‘program’, unless you are certain the content you are creating should be a shared core. Contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca if you require assistance.
  • Major Program Modification type*
  • Summary of proposed changes*

    This major change proposes the addition of a co-operative education (co-op) option to the Educational Studies undergraduate program.

    The proposal includes: 

    • Six new courses supporting the co-op structure: 1 preparatory course and 5 work term courses (3 required, 2 optional);  
    • Modifications to three current courses: Updating course descriptions and learning outcomes to support students’ future engagement in co-op.
    • Minor editorial changes to the program’s description in the Academic Calendar to clarify elective course requirements. (attached)
    Provide a brief point by point summary of the changes included in this proposal.
  • Is there a change to total credit hours in the program?*
  • Is a new course associated with this proposal?*
    Select 'yes' only if you are adding a brand new course to the calendar copy in this proposal.

  • If applicable, list new course codes, course titles and include hyperlinks to course proposals in Curriculog in the 'new courses' field below. To hyperlink, open a new window and search for the new course proposal in Curriculog. Copy the url from your web browser, return to this form and select the hyper link icon. Paste the url into the url field and save.

  • New courses

    EDST 2310W - Foundations for Success in Co-op

    EDST 3310W - EDST Co-op Work Term I

    EDST 4310W - EDST Co-op Work Term II

    EDST 4320W - EDST Co-op Work Term III

    EDST 4330W - EDST Co-op Work Term IV

    EDST 4340W - EDST Co-op Work Term V

  • Are you creating a new minor that is not associated with a standalone major?*
  • If you answered yes to the above question, please describe in detail the capacity available to deliver the minor.
  • Calendar start date*
    Choose when the change should first appear in the academic calendar (e.g., Fall 2021).
  • Registration start date*
    Specify the first active term (e.g., Fall 2021).
  • STEP 2 - Attach supporting documents, if applicable

  • Visit the files section of the toolbox on the right-hand side of the form to attach any supporting documentation.

  • Are you attaching any supporting documents*
(B) Program component information and calendar copy
Next
  • STEP 3 - Complete Section B
  • Title of new program component*
    Educational Studies Co-operative Education
    Educational Studies Co-operative Education
    This will be the title of the program or shared core in the calendar.
  • Program type*
    Select the corresponding program type from the list of options. If you feel an option is missing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.
  • Degree type*
    Select the corresponding degree type from the list of options. If you feel an option is missing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.
  • Description of new program component*

    The Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education offers the opportunity for eligible students to receive a co-operative education designation on their Educational Studies degree with the completion of the required courses. 

    Co-operative education provides many benefits to students including the opportunity to:

    • Gain valuable practical experience;
    • Earn competitive salaries during work term placements that partially offset the cost of their education;
    • Clarify career objectives, and develop valuable networking that will enhance opportunities for full‐time employment upon graduation.

    Studies have shown that students in the same academic program who graduate from a cooperative education stream have lower debt loads are employed faster and with higher starting salaries than those who graduate from the regular stream.

    The co-operative education offered in the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education has been designed to conform to the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) guidelines.

     

    The description of the new program component will be included in the Academic Calendar.
  • Admission requirements*

    Students normally apply to the Co-operative Education program directly out of secondary school or after their first year of study and should meet the following criteria: 

    • Minimum cumulative grade point average (cGPA) of 3.0 (B) at the time of application
    • Clear academic standing, and 
    • No record of a major misconduct 
    • Legally entitled to work in Canada

    Information on the application process is available from the Experiential Learning Office.

     

    An outline of the requirements for admission to the new program component, including additional requirements or procedures, and recognition of prior learning experience.
  • Program map*
    Use this section to build a program map for the academic calendar that shows courses and/or research components offered each academic year.
  • Program structure*

    Students will follow a modified program map to accommodate the required work terms; all required courses, credit hours, etc. will remain the same. 

     

    Describe any experiential or other applied learning opportunities that are part of the new program component.
  • Program learning outcomes*

    There are no changes to the program learning outcomes.

    If you do not have a recent version of your program’s learning outcomes and alignment with the Degree Level Expectations, or would like to make a modification to them, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.

  • If you do not have a recent version of your program’s learning outcomes and alignment with the Degree Level Expectations, or would like to make a modification to them, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.

(C) Detailed proposal information
Next
  • STEP 4 - Complete Section C
  • Introduction
  • Brief background on existing program*

    The 4-year Educational Studies developed program began in Fall 2023, building on the successes of the advanced entry Educational Studies (AE-EDST) program (formerly Adult Education and Digital Technology - introduced in 2012). The AE-EDST program was updated in 2022 to provide more choice for students, including additional specialization options. With these changes and a targeted marketing strategy, the AE-EDST program has grown fivefold. Most AE students are working while attending this completely online program which includes synchronous components. 

    In its first year (beginning Fall 2023), the 4-year Educational Studies (4Y-EDST) program attracted 70 students. In response to student interest, required first-year courses were offered through an evidence-based hybrid delivery model, with students attending simultaneously in-person and online. Research led by the instructional team recommended that these courses be offered with separate in-person and online tutorials, with the flexibility for students to change between the delivery options from week to week. Fall 2024 saw an intake of 85 first-year students and several transfers from elsewhere in the university to begin the 4Y-EDST program. 

    While AE-EDST students typically enter the program with a history of employment and continue to work during their years of study, those in the 4Y-EDST program are often directly out of secondary school with minimal work experience. Both prospective students at recruitment events and first-year students in the 4Y-EDST program have expressed an interest in co-op and other program opportunities that facilitate exposure to different educational contexts and the development of desired employment competencies and skills. These students generally think of education as it relates to compulsory K-12 education; however, in the EDST program they learn about a range of learning possibilities including business and government. The proposed co-op program would allow students to explore opportunities for learning specialists in a range of fields outside of K-12 education.

     

  • Rationale for the new component*

    The proposed addition of a co-op program for our 4 year EDST program will address the needs and interests identified above and aim to provide opportunities to explore learning and development fields outside of K-12 education. 

    Co-op is a sought-after program for students and parents. The addition of a co-op program will make the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Educational Studies program more attractive for potential students. Moreover, the partnerships established with employers through the co-op program will be of benefit to students in the non-co-op program stream who elect to participate in our other experiential offerings (Engaged Educator Project, Work-Integrated Learning). 

    The required preparation course -- EDST 2310U – Foundations for Success in Co-op -- will give students the tools they need to be successful in their co-op placements. 

    The addition of 2 optional experiential learning courses will allow Education Studies students to connect theory with practice outside the classroom. These courses will allow students to explore educational possibilities outside of K-12 classrooms including business and nonprofit organizations. These courses will provide excellent educational insights especially for Educational Studies students not heading for the BEd program (which has 3 placements). 

     

    How will this change enhance the program and/or opportunities for students and graduates?
  • Fit with the mission, mandate, strategic plans of the University and broader array of program offerings*

    The proposed co-op option is well aligned with the Learning Re-imagined component of our mission statement and Experiential Learning components of the SMA3 agreement, and further improves our  alignment with industry and our focus on providing market driven professional education leading to  job ready graduates.  

    The proposed Bachelor of Arts - Educational Studies Co-op program will allow the Mitch and Leslie Faculty of Education to align with the Ontario Tech Mission to provide superior lifelong learning experiences. 

    Ontario Tech’s mission statement highlights industry, community and government partnerships.  Through the new Co-op program, FED  will strengthen these ties that have the potential to go beyond student work term placements and lead to extensive learning and research collaborations.

     

    Description of how the proposed modifications fit into the broader array of program offerings, particularly those areas of teaching and research strengths, and complementary areas of study.
  • Resource requirements
  • Faculty members*

    There is no change to the faculty members.

    List of core faculty associated with the program, including appointment status, home unit, areas of teaching and research interests, and any new faculty requirements and gaps they would be expected to fill.
  • Additional academic and non-academic human resources*

    Instructor to teach EDST 2310W,  the non-credit prep course for Co-op students, using the shell developed by the experiential learning center. An academic member of FED will be needed to approve first-time placements and final reports from placements. 

    One more administrative staff may be needed in order to support co-op students finding potential partners.

    Details of any administrative requirements, including support staff, adjunct and part-time faculty, supervision of experiential learning opportunities, and any other additional academic and non-academic human resources.
  • Physical resource requirements*

    No additional resources are required at this time, however we will require bookable interview spaces on a more frequent basis.

     

    Details of any physical resource requirements, including library holdings, information technology support and student services, special equipment, and space requirements (classrooms, laboratory, graduate student work/study space, other).
  • Business plan
  • Statement of funding requirements*

    Educational Studies has 2 financial outlays in this plan: 

    1. an instructor to teach EDST 2310W starting in 2026-2027.
    2. a course release for a faculty member to approve first-time placements and final reports from placements. 

    There will be a need for funding to the central office to support the staff wages in the office. Additional budget is required for site visits, CRM software, and occasional events for industry partners and employers.

     

    A summary statement of the funding required to support the modification, including projected enrolments, start-up and continuing costs, if applicable.
  • Statement of resource/funding availability*

    As part of the co-op program, staff support will be provided to facilitate the employer recruitment, student support and administrative functions through the university’s centralize EL office.  The university’s existing database (Orbis)  will provide students with access to the jobs portal and facilitate the tracking of students at no additional cost.  As the co-op program is an extension of the existing programs and is currently focused on undergraduate students exclusively, no additional costs with regards to Registrar’s Office, Grad Studies or the Library will be required. 

    Funding for additional courses during the Spring/Summer semester and/or resources provided by the CEELCD Hub will be dependent on enrolment in the Co-op option.  Resources will be allocated as required and in consultation with Dean, the Provost’s Office and the Executive Director of the CEELCD Hub.

    Statements attesting to the adequacy of resources to support the modification from Deans who may have faculty members involved in or are contributing resources, the Registrar or the Dean of Graduate Studies, the Chief Librarian and the Provost.
  • Transition and communication plan
  • Transition plan for both new and current students*

    The proposed changes will take effect in Fall 2025 for all current and incoming students.

    Students applying to EDST for Fall 2025 may apply for Co-op in Fall 2025. If they meet the admission requirements outlined above they will be required to complete and pass EDST 2310U - Foundations for Success in Co-op (a zero-credit course) in the winter semester of their second year and complete at least three co-op work terms (EDST 3310U - EDST Co-op Work Term I, EDST 4310U - EDST Co-op Work Term II, EDST 4320U - EDST Co-op Work Term III). 

     

    Semester (e.g., Fall 2025) for the implementation of the proposed changes; include a plan for all current students in the program, by year level. If this change impacts students that are not new and/or 1st year students as of the start date, then a transition plan is required. Please remember to consider off-map students.
  • Communication plan for both new and current students*

    All members of the university are aware that Senior Leadership have requested that all programs have a co-op option. As details are worked out, the information will be communicated by email and via the Ontario Tech websites. 

    Please explain how the current students will be made aware of this change (e.g., Who will be responsible for notifying students? How? Is Academic Advising aware?). Please remember to consider off-map students.
  • Converting to online options
  • Does this proposal contain any intended conversion of progam components to online options? If yes, please complete the remaining items below.*
  • Adequacy of technological platform
    Describe the adequacy of the technological platform to be used for online delivery.
  • Maintenance of and/or changes to the quality of education
    Describe how the quality of education will be maintained and/or changes when moving to online delivery.
  • Maintenance of and/or changes to program objectives
    Describe how the current program objectives will be maintained and/or changed when moving to online delivery.
  • Maintenance of and/or changes to program-level learning outcomes
    Describe how the current program-level outcomes will be maintained an/or changed when moving to online delivery.
  • Sufficiency of support services and training for teaching staff
    Describe the support services and training for teaching staff that will be made available when moving to online delivery.
  • Sufficiency and type of support for students in the new learning environment
    Describe the sufficiency and type of supports that will be available to students when moving to online delivery.
  • Other
  • Additional supporting information, if applicable
    Describe any additional information needed to support the proposal.
(D) Impact and consultation
Next
  • STEP 5 - Complete Section D

  • Consultation is central to governance at Ontario Tech. Faculties are required to consult with all areas impacted by this change, and the home faculty dean is responsible for all consultation decisions in this section of the form. Note that any false statements related to consultation may require re-submission of proposals.

  • Faculty Consultation
  • Will this change impact any other faculties? Some examples may include, but are not limited to, the scenarios listed below.*

  • Examples:

    • A course from another faculty is being added or removed from the program map.
    • Changes to joint and/or service programs (e.g., 'and Management' programs, targeted minors).
    • Changes to year of offering for courses from another faculty (e.g., moving a course from Year 1 to Year 2).

    Additional examples can be found in the Resources section of the CIQE website.

  • If you answered yes to the question above, please explain and outline the consultation process in detail. Attach relevant documents (emails, Faculty Council minutes, etc.) or include links to corresponding documents. *

    NA

  • Student Consultation
  • How have current or prospective students been consulted about this change? (e.g., informal conversations, attendance at meetings, survey, indirectly through academic advising). Please provide details below. *

    First year students within the 4 year program were consulted on their interest. 

     

  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • What considerations have been made for equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization?*

    Accessibility and inclusion. Co-op and other courses in the program make great efforts to be inclusive and accessible. The online asynchronous and synchronous online model permits students from a range of backgrounds and locations to attend and succeed. 

    Integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. Our expert instructors plan their courses to support all learners. Materials include a variety of instructional approaches and media including interactive media and apps, pre-recorded lectures with transcripts, discussion, in synchronous and/or asynchronous formats. Assignments take a variety of forms and allow multiple ways to demonstrate learning including the analyses of cases and the creation of infographics.

     

  • For more information and guidance on incorporating equity, diversity and inclusion principles in curricula, please visit the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging resource section of the CIQE website.

  • Indigenous Content and Consultation
  • Does this change include any Indigenous content?*

  • For more information on how Indigenous content is defined at Ontario Tech University and how to consult with the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle, please refer to the Protocol for Consultation with the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle.

  • Has the IEAC been contacted?
  • If Yes, when?
  • What was the advice you received from the IEAC? And, how has it been included in your proposal? Please attach or provide links to documents that outline the consultation process and advice given.
  • Did the IEAC ask you to return the proposal to them for review?
    If Yes, have they completed their review?
  • Other Consultation
  • Have you consulted with the Office of the Registrar, Student Life, the Library and/or any other areas on campus that may be impacted? *
  • If yes, please explain and outline the consultation process in detail.*

    The Experiential learning office has been consulted throughout the process as have the experiential learning departments in FEAS and FBIT. First year students within the 4 year program were consulted on their interest. 

    The BA  team has reviewed this proposal and provided feedback as general members of FED. 

    The Office of the Registrar and CIQE have also been consulted throughout the process.

     

  • Does this change involve co-op?*
  • If yes, please acknowledge that you have consulted with Lindsay Coolidge, Director, External Relations and Partnerships by checking the box below.
(E) Routing
Next
  • STEP 6 - Enter routing information

  • Important note: it is imperative that you choose the correct routing path as it cannot be changed once a proposal has been launched. If you have made a routing error after launching the proposal, the proposal will be cancelled and a new proposal will be required. If you require assistance with routing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.

    Please note that changes to joint or collaborative programs do require approval at Faculty Council of each faculty involved in the program. You do not need to include other faculties in the routing, however, consultation with other faculties should be noted and any required approval by other Faculty Councils (and date of approval) should be noted in the comments section as approval is logged on the home Faculty Council step.

  • Should this proposal be routed to the Program Approval step prior to Curriculum Committee?*
    If your curriculum committee is organized by program, or if program-level approval prior to curriculum committee is not required, select 'no'.
  • Faculty or program-level group*
    Choose your faculty or program-level group from the list of options. If your faculty has program-level committees, choose the corresponding program group from the list. Otherwise, choose the home faculty. You may choose more than one option, but please note that your proposal will go to the committees of all options selected. The proposal will not move on to the next step until all faculties have approved at their respective committees. Note: If you are making a change for a Bachelor of Engineering program in FESNS, you must select both the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science from the list of options.
  • Is this change for a Bachelor of Engineering program or program which requires Engineering Curriculum Committee approval?*
  • Are there departments associated with your faculty?*
  • Is this change for the Sustainability Studies program?*
(F) End of proposal
Next
  • STEP 7 - Save and ensure all required fields are complete
  • STEP 8 - Validate and launch proposal
  • STEP 9 - Approve proposal

  • As the originator, you must approve the proposal to send it on to the next step. To approve, navigate to the decisions section of the toolbox on the right-hand side of the form.

(G) CIQE use only
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