Get support

We recognize that there can be barriers to participating in co-op, and that you do your best work when you have the right tools and support.

We're always evolving our approach, including hiring an accessibility and inclusion coordinator; an equity, diversity and inclusion career educator; and an equity, diversity and inclusion employment development officer to support students.

If you have ideas about how we can better support you, we welcome your feedback.

Accessibility

If you identify as having a disability or a mental health condition, you may be unsure about where to start with this conversation. We can support you in this journey.

Telling your employer about a disability or mental health condition is a personal choice. You are not required to disclose that you have a disability. Some reasons you might choose to share include: 

  • to access reasonable accommodations from your employer
  • if your disability has implications for your health or safety
  • if your potential employer has a commitment to hiring members of equity groups, including people with disabilities

If there are accommodations that will help you succeed, you can share these with your employers at any time during your co-op work term. Your employer has a responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations.

CanWork

If you identify as having a disability or mental health condition but aren’t sure about taking part in co-op, you could join the CanWork project, which builds in support to help you gain hands-on experience.

The program is open to all undergraduate students (including students from international pathways) in these co-op programs:

Ineligible students can still connect with the equity, diversity and inclusion team for support.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

You bring unique strengths, qualities and lived experiences to the workplace. As an employee, you have the right to be:

  • treated equitably
  • safe
  • comfortable
  • supported at work

What does equity, diversity and inclusion mean?

UVic is currently developing an equity action plan and working on defining what equity, diversity and inclusion mean at the university. We know it's complicated and there are many layers. For now, our team is using these definitions created by BCCampus:

  • Equity is the absence of barriers for people with non-dominant or marginalized lived experiences, perspectives and identities.
  • Diversity is when people with a variety of lived experiences, perspectives, and identities are part of a community. This may include race, ethnicity, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political beliefs, ability, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status and more.
  • Inclusion is creating environments and communities where everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully and authentically in ways that work for them.

Contact us

We’re here to support you in the world of work. We can chat about your specific experiences and find a comfortable path forward.

We are constantly learning and evolving in how we support students at work related to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

Contact us if you’d like to:

  • take part in this conversation
  • offer feedback
  • have resources to share

Accesssibility and inclusion co-op coordinator

Niels

 (he/him)
250-853-3172
CSR 007

Equity, diversity and inclusion career educator

Kyle

 (he/him)
250-472-5697
CSR 110

Equity, diversity and inclusion employment development officer

claire

(she/her)
250-472-5832
CSR 011 

Other support