Article written by: Dave Pinton, Director of Communications – UFV Today July 19, 2016
A recent study indicates up to 95% of post-secondary students surveyed attend university to increase their earning potential and improve their odds of career success. The University of the Fraser Valley has taken another important step in helping students achieve these goals while assisting employers in hiring students with the right knowledge, skills, and experience.
Co-operative education (Co-op) programs in three areas of study at UFV are now nationally accredited by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE).
The Cooperative Education programs in Arts, Professional Studies, and Science at UFV have all attained this accreditation.
“Let me congratulate the University of the Fraser Valley on its accreditation of the above programs,” said Karen Reimer, Chair CAFCE Accreditation Council. “We commend UFV for its ongoing leadership in Canadian co-operative education and adherence to the CAFCE criteria and standards of quality.”
UFV’s Co-op programs have demonstrated a standardized approach reflecting the rigorous process of evaluation set forth by CAFCE.
“We are very pleased to have earned this accreditation from CAFCE and know it will further assist UFV students in their pursuit of career and education-related goals and success,” says Jody Gordon, Vice President, Students and Enrolment Management at UFV. “We thank CAFCE for their diligence and their dedication to excellence in co-operative education.”
“Co-op placements not only let you try out a variety of roles and processes, but also bring about a culture shift from an educational environment to a workplace one,” says Richard Nair, who earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems in 2013 and now works as a senior solutions consultant at PowerPlan Inc. “UFV and the Co-op program have undoubtedly formed the cornerstone of my career thus far. The Co-op experience was the perfect way to put theory into practice and the experience I gained shaped my career and shaped me as a person.”
The benefits of Co-ops are not limited to students, notes Joan Wild, Regional Human Capital Advisor for MNP LLP.
“Co-op opportunities simply make sense! Students integrate their academics in a real work environment and learn to adapt and transition from student to employee. Employers benefit from help that, for MNP, this very often translates to long-term employment opportunities. We are committed to ensuring our co-op students have an experience that adds value, transfers back to the classroom, and supports their ability to make the right career decision. The Co-op programs at UFV are highly regarded throughout the Fraser Valley offices of MNP and we congratulate them on the accreditation.”
UFV joins the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria, and many other universities across Canada as members of CAFCE.