Employers FAQ

  1. How do I become a co-op employer?

    Contact the StFX Co-op Office and we will guide you through the co-op recruitment process. Our services are free of charge to employers.

  2. What is the process to hire a co-op student?

    Co-op positions need to be reviewed by the Co-op Program Office to ensure it is a suitable co-op learning experience for the student. The co-op office will notify if your co-op opportunity has been accepted.

  3. What do I need to include in my job ad?

    Hiring a successful co-op student begins with the development of a relevant and descriptive job explanation. A co-op job description includes the following information:

    • Job title (descriptive and relevant)
    • Description of duties/responsibilities (detailed)
    • Qualifications (skills, abilities, knowledge)
    • Application deadline
    • Rate of Pay
    • Hours per Week
    • Length of Position (start and end date, students must work a minimum 15 weeks)
    • Location of position
    • Indicate any further information required for the application process, such as forms or transcripts, as well as other important information the applicant should know.

    Once you have developed the job description, contact the Co-op Staff. The Co-op Staff must approve your position. Once approved, the Co-op Staff can help identify the right StFX co-op students for your review.

  4. What is my involvement with the co-op student once the student is hired?

    It is the employer’s responsibility to provide the co-op student with a productive, full time, discipline related work experience with adequate supervision. In addition, the employer should provide any training that will assist the student with carrying out the requested job functions. The employer must provide the student with the necessary resources to do the job properly. As with any new employee, the employer should include welcome or orientation for the new co-op hires.

  5. How much should a co-op student get paid?

    Currently, there is no set salary for co-op students; this is the employer’s decision. The Co-op Office will work with employers to determine a fair wage for a co-op student based on co-op work experience, education and training. Please contact the Co-op Office if you have any questions regarding salary information.

  6. When are Co-op students available to work? How long are the co-op work terms?

    The co-operative program requires students to alternate periods of study with periods of employment. Co-op Work terms can be 4, 8, 12 or 16 months in length and tend to begin in September, January or May. Students must return to StFX to complete degree and co-op requirements.
    Work terms must occur in at least two of the three semesters and must be preceded and followed by an academic term. "Academic Semesters" are January to April, May to August, and September to December. This is a three semester model. Eight-month or back-to-back work terms are acceptable as long as they are also are preceded and followed by an academic term. The 12-16 month work term is considered a Co-op Internship and must be with one employer

  7. Are students able to relocate?

    Yes.

  8. When can I conduct an interview?

    An employer can conduct an interview after the deadline for the job has closed. Please remember to provide the co-op student with adequate time to prepare. Also if the co-op office is arranging the interview on your behalf, please provide us with enough time to contact the student. The Co-op Office has two dedicated interviews on campus for employers. The rooms are also equipped with telephone and Internet access.

  9. What is a work site visit?

    The work site visit provides the opportunity for the Co-op Office to “check-in” with a student and the employer. The work site visits consists of the Co-op Office asking the student and employer questions about the work term. Questioning can take place with both the student and employer present or separate. The Co-op staff will take notes during the visit. After the questioning has completed, the student, employer, and co-op staff member sign the evaluation form. This form becomes part of the student’s co-op file.

  10. What do I do if I have concerns about the student?

    You should feel free to contact us at any time if you have concerns about a student’s performance or well being. Co-op student employees are subject to the same performance standards, ethics and code of conduct that you would expect from any employee.