Definition of a Field Placement

Mohawk College is a member of both Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) and Experiential and Work-Integrated Learning Ontario (EWO) and follows the guidelines for their definition of a field placement.

A field placement is defined as a scheduled activity intended to give students hands-on experience in the workplace through a host organization/employer (terms used interchangeably in this document). A placement can vary in duration, which is determined by the program of study. Students are not expected to receive a regular salary (except for degree programs). Field placements account for work-integrated education experiences not encompassed by other forms such as co-op, clinic, practicum and internship.

Programs with Field Placements

The following Mohawk College programs include a field placement experience.

Business Placements

• Bachelor of Analytics and Data Management Degree
• Bachelor of Business Administration Trades Management Degree
• Business Analysis Graduate Certificate
• Human Resources Management
• Tourism
• Advertising and Marketing Communications Management
• Office Administration – Health
• Office Administration – Executive
• Office Administration – Legal

Creative Industries Placements

• Broadcasting – Television and Communications Media
• Graphic Design
• Applied Music
• Public Relations
• Journalism

Engineering Technology Placements

• Digital Health Bachelors Degree

Skilled Trades

• Powering Engineering 4th Class
• Powering Engineering

Placement Eligibility Requirements

Some programs may have specific eligibility requirements for students to participate in a placement. These eligibility requirements are determined by the Program Area. In some programs, alternative activities may be planned should students not meet placement eligibility requirements.

Student Expectations

Placement students are ambassadors of Mohawk College and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner through out the placement process and while out on a placement.
A placement student is expected to:

• Engage fully in the placement process in order to optimize potential for securing a placement. The placement process may include preplacement requirements, applying to opportunities with a resume, attending interviews, and self-directed placement searches.
• Abide by the placement responsibilities and processes outlined in this document. All students are subject to the same placement regulations regardless of whether they find a placement through Mohawk’s network or arrange their own placement opportunity.
• Accept the terms under the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation in order to receive emails and communication from the Centre for Experiential Learning.
• Regularly check and respond to Mohawk College email communication from the Centre for Experiential Learning as well as CareerReady and MyCanvas during the placement process.
• Provide placement organizations with accurate and timely information regarding qualifications when requested; this may include additional information such as resumes, interview requests, police clearance, references, and samples of work.
• Maintain the confidentiality of the information contained on CareerReady, including placement posting information and industry contact information.
• Read all placement opportunity descriptions and disclaimers and only apply or express interest to those positions that the student has a genuine interest, appropriate qualifications, and means of transportation.
• Prepare for and attend all confirmed interviews.
• Be forthcoming with industry organizations and the Placement Support staff about placement offer intentions.
• Honour the acceptance of a placement opportunity as a contractual agreement with the host organization; including the position start and end dates to avoid potential academic penalty.
• Understand the consequences of quitting or leaving a placement position prior to the agreed upon end date.
• Respect the host organization’s confidentiality, proprietary information policies, and physical assets.
• Exercise ethical workplace conduct and represent themselves in a professional manner while out on placement.

Role of Field Placement Support Staff

The Field Placement Support staff supports placement students by connecting students with employment opportunities in their field of study.

The Field Placement Support staff help facilitate workplace opportunities by:

• Developing and maintaining partnerships with business, industry, and government agencies.
• Facilitating the placement process.
• Providing student support related to placements (inquiries, validating and verifying student-sourced placements, placement matching, placement monitoring).
• Collecting resumes and rankings (if applicable).
• Assessing suitability of placement opportunities.
• Facilitating placement hour tracking and evaluations.
• Monitoring Co-op Work Permits for international students.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)

The purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is to ensure that all Ontarians
have fair and equitable access to programs and services and to improve opportunities for
persons with disabilities. Any placement student who has a formally documented accommodation requirement or any other physical and/or medical restrictions is encouraged to discuss their accommodation needs with Accessible Learning Services and their Field Placement Support Officer prior to the beginning of their placement program in order to support effective accommodations in a proactive manner.

If you are a student with a disability who requires accommodations for a placement, please contact Accessible Learning Services for information regarding the Experiential Learning Accommodation Form.

Harassment and Discrimination

The Ontario Human Rights Code protects placement students working in Ontario from harassment and discrimination. The Centre for Experiential Learning will also support students in all workplaces with regards to any violation of the human rights code and urges students to contact their Field Placement Support Officer with any related concerns on the job. For more information please visit the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Academic Integrity and Student Behaviour

Academic integrity applies not only to academic activities on-campus but also to a student’s participation and behaviour in the placement process as well as during the placement.
A placement student is required to comply with:
Mohawk College’s Student Behaviour Policy
Mohawk College’s Academic Integrity Policy

Mohawk College maintains strict regulations and policies regarding the fabrication of documents and credentials. These policies also apply to documents and credentials that students may require for participation in placements and any engagement in the following practices will risk disciplinary action.

Examples can include but are not limited to:

• Altering information contained on academic transcripts, work history, placement employer evaluations or any other Mohawk College issued document.
• Making false claims or statements on a resume.
• Fraudulent placement employers
• Falsifying co-op work permits and/or medical documentation.

In addition to the consequences outlined in the above polices, a student risks the following:

• A fail grade for the placement credit.
• Possible legal ramifications.