## [Indigenous Students](/undergraduate/indigenous-students) **We are dedicated to empowering Indigenous students to thrive in co-op opportunities.** By actively fostering an inclusive environment and providing tailored support, we aim to ensure that every student can fully engage and excel in their professional experiences. Image ![UBC Reconciliation Pole](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2024-09/Reconciliation%20Pole%20.png.webp?itok=Kdav0zNf) Our commitment is rooted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015) Call-to-Action 92(ii). We are determined to ensure that “\[Indigenous\] peoples \[are to\] have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities” (p.294). Supporting Indigenous student engagement with co-op is our way of supporting this TRC call-to-action. Further, we commit to Action 38 in the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan (2020), ensuring our policies and operational practices are supporting the equity and inclusion of Indigenous students, faculty, staff and community members. (p. 33). ## Common Questions from Indigenous Students ### How might co-op affect my funding status? Co-op students are considered full-time students while on work terms. Under federal Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) program guidelines, full-time students remain full-time students as long as they are considered so by their institution. Any individual nation may set their own policy on co-op. It is important to discuss your desire to participate in co-op with your funding coordinator. You may also bring possible options to your funding coordinator for them (and any possible deciding boards) to consider, such as: - Full funding including living allowance. - Tuition/co-op fees only, without living allowance. - Temporarily pausing your funding for co-op work terms, while holding your space in the budget until after the work term. You may also provide this resource to your funding coordinator to help with any uncertainty: [Co-op & Indigenous Third Party Sponsorship Funding](https://arco.cms.arts.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2023/08/Co-op-Indigenous-Third-Party-Sponsorship-Funding.pdf). ### Will participation in the co-op program delay my graduation? Yes. Participation in the co-op program adds an additional year of study to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Design requirements. Students enter the co-op program in September or January of either their second or third year of study and complete all their co-op work terms before commencing their final year of academic study. Students must complete their degree on an academic term. To earn the co-op designation on their degree parchment, Bachelor of Applied Science students are required to successfully complete a minimum of four work terms (3 for the Bachelor of Design) including one work term in either Term 1 or Term 2 of a Winter session. Some nations may require your degree to be completed during a 4-year period. Refer to your nation's post-secondary funding policy. If this is the case with your nation, connect with your nation's funding coordinator and/or your Co-op Career Advisor to discuss your options. If your nation requires you to complete your degree within a 4-year period, we still welcome you to apply and participate in the co-op program during those 4 years. ### What if I find my own opportunity outside of co-op? Jobs found outside of PD Portal, our job board, can be counted as work terms if they meet co-op program criteria. Please share the information about your job with your Co-op Career Advisor to determine if it could count towards your [co-op requirements](https://coop.apsc.ubc.ca/undergraduate/undergraduate-co-op-program#:~:text=Co%2Dop%20Work%20Term%20Requirements%C2%A0). ### What kinds of experiences could I get through the co-op program? Would I be able to get culturally appropriate work experiences through the Applied Science Co-op program? Many current employers are interested in recruiting Indigenous students and we are working with Indigenous organizations and communities to arrange for culturally relevant, and Indigenous-centred opportunities. ## Admissions into the Applied Science Co-op Program for Indigenous Students All Indigenous students who meet the program’s eligibility criteria and submit a complete application will be admitted to the Co-op Program. In addition, the Co-op Administration and Workshop fee is waived for all Indigenous students.