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Important Notices
Recent changes or updates to policies will be shown on the website version. Students are advised that the matters dealt with in this handbook are subject to continuing review and revision. This handbook is not an all-inclusive set of rules and regulations but represents only a portion of the rules and regulations that will govern a students relationship with the university. Further rules and regulations are outlined in the Undergraduate Calendar and publications available to the student form the Registrars Office and/or other relevant faculty, department or schools. Where differences appear between this handbook and the University Regulations, the University Regulations prevail.
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Table of Contents
Welcome to the Bachelor of Commerce Program! ............................................................ 2 Undergraduate Advising Office ........................................................................................... 3 Commerce Program Worksheet...................................................................................... 4 Commerce Majors Summary........................................................................................... 5 How the Commerce Co-op Program Works.................................................................... 7 Co-operative Education Fee ............................................................................................ 7 Degree Requirements ..................................................................................................... 9 Courses and Registration ................................................................................................ 9 Course load/Work term ................................................................................................ 10 Academic Guidelines ..................................................................................................... 12 Additional Information .................................................................................................. 14 Management Career Services (MCS) ................................................................................ 16 Special Requests ............................................................................................................ 17 Co-op Student Responsibilities ..................................................................................... 18 Co-op Employer Responsibilities................................................................................... 19 Types of Work Opportunities ........................................................................................ 20 Accessing Job Postings .................................................................................................. 21 During the Work Term .................................................................................................. 22 The Work Term Assignments ........................................................................................ 23 Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................................. 26 Frequently Used Phone Numbers ..................................................................................... 27 Commerce Society............................................................................................................. 28
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Whether it is your first year or your fourth, this Student Handbook is an excellent resource as you move through your University career.
Before you begin reading the pages that follow, there are a few key points we wanted to bring to your attention. First, would be the importance of coming in to familiarize yourself with the Undergraduate Advising Office (UAO). The UAO is your one-stop shop at Dalhousie to help answer your questions or point you in the right direction. We have laid out the contact information and a brief description of what our office does on the next page.
Second, we want to stress the importance of your Dalhousie Email. Your Dal email account will be our principal means of communicating with you while you are at Dalhousie. One of the biggest responsibility you have as a student is to regularly check your Dal email and read notices carefully. Emails are the best way to stay informed about scholarships/bursary applications, study workshops, policy changes, important academic information, etc. If you are having difficulty using or accessing your Dal email account, contact the Help Desk at 902.494.2376 or helpdesk@dal.ca.
Third, the handbook has been laid out in a way to make the information accessible and clear. However, if you still feel like you have questions- please feel free to contact the UAO for further information.
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Academic Staff Director Program Manager Academic Advisor Academic Advisor Academic Advisor Program Assistant
Dan Shaw Carrie Hunter Katie Blair Donna Laffin Chris Yeats Kim Jones
Who to see & When Program Assistant- Kim Jones Kim is your first point of contact when you visit the Undergraduate Advising Office. If you have general questions about the Program; need to set up a meeting with an Academic Advisor, Program Manager or Director; are not sure where to go on campus for a service or if you need to request a letter for the purpose of a work term, visa or graduation; Kim is who you want to speak to. Academic Advisors- Katie Blair, Donna Laffin & Chris Yeats Donna, Chris and Katie are here to help you navigate the Commerce program; understand the Universitys policies and procedures; approve letters of permissions and review transfer credits; act as your advocate with academic problems that may occur; refer you to the appropriate service or department around campus; work with you if you need to miss classes/exams/assignments due to medical or compassionate reasons; or would like to discuss future career paths and goals. Program Manager- Carrie Hunter Carrie is available to meet with you if you experience academic problems which result in dismissals, problems with professors or other staff on campus; want to discuss exceptions to the program structure; she will refer you to the Director when appropriate; she is also involved in numerous committees and works closely with the Commerce Society.
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Winter (JANUARY APRIL) (1101) Intro to Accounting I: Financial (ECON 1102) Intro to Macroeconomics (1502) Core Business Applications(Can be taken in either the Fall or Winter Term) (1702) Business Communications II Non-Commerce Elective _______
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(2203) Finance II (2502) Statistics for Business II (2303) Intro to Managing People (2603) Legal Aspects in Business (PHIL 2081) Ethics in the World of Business
(4351) Competitive Strategy Commerce Elective ________________ Commerce Elective ________________ Commerce Elective ________________ Non-Commerce Elective ____________ Non-Commerce Elective ____________
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(4352) Strategic Management Commerce Elective ______________ Commerce Elective ______________ Non-Commerce Elective __________ Non-Commerce Elective __________
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With the exception of ECON 1101, ECON 1102, MATH 1115 and PHIL 2081, all numbered courses can be found on the Commerce Timetable or under Commerce in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar. Notes: Non-Commerce electives are any subject outside of the Faculty of Management (COMM, MGMT, and BUSI). 1. 5 (3 credit hours) Non-Commerce Electives can be at any level. 2. 3 (3 credit hours) Non-Commerce Electives MUST BE at or above the 2000 level. 3. Major requirements that are not Commerce classes fall under the Non-Commerce Electives.
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Major in Finance
Students must complete the following 3: Capstone PLUS 3 of: Financial Institutions Investment and Money Management Advanced Corporate Finance Canadian Securities International Financial Management Derivatives Theory of Finance Financial Reporting & Statement Analysis OR Intermediate Financial Accounting I OR Intermediate Microeconomics OR Intermediate Macroeconomic COMM 3203 COMM 3206 COMM 4240 COMM 3207 COMM 4201 COMM 4202 COMM 4250 COMM 3100 OR COMM 3105 OR ECON 2200 OR ECON 2201 POLI 1103 X/Y (full credit) OR POLI 1100 X/Y (full credit)
* Please see
http://bcomm.management.dal.ca
for more information Language Requirement (at a level appropriate to knowledge as determined by (full credit) Dept. concerned) PLUS the following 6: Intermediate Microeconomics ECON 2200 International Trade ECON 3330 Export Marketing COMM 3405 International Financial Management COMM 4201 International and Intercultural Management COMM 4315 Capstone International Business Strategy COMM 4701 Total 8: Required 8 Students must also do either an approved International Business Work Term OR an academic term abroad, in order to major in International Business.
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Major in Entrepreneurship
Students must complete the following 6: New Venture Creation COMM 3307 Managing the Family Enterprise COMM 3308 Financial Institutions OR COMM 3203 OR Sales Management COMM 3409 Management Skills Development COMM 3309 Consumer Behaviour OR COMM 3401 OR Marketing Research COMM 3404 Capstone Managing the Venturing Process COMM 4301 Total 6: Required 6 In addition, either the second (COMM 3801) or third (COMM 3802) work term must be an, entrepreneurial work term, as defined by Management Career Services; or an approved work term in an entrepreneurial setting.
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The Co-op fee covers: Administration of the co-op work term including, but not limited to; Job search assistance (cover letters and resume building, interview preparation and debrief, coaching for selfdeveloped job search strategies) Orientation workshops and other training Networking opportunities with employers (including special events, competitions, information sessions, corporate tours, mentoring etc) Work term monitoring and mediation of unsatisfactory situations Post work term debrief Development of job opportunities Access to on-line job posting site and job posting administration Interview space and co-ordination Facilitation of job offers Tracking of eligibility and job search activity Work term report, instruction and grading by the assigned School of Business Instructor for Comm 2801, Comm 3801, and Comm 3802. *Marketing and communication tools and activities to promote the Commerce Co-op program to employers. WORK TERM REGISTRATION/REMOVING A WORK TERM COMM 2801/3801/3802 are all considered work term credits as defined by the Undergraduate Calendar. Registration In order to receive a credit, students must register for the work term they are about to embark upon. For example, 2nd year students will register for COMM 2801 and 3rd year students will register for either COMM 3801 or COMM 3802. Please note that the add/drop dates apply to work terms. Failure to register for your work term in time could result in a $50 late fee. It is important to register for your work term before it begins in order to have access to job postings or to be able to submit a self-found job. Removing a Work Term In the event that a student is unable to obtain a work term, the work term credit must be dropped before the drop date. If the work term is not dropped, a grade of INC is submitted; which eventually changes to an F.
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Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Commerce Co-op is a four year program comprising of seven academic terms and three work terms. The equivalent of 40 half credits (20 full credits) are required for graduation. Classes are either a half credit (denoted by .03) and are completed in one semester or they are a full credit (denoted by .06) and are completed in two semesters. The Program Work Sheet (found on page 5 of this handbook) summarizes the degree requirements and class sequencing through the seven academic terms and work terms that comprise the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op Program. The Bachelor of Commerce Co-op Program is very structured, with most classes assigned to specific years and terms. If a student misses a work term, that work term is then deferred: COMM 2801 (Winter) defers to the following Fall COMM 3801 (Fall) defers to the following Summer COMM 3802 (Summer) defers to the following Summer Deferral Rule for missed work terms Many students question why the deferral rule for missed work terms is obligatory. The first reason for this rule is because the Commerce Co-op is an accredited program that requires the program begin and end with academic study terms. The second reason is to achieve the major purpose of a co-op program, which is to carry the knowledge and experience from the classroom to the workplace, and then from the workplace back to the classroom, thereby enhancing both the learning and working experiences for Commerce Students. The third reason for the deferrals is that many students will end up having only two work terms if the final work term is continually moved to the end of the program. At this point, the integrity of the program will be greatly diminished and it would lose its accreditation. Should you not obtain a work term by the specified date, please make an appointment with an Academic Advisor to discuss your options. Note: COMM 3802 must be completed before a student is eligible to register for COMM 4351 and COMM 4352. All exceptions must be approved by the Program Manager. It should be noted that COMM 1101, ECON 1101, ECON 1102 and MATH 1115* will be offered in the Summer of Year 1 to provide a safety net opportunity to make up academic deficiencies and to proceed to Year 2. *MATH 1115 is specifically designed for the Commerce Program and is not accepted as the prerequisite for upper level Mathematics or Computer Science classes. Students who wish to take upper level MATH or CSCI classes should consult their Academic Advisor. When registering for Non-Commerce Electives, please check the course descriptions in the Undergraduate Calendar to see if there are any exclusions to the course. Credit is not given to two courses that are exclusions to each other; for example, COMM 1502 is an exclusion to CSCI 1200. If you have taken both of these courses, you will only get credit for one towards your program although both GPAs will be counted on your degree.
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courses from other departments as equivalents. Students may consult the exclusion section of the course descriptions in the Undergraduate Calendar when looking for equivalent courses. Availability Students alternately are in class or on a work term, the School of Business schedules classes to be available for students following the regular format. Elective classes will usually be offered in the same term but may occasionally be moved because of instructor availability. For this reason, students should confirm their class schedule just prior, or on return, to classes. Declaring a major To declare a major, Students are required to go to the Dal Online website, and click on Web for Students- Admissions. Click on Declare your Major or Concentration. This can be done anytime during your program, but due to course restrictions should be declared by Winter of your 2nd year. If you have declared your major but wish to change it, the same procedure applies; you will have to choose Commerce from the drop down menu if changing your major to undeclared. *Note that you are not required to declare a major in order to graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Majors (can be declared as early as 2nd year) Accounting Entrepreneurship Finance International Business Leadership Studies Marketing Logistics Marketing Management When choosing a major, students should carefully consider their choice of electives in their 3rd and 4th years. Students must check the prerequisites to ensure their eligibility for 4th year electives. It is also highly recommend meeting with an Academic Advisor to plan out your major classes. Please consult the Majors Summary, found on pages 6 & 7 of this handbook, for required major classes.
Leave of Absence from the Program If you are going to be away from the school environment, it is recommended that you make an appointment with an Academic Advisor to learn how you can be aided to take a course elsewhere. A Letter of Permission is required in order to take a course at another university. Please also note that some of the courses may not be offered the next year, thus, it is very important that every attempt is made to complete them during the summer session, whether or not you are in Halifax. Illness/Medical Documentation Students who have medical or personal problems that may affect their studies are encouraged to meet with their Professor or Academic Advisor to address the issue, before it gets to a stage where a solution cannot be found. All medical documentation must be submitted to the Undergraduate Advising Office, Suite 2086, Kenneth C. Rowe Building, within seven days of illness. Accommodations for missed exams, tests, assignments or class time will not be made without this documentation. Supplemental Exams All students who fail a core Bachelor of Commerce class will have an opportunity to write a supplemental exam. Supplemental exams were created to allow students who marginally fail a core commerce course, a second chance at passing so they do not delay their program. The following terms and conditions apply to the writing of supplemental exams. The class must offer a final examination as part of the normal evaluation process. The final grade for the class must be FM (45.0 49.9 %) to be eligible to write a supplementary exam. The supplemental exam is to be written within four calendar weeks following the original final examination at a time determined by the Program Manager. The grade obtained on the supplemental examination replaces the final examination grade in the calculation of the overall mark. However, under no circumstances shall the term mark be raised higher than a D. There is a $25.00 non-refundable fee per exam. Students may write only one supplementary exam at the 2000 level, one at the 3000 level and one at the 4000 level. If you have questions about supplementary exams, please contact the Undergraduate Advising Office. Transfer Credits Transfer credits must be approved by the Registrars Office in consultation with the Undergraduate Advising Office. Please note that a maximum of 17 half credits are allowed to be transferred into the Commerce Program. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that transfer credits are approved and accepted. A period of 4 -6 weeks is necessary for the assessment of transfer credits.
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Academic Guidelines
University regulations give students the freedom to choose the timing and content of their education; however, with the increased freedom there is increased responsibility. It is the students responsibility to be aware of and to follow the Universitys regulations and degree requirements. In all dealings with the administration, it will be assumed that the student has read and understood the policies and procedures contained in the Undergraduate Calendar and this student handbook. The following is a summary of the regulations that most often affect undergraduate students: Senate Regulations In addition to the Faculty regulations, students are reminded that they must comply with the University regulations printed at the front of the Undergraduate Calendar. Particular attention is drawn to the University Regulation that refers to Intellectual Honesty. Intellectual Honesty (refer to Accommodation Policy for Students, II, in the Undergraduate Calendar) A university should characterize the quest for intellectual honesty. Failure to measure up to the quest for such a standard can entail either academic offences at one end of the spectrum, or substandard work warranting lowered or failing grades at the other. The seniority of the student concerned, the presence of dishonest intent, and other circumstances may be all relevant to the seriousness with which the matter is viewed. Violations of intellectual honestly are offensive to the entire academic community, not just to the individual faculty member and students in whose class an offence occurs. The primary example of academic dishonesty is plagiarism. Plagiarism Dalhousie University defines plagiarism as the presentation of the work of another author in such a way as to give ones reader reason to think it to be ones own. Plagiarism is a form of academic fraud. Plagiarism is considered to be a serious academic offence, which may lead to a loss of credit, suspension or expulsion from the university, or revocation of a degree at the very extreme. Plagiarism includes the use of material purchased from a commercial research corporation or prepared by any person other than the individual claiming to be the author. Self-plagiarism is the submission of work by a person, which is the same or substantially the same as work for which he or she has already received academic credit. Academic Standing (Academic Regulations, 17, in the Undergraduate Calendar) A students ability to continue in the Commerce Co-op Program is determined by assessing the students grade point average (GPA). In general, students must maintain at least a C average (GPA of 2.00) to remain in Good Standing. A passing grade in each course does not necessarily constitute a C average. The penalties for poor grades can be severe and permanent. If academically dismissed, readmission to Dalhousie or any other university will depend on more than just an application and a copy of your transcript. Students will have to communicate an increased commitment to their university education.
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Please refer to the following table for a GPA breakdown and explanation of what appears on your transcript. Grade A+ A AB+ B BC+ C CD FM F INC W ILL P TR Pending Grade Point Value 4.30 4.00 3.70 3.30 3.00 2.70 2.30 2.00 1.70 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Neutral and no credit obtained Neutral and no credit obtained Neutral Neutral Neutral Definition Excellent
Good
Satisfactory Marginal Pass Marginal Failure*- used for Core Commerce Supplementary Exams Inadequate Incomplete Withdrew after deadline Compassionate reason, illness Pass Transfer Credit on admission Grade not reported
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by multiplying the grade points obtained in each class, in accordance with the scale above, by the number of credit hours of each class then dividing that sum by the total credit hours attempted. A Term GPA includes only those classes attempted in a single term and Cumulative GPA includes all classes attempted while registered in a program. GPA calculators are available on the Student Services website at http://academicadvising.studentservices.dal.ca/GPA%20Calculator/. Academic Probation and Dismissal (Academic Regulations, 19 & 20, in the Undergraduate Calendar) According to the Academic regulations, students are placed on Academic Probation when their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) falls below 2.00 but above 1.70. Students with a CGPA falling below 1.70 are academically dismissed. Therefore, the following will apply: Good Standing implies a CGPA of at least 2.00 Academic Probation Students with a CGPA of less than 2.00 and greater than or equal to 1.70, who have completed at least four full credits, will be placed on Academic Probation Students on academic probation are permitted to continue to register provided their Term GPA is at least 2.00. Students on probation who do not achieve at least a GPA of 2.00 per term will be academically dismissed. Students on probation will be allowed to participate in the job search process for their work terms. Students are not permitted to register in any course outside of Dalhousie University while on academic probation. Academic Dismissal Students with a CGPA of less than 1.70, who have completed at least four full credits, will be academically dismissed for a 12-month period even if they have passed all courses.
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Students on probation who have began their work term, and are subsequently dismissed from the Commerce Co-op Program, will not receive credit for their work term or any other work term completed while they are dismissed from the University. In some circumstances, students may also be required to leave their place of employment. Students who have been academically dismissed and have subsequently been re-admitted will re-register on academic probation. Required Standing for Graduation (Academic Regulations, 21, in the Undergraduate Calendar) In order to qualify for the degree, candidates must have obtained a CGPA of at least 2.00. To graduate with distinction from the Commerce Co-op Program, graduates must have a CGPA of at least 3.70. Additional Important Academic Regulation Listings Regulations pertaining to the follow (and other) procedures and problems are listed in the Undergraduate Calendar according to the regulation number (in parentheses). Withdrawing from Classes (Regulation 5.2) Letter of Permission (Regulation 7.6) Examinations and Tests (Regulation 16.2) Incomplete Class Work (Regulation 16.4) Correction of Errors in Recorded Grades (Regulation 16.6) Reassessment of a Final Grade (Regulation 16.7) Special Arrangements for Exams, Tests and Assignments (Illness) (Regulation 16.8) Deans List (Regulation 24.1) Appeals (Regulation 24)
Additional Information
Exchange Programs We have wonderful exchange opportunities facilitated by the Centre of International Trade and Transportation for Commerce Students. Students may choose to go on an exchange program in their 3rd year during the Winter term, if they have a CGPA greater than 2.50. For further information please visit http://citt.management.dal.ca or see Tim Richard in the Centre for International Trade and Transportation, Suite 2060 or 902.494.2224. Additionally, Students can also access the International Student & Exchange Services (ISES) exchanges. Please note that the ISES application deadline is the end of January of a students 2nd year. For more information please consult the ISES website at www.dal.ca/ises. If a student goes on exchange, s/he must still complete a 12-16 week work term in the Summer and meet with an Academic Advisor to plan out their fourth year especially if they are considering majoring. Scholarships & Bursaries There are numerous in-course and external scholarships available throughout the academic year. Students are notified of the qualifications, deadlines and application packages through emails that are sent out by the Undergraduate Advising Office. Students wishing to learn more about the scholarship and bursaries prior to being notified can consult the Awards section in the Undergraduate Calendar or http://moneymatters.dal.ca.
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Student Services If you need help with time management, improving your study skills, getting back on track, or any related issues, we urge you to contact Student Services. They are located in the Killam Library on the first floor or you can reach them at 902.494.2404 or by emailing student.services@dal.ca. They offer a wide range of programs and workshops to help students cope and succeed at university. Student Accessibility Services Students with permanent or temporary disabilities who would like to discuss classroom or exam accommodations are asked to contact Student Accessibility Services in the Mark A. Hill Accessibility Centre located next to the Killam Library. They can also be reached either via phone- 902.494.2836 or via email access@dal.ca. Dalhousie Student Union Medical Coverage While engaged in a work term during the September December work term period, students are not considered to have full-time student status at Dalhousie as they are only registered for one course. Since there is no course registration fee for the work term credit; no supplemental fees were charged for Student Services fees, Student Medical Coverage or Dalplex fees. Students wishing to access these services during their work term should contact the Dalhousie Student Union, Dalplex or Student Accounts to make arrangements to pay the fees required to access these services. U-Pass Students completing a work term in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) during the fall term are eligible to obtain the Dalhousie U-Pass. Once the work term is confirmed, to opt-in to this service the student must notify Management Career Services (MCS) by email and they will forward your name to Student accounts to verify they are on a work term in the HRM. In addition, students leaving the HRM for a work term during the winter term can opt-out of the U-Pass and receive a refund credit on their student account. Once their work term is confirmed you must notify MCS you want to opt-out and your name will be forwarded to Student Accounts. You must also complete a form online requesting the refund. Please Note: The U-Pass card is only available for the September to April school year. Academic Notice Board There is an academic notice board outside the Undergraduate Advising Office (Suite 2086) where changes in schedules, scholarship information, study skill workshops, volunteer opportunities, etc. are posted. Resource Sheets Available in the Undergraduate Advising Office are fact sheets about majors and their requirements, important university forms, related academic information and future career or academic opportunities.
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Anna Cranston Lori Bauld Melvina Jones Shelley LaMorre Robert Wooden Jonathan Perry Jessica Mackenzie Amy Endert Ayse Dai-Gammon Ally Howard Shannon Kelly Dave Richard
902.494.1575 902.494.7548 902.494.6935 902.494.1150 902.494.6688 902.494.6936 902.494.8511 902.494.8944 902.494.4583 902.494.5516 902.494.2132 902.494.7054
Anna.Cranston@Dal.Ca Lori.Bauld@dal.ca Melvina.Jones@dal.ca Shelley.Lamorre@dal.ca Robert.Wooden@dal.ca Jonathan.Perry@dal.ca J.Mackenzie@dal.ca Amy.Endert@dal.ca ayse.gammon@dal.ca A.Howard@dal.ca Shannon.Kelly@dal.ca Dave.Richard@dal.ca
Career & Recruitment Specialists There are six Career & Recruitment Specialists, each responsible for a specific area: Accounting, Business Management, Finance, International Business, Marketing and the Public Sector. Career & Recruitment Specialists work with students individually or in group sessions to help with the following: Identifying student strengths, interests and priorities Helping students establish which career path and work environment is right for them Planning a job search strategy Writing effective resumes and cover letters Building and interacting with a network of contacts Preparing for interviews Providing support, advice and monitoring of the work term Providing job search assistance for graduating students
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Management Career Services Responsibilities All Commerce Co-op students have access to the team at Management Career Services (MCS). It is the responsibility of MCS to assist students with the job search, recruitment process and the work term. Students are assigned to a Career & Recruitment Specialist based on their area of interest. Why visit a Career & Recruitment Specialist? Career & Recruitment Specialists work with students to guide them through the career exploration and job search activities for co-op work terms and jobs upon graduation. The skills, abilities and knowledge needed to succeed in the development of their careers will serve students well now, and in the future. MCS Services Co-op Orientation Resume and Cover Letter Workshops and Review Interview Workshops On Campus Recruitment Employer Panel Discussions Employer Information Sessions Special Events (i.e. Interview Competition, Super Wednesdays, Tap the Talent) Posting of job descriptions received from employers Monitoring of the job posting process Forwarding resumes to employers Arranging student interviews for employers Extending job offers to students on behalf of employers Recording and tracking of work term documents required from students MCS- Co-op work term approval and monitoring Prior to the commencement of a work term, all positions are approved by MCS as a suitable learning experience MCS monitors the progress of a students work term by conducting a work site visit in person, by phone, fax or email MCS handles issues of concern that may arise while a student is on a work term, a Career & Recruitment Specialist will act as a mediator, working with the student and employer to bring about a resolution to the issue
Special Requests
Waivered Work Term Mature students will be permitted an exemption for the Work Term- COMM 2801; if they have been out of high school and worked for a minimum of two years in a recognized business environment. Students must get approval from the Commerce Program Manager by providing a job description and a Letter of Reference from the previous employer, registering for the work term and completing a Career Portfolio. Work Term Transfer Credit A student who transfers into the Commerce Co-op Program with a previous co-op work term credit from a recognized Co-op University will be given an exemption for COMM 2801 with proof of the credit received. The credit grade must appear on the students transcript and the work term involved must have received a work site visit and/or employer evaluation. The student must also have submitted a satisfactory work term report. Student Exchange (Prior to Work Term) For students on an academic exchange, the work term length follows the same guidelines as regular work terms.
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Requirements for a Work Term Credit Students must be engaged in a position approved by MCS. The work term duration must meet the Commerce Degree requirements. The students supervisor must report a satisfactory evaluation of performance both during the work site visit and in the Employers Final Evaluation. A student must develop and submit a satisfactory Work Term Assignment (i.e. career portfolio/analytical work term report) for each work term. Details are provided by the Faculty representative. Address and Contact Information MCS is an essential link between students and employers and it is therefore vital that students can be contacted to discuss interview schedules, offers of employment, special requests, etc. This means that any changes or additions to phone numbers must be recorded by MCS. Students are also required to update their Banner contact information online.
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Returning to Previous Work Term Positions Students who have completed at least one prior work term with an employer and anticipate returning to the same employer for another work term are expected to develop and expand their knowledge and work-related skills over and above what they learned in their previous work term with that employer. The job description must clearly define increased responsibilities and challenges. Students are obligated to a work term with their previous employers once they have committed verbally or in writing to return. Immediately upon committing to work for a previous employer, students are required to inform MCS for approval and the job is then entered into the database and a Co-op Education Work Term Requirement form must be signed by the student.
Applying to jobs Employers submit job descriptions to MCS which are reviewed and approved by a Career & Recruitment Specialist prior to posting in MCS database Students access job postings through a secure log-in Students can apply to job postings until the deadline date, and application documents can be edited and changed up to that date Students apply for specific job postings using a resume, cover letter and other requested documents After the deadline for a specific job posting has passed, MCS forwards the package of students applications to the employer Students may not apply directly to employers for positions posted through MCS unless it is specifically stated in the job posting that students should apply online through the employers website. Interview Process Employer short-lists the students to be interviewed and provides MCS with the names of the selected students Students are informed of interview selection, or otherwise, by accessing the interview section of the database Students selected for an interview must acknowledge their intention to be interviewed by selecting a time slot for their interview. This should be done by 12 noon a day prior to the interview deadline date. Failure to confirm the interview time will result in the students name being dropped from the schedule. The location of the interview, special instructions and notes are all included in the job posting description
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If a student decides to decline an interview, notification by email must be sent to MCS at least 24 hours before the interview and the information in the database must be updated Students who miss two confirmed interviews and/or refuse two posted job offers without notifying MCS prior to the interview or job offer will be ineligible to continue participating in the co-op job posting process for the remainder of that term
Job Offer Process MCS extends offers of employment to students on behalf of employers. Students are given 24 hours from the time the offer is sent to accept or reject the job offer (this time period may be adjusted at the discretion of a Career & Recruitment Specialist). If the job offer is rejected or not accepted within the time permitted, it is considered a rejection and the job is offered to the next selected student All job offers should come from MCS. Employers are usually aware of the process and will not extend a job offer directly to a student; however, if this does occur the student should ask the employer to contact MCS Students should carefully consider the implications of refusing job offers. A refusal may jeopardize future job prospects with that employer. If no other job offers are received it will also mean the work term cannot be completed. o To avoid refusing a position, a student must: Read all job descriptions very carefully, checking for relevance and keeping in mind previous work and future goals Research the company and position well in advance to allow time for reflection Know the geographical location of the job and be able to relocate if necessary Apply for jobs of genuine interest Upon accepting a position verbally or in writing, for either a co-op found or student developed job, a student cannot seek or accept co-op employment from any other employer for that work term Students are required to sign a Student Job Acceptance Agreement Form accepting the position MCS administers the process outlined above but cannot guarantee every student a work term position.
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Firings It is important to all concerned that the Commerce Co-op Program maintains a high standard and an excellent reputation, and must be considered by employers as the best co-operative program available. It is therefore every students responsibility to think of him/herself as a representative of Dalhousie when in the workplace. Although infrequent, student firings do occur and are a very serious matter, causing stress to both the student and the employer, and adversely affecting the reputation of the Commerce Co-op Program. Students should contact MCS immediately if problems occur. Once advised of an issue of concern or potential problem, a Career & Recruitment Specialist will meet with all parties concerned to assess the situation, act as a mediator and work on a suitable resolution. A student fired from a work term will receive a failing grade, thereby losing credit for the work term, and may even be required to withdraw from the program if s/he has failed two work terms. If it is determined that the student breached the Student Code of Conduct, s/he could be denied future work terms. If a students firing is determined to be not for a just cause, the student will not receive a failing grade. Firings and New Jobs If a student is fired early in a work term, s/he can find a new, self-developed job and successfully complete the work term. The original grade of F remains on a students record, and the student must re-register for a new work term. The new position must be at least 12 weeks in duration. Permission to complete a second work term within the work term timeframe is dependent on the number of weeks required to complete the 42-week total (for the program) while adhering to the minimum 12-week requirement. Also taken into consideration is what the student has learned from the firing and that s/he will not repeat the actions that provoked the dismissal. Strike/Layoffs In the event of a strike or layoff, students are advised to report immediately to MCS. Whether to cross or to observe the picket line will remain the decision of the student; however, MCS will advise students on the possible outcome of either decision. Quitting A student will receive a failing grade if s/he quits a work term position. S/he may find a new job and have it count as a work term only if the new position is for a minimum of 12 weeks (also dependent on the total 42 week requirement) and is completed before the next study term commences. The original grade of F will remain on a students record, and s/he must re-register for the work term. Harassment If students encounter a situation on work term that they think could be harassment they should contact MCS immediately for advice, support and information. A student may also wish to discuss the situation with Dalhousies Office of Human Rights, Equity and Harassment Prevention. 902-494-1137 www.hrehp.cal.ca
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COMM 2801 First Work Term Assignment/Career Portfolio Requirements: The Career Portfolio concept was developed by the university community to enhance Dalhousies undergraduate students self-assessment skills and marketability. Through the Business Communication course, students are introduced to the Career Portfolio concept and, with the help of their employer during their first work term, will complete a Career Portfolio for evaluation. Career Portfolios are returned to students following evaluation. Students are encouraged to continue the process of skill analysis, skill development and periodic updating of their portfolios throughout their careers. COMM 3801 Second Work Term Assignment/ Analytical Work Term Report: A Work Term Report is required at the end of the second work term and must focus on a work-related topic. The Report should document, in detail, the results of through research and analysis of a particular problem the employer or industry faces. As outlined in the Analytical Report requirements, the Analytical Report must be reviewed and signed by the employer. Reports cannot be accepted from students not registered for the work term. Final copies of the analytical report are treated as a final exam and are not returned to the student, but are kept on file for six months and then destroyed. COMM 3802 Third Work Term Assignment/ Reflective Report and Career Action Plan: The Reflective Report and Career Action Plan is required at the end of the third work term. The Report documents, in detail, your reflection on the past three coops with specific interests in your professional development, what youve learned, academic connection, before leading onto your long term career and personal action plans. Deadlines Deadlines for proposals and assignments are on the Bachelor of Commerce Program website proceeding each work term. Submitting each Report (properly bound) by the required deadline and obtaining a passing grade (minimum satisfactory) is a mandatory component of a completed work term. The stamped postal date is the recognized submittal date for mailed in reports and late reports will receive a grade of F, which will remain on a students record and transcript. Deadlines Deadlines for proposals and assignments are on the Bachelor of Commerce Program website proceeding each work term. Submitting each Report (properly bound) by the required deadline and obtaining a passing grade (minimum satisfactory) is a mandatory component of a completed work term. The stamped postal date is the recognized submittal date for mailed in reports and late reports will receive a grade of F, which will remain on a students record and transcript. Grading of the Career Portfolio and Analytical Reports A faculty member is assigned to mark and grade the Career Portfolio and Analytical Reports, and will handle all questions, grading and submission of the reports. Students will be notified of the contact information and should discuss with the faculty member the details of how to create the Career Portfolio and Analytical Report. Students will receive a pass for an acceptable report and fail for an unacceptable report. At the discretion of the Instructor, reports that are close to acceptable may be offered a resubmit rather than a fail. Resubmits Students who do not obtain a passing grade for resubmit will be required to re-register for the work term and will be permitted to submit a new assignment within the following academic term. Failure to do so will necessitate the student redoing the complete work term.
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If the student chooses to continue working on the original assignment, the next submission will be considered a resubmission (no additional submission will be allowed). If a students initial report is unsatisfactory, s/he can choose to start over with a new topic whereby only one resubmit will be allowed. Students are not permitted to sign a contract with an employer for the next work term until a passing grade is received from the previous work term. Students will be allocated a specific period of time in which corrections must be completed and the assignment resubmitted. There is only one resubmission permitted. Students will be required to repeat the entire work term if they do not meet the resubmit date set for their Work Term Assignment. Students wishing to appeal a final grade may do so by requesting a re-grading. The form is available at the Registrars Office for a fee of $50, which is refunded if a grade is changed as a result of the appeal.
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I have found my own work term MCS job. What do I do now? I have found a job independently. Why do I have to create an account in Job Posting Database? What does registering for a work term mean?
MCS
UAO or MCS
What is the work term report and where do I find information and instructions?
UAO website
What is the minimum number of weeks that I must work for each work term? Do I have to declare a major in the Commerce Program? How many non-commerce elective credits do I need for graduation? Can I still take courses while on any of my work terms?
MCS
UAO
UAO
UAO
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Commerce Society
Welcome Bachelor of Commerce Class of 2015! Congratulations on making the great choice to attend Dalhousie University! Over the next four years the Bachelor of Commerce Program will offer you an abundance of opportunities. You will graduate with relevant work experience from three co-op positions, as well as, a diverse range of classes and choices of majors. The Dalhousie Commerce Society (DCS) represents the interests of Commerce students acting as a link between students and faculty. We are a student run society providing an outlet for social, academic and extracurricular events. As a BComm student, you are a member of the DCS and we, the Executive team, encourage you to participate in any way you can! The DCS social and academic events not only bring students together, but also facilitate networking among peers. We work hard to increase student participation and create Commerce pride. Do you want to get involved? Be on the lookout for Council Representative opportunities to be posted during the first week of school. Check us out on Facebook (Dalhousie Commerce Society), Twitter (DalCommerce), and our website (www.dalcomm.ca). The DCS office is located on the second floor of the Kenneth C. Rowe Building in suite 2053. If you have any questions about how to get involved, good classes to take, or potential event ideas please contact us at office@dalcomm.ca or drop by! Sincerely, The 2011/2012 Dalhousie Commerce Society Executives Andrew Gniewek President Veronica Baker VP External April Sexsmith VP Internal Lauren Michell VP Finance Shannon Curley VP Academic Andrew Coe VP Marketing Doug Henderson DSU Representative
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