Special Circumstances

Cancellation of a work term

If a student's confirmed work term position is cancelled through no fault of their own, the student must contact the WIL Co-op office immediately. Every effort will be made to assist the student in finding another position / arranging their return to academic studies, and in making appropriate adjustments on their transcript.

Failure to maintain academic standing during a work term

Students who fail to maintain the requirements of their academic program while on a work term may be permitted to complete their work term, provided they have not been academically dismissed and provided the employer agrees. However, the student will not be allowed to apply for another work term until their academic standing has improved.

Extenuating circumstances during a work term

If a student cannot complete a work term for verifiable medical reasons, compassionate reasons or work stoppage/layoff, they may be eligible to receive a Pass on the work term if all of the following have occurred:

• The student has completed at least nine weeks of their work term.
• The student notifies their Student Development Coordinator who confirms with the employer that they are aware of the student’s inability to complete the work term.
• Where illness is involved, the student may need to provide a certificate from their physician indicating the dates and duration of the illness. When possible, it should describe the illness’ impact on the student’s ability to fulfill the work term requirements,and include any other information regarding the student’s ability to return to active co-op participation.
• The WIL Co-op office and employer considers the student's performance and learning process on the work term to date to have been satisfactory.
• The employer completes a satisfactory performance appraisal evaluation.
• In the case of a work stoppage or layoff, the student submits and passes all required assignments for their work term course.

Removal from the WIL Co-op Program and Failing a work term

A student may receive a failing grade for their work term for the following reasons:

• Not meeting eligibility requirements.
• Breaking the Student Agreement.
• Not adhering to the rules outlined in the WIL Coop Student Handbook.
• Breaking Dalhousie’s Student Code of Conduct.
• Failure to uphold the contract agreement with their employer.
• Ending their work term without permission from the WIL Co-op office and/or employer.
• Unsatisfactory performance as determined by the employer.
• Receiving a second needs improvement performance appraisal evaluation on a work term.
• Failure to meet the requirements outlined in their work term course.

In the above cases, the assigned Student Development Coordinator will work with the student to understand the actions and perspectives that led the consequences of becoming ineligible to continue in their WIL Co-op program. 

Appealing a Withdrawal or Fail grade

A student assessed a Fail for their work term may appeal their situation by following the academic appeals process described in the appropriate Dalhousie Academic Calendar.