A:
The UCSI Co-Op is
essentially an industrial/practical training component to be added on to your
tertiary education. It is
a programme that formally integrates classroom learning with workplace training
in co-operative employer organisations offering students a comprehensive and
relevant work-plus-study experience.
Students in the UCSI degree and diploma programmes will be required to complete
a two-month module of Co-Op for every academic year of study, in partial
fulfilment of degree and diploma requirements. They will receive a grade upon
completion of each Co-Op Module.
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Q2:
Is it compulsory?
A:
Yes, the
Co-Op Component is compulsory for all of UCSIs degree and diploma programmes
(with the exception of Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing degrees which have their
own clerkship/industrial training component).
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Q3:
What are the
advantages of the Co-Op programme?
A:
This programme will allow you to benefit by
-
Training you in a work-setting
that is relevant to your discipline and field of study so that you may obtain
the latest knowledge of innovations and developments;
-
Allowing you to apply what you
have studied in UCSI in a real working environment with more experienced
colleagues and supervisors;
-
Enhancing your UCSI tertiary education by learning from the experiences and
supervision of practicing professionals in the field;
-
Giving you an opportunity to
prove yourself as a potential candidate where the company you work for under
the Co-Op may nominate to employ you permanently upon your graduation;
-
Receiving
pre-industrial-placement training by UCSIs own staff to prepare you for entry
into the working world, e.g. you will receive training in personal grooming,
work etiquette, communication skills, interview techniques etc.
-
Setting
you apart from other graduates whereby you will graduate with at least 6 months
industrial training experience which will add value to your degree;
vii.
Granting you an opportunity to earn some pocket money for two months in the
year as you may earn a basic salary as an intern in the company with
exceptions; and finally
-
expanding your understanding
of what it means to be a take on the world graduate of UCSI!
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A:
Students must meet both
academic and non-academic pre-requisites below:
Academic
Pre-requisite
Successfully
completed at least 80% of coursework in each Year/Level.
-
A minimum
cumulative overall average (CGPA) of 2.0 (ie. 50-59%) at the end each academic
session.
[NB: Most employers require a minimum CGPA of 2.5 (65%) or more]
-
A student who has
not met the academic pre-requisites is not eligible for the Co-Op of that
session and has to defer a particular Co-Op term to the following year/when
academic pre-requisites are met.
Non-academic
Pre-requisites
-
Course selection
for Co-Op, approved by the Co-Op Supervisor and payment of necessary fee(s).
-
Register
in *myCo-Op *by completing and submitting the online Curriculum Vitae
(CV).
-
Submit
certified true hardcopies of supporting documents (e.g. academic certificates,
extracurricular activities, letters of reference, etc)
.
-
Attend
all compulsory Co-Op Workshops organized by CECS/UCSI.
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Q5:
Does this extend the time of my degree programme?
A:
The Co-Op programme does not in any way extend the time of study for any
undergraduate degree or diploma programme even though UCSI has added this extra
two-month module (the Co-Op takes place two months right after the traditional
two-month short semester). In other words, from now on, the final semester of
the year actually becomes 4 months (2 months, 2 months classes) as per other
regular semesters.
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Q6:
Do I have to pay additional fees to participate?
A:
No, you do not need pay additional fees to participate in the Co-Op programme.
In fact, you as the student interns may instead be paid a minimal
salary/allowance during training.
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Q7:
When do I start the Co-Op?
A:
The
Co-Op Placement typically takes place in the months of November-December of
every year.
Only
graduating students (i.e. students who have completed all the academic modules
to their degree programme but have not completed Co-Op components) may carry
out their Co-Op placement commencing January, May and September annually.
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Q8:
What do I do if I
do not qualify for the Co-Op yet?
A:
For
that two-month period, you will be considered to be on semester break.
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Q9:
Do I have to undertake the Co-Op if I want to transfer overseas under the IDP?
A:
You
will have to undertake the Co-Op for the number of academic years that you are
studying at UCSI (e.g. if you are embarking on the equivalent of a 2+1
programme, you will need to undertake at least two Co-Op components).
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Q10:
What if I am a students transferring from another institution with exemptions?
A:
Students
transferring to UCSI from other institutions with exemptions will not be given
exemptions for Co-Op unless they have relevant working experiences.
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Q11:
Would
this Co-Op be really an advantage over other universities who do not have it?
A:
As
students, you will appreciate that one of the anxieties you may face as you
undertake the present degree or diploma of your choice is whether you will be
able to get a good job after you graduate, with the economy and job market
always being uncertain in the future.
Also,
there are sometimes concerns about how practical and applicable your
theoretical education programme will be in the real working world outside, and
whether what you are studying in the classroom - or even the laboratory - is
going to be relevant to you when you go out to work.
Even
more, you may sometimes also ask what is it that will set you apart as a UCSI
graduate in comparison to all the other graduates of other universities
(especially when you wish to be more marketable and in demand when you graduate
from UCSI).
With
the above considerations in mind, UCSI unveils its Co-Op Component to set you
apart from all other tertiary students in the country and thus give you a huge
advantage over other graduates.
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Q12:
Can I do 4 or 6 months in a row instead of three 2-month periods?
A:
Requests to change the study and work sequence for a students programme will be
considered by the Academic Council of UCSI upon recommendations by the relevant
Head of School (comprising of representation from the students School in which
the student is enrolled). An application from the student (if possible, to be
supported by an employer and/or field coordinator) must be made to the
appropriate Head of School and/or the Co-Op supervisors, and students can only
apply if they have already gone through at least one Co-Op component already.
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Q13:
Will I get paid, and how much?
A:
Generally,
UCSI will encourage employers to pay a minimum of RM400 per month for student
interns; this is in no way a guarantee that the employers will do so. Some may
pay less, but there will certainly be examples of others who will pay more.
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Q14:
What if I am placed in a company that is far away?
A:
UCSI
will endeavour to only appoint employers within the Klang Valley; however, some
national or multi-national companies may have either out-station or off-shore
companies which may be presented to students as options only if the students so
choose to take it up.
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Q15:
Will I be guaranteed a placement?
A:
Yes,
UCSI will assure every student a placement in a company for their Co-Op
component.
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Q16:
Will I need to be interviewed first?
A:
Yes,
most if not all job placements will require at least one round of interviews by
the potential employer. There will be a great deal of competition for
placements in the more lucrative or attractive companies, and the potential
employers will reserve the right to interview and select their student interns
accordingly.
Arising
from the above, good academic scores as well as a well-prepared interview
process by the student-candidate will always stand them in good stead.
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Q17:
Will I be assured of a placement that is relevant to my degree?
A:
Yes,
UCSI will endeavour to ensure that the objective of the Co-Op is met, which is
to provide relevant and appropriate industrial training pertinent to the
discipline of the degree or diploma undertaken.
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Q18:
What
if I dont get a placement because I didnt pass an interview?
A:
UCSI will do its best to find alternatives or allow students to seek their own
placement if they so desire. In addition, UCSI will provide counselling and
look into how to enhance a students chances of obtaining a job successfully
(and this will include providing an analysis of why an interview might not have
been successful).
Whatever
the case, if a student fails to secure employment through any interview process
administered by an employer through UCSI, every effort will be made to assure
that a student finds alternative suitable work experience.
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Q19:
Can I choose the company I want to work for?
A:
The employment
process is highly competitive and factors such as academic performance, skills,
motivation, maturity, attitude, professional conduct, flexibility and
performance potential determine whether or not a student is offered employment.
Although
every effort is made by UCSI to find the best fit of work term positions for
students enrolled in the different degree programmes, the openly competitive
nature of the process means that no guarantee of a students first choice of
employment can be made.
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Q20:
Can I choose a company not on UCSIs list?
A:
Every
student must accept the choice of placement provided by UCSI unless the student
has a company which is willing to take him/her in and be subject to UCSIs terms
and conditions.
UCSI
would be more than happy to consider suitable company participants which the
student wishes to recommend, but any such recommendation for the students own
choice of employer needs to be submitted to UCSI at least one month before
commencement of the particular students Co-Op component.
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Q21:
Will
companies really want a student out of first year university?
A:
Companies
will receive student interns for the following reasons:
Receiving
student(s) who will work for the company for two months at very minimal wages
(each company will normally pay a minimal salary of RM400 per month for two
months);
-
The company will take in intelligent, highly-motivated and well-trained student
workers who will bring with them a high-level of enthusiasm and motivation to
succeed in the job (the students will be marked and graded for their internship
as a final motivation for doing well);
-
The company will have the opportunity to identify potential candidates which
they may come to value and may choose to re-appoint as a permanent employee in
the future;
-
The company will be taking in interns who will carry with them the latest
cutting-edge knowledge and theoretical basis that will enhance the work
situation and possibly even provide some upgraded training to some of their
staff;
-
The employment of interns will make up for whatever short-fall companies may
have from time to time with regards to manpower in the company, and UCSI will
be able to help fulfil the companys need for temporary workers in the
respective company.
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Q22:
Are
there criteria to the types of places I can work at (e.g. can I work at a
little shop near my house)?
A:
UCSI will assure that each participating employer meets the following criteria
of being able to provide the following:
Each work situation is developed and/or approved by UCSI as a suitable learning
situation.
The UCSI student is engaged in productive work rather than merely observing or
playing the role of clerk or secretary.
The UCSI student receives remuneration for the work performed.
The UCSI students progress on the job is monitored by the universitys
appropriate School personnel.
The students performance on the job is supervised and evaluated in partnership
with the students employer.
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Q23:
What
if I dont like the boss/supervisor I am assigned to (or what if the supervisor
doesnt like me); may I ask for transfer elsewhere?
A:
Unless the said superior is clearly found to be abusive or acting
inappropriately in any way towards the student by way of words and/or actions,
the student may not ask UCSI to transfer him/her out elsewhere. Such requests
must always come with reasonable justifications.
UCSI
will have a Code of Conduct for Employers (as well as for students in the
programme) which will govern the workplaces in which UCSI Co-Op students find
employment. The University has a commitment to its students that they, while
engaged in University-related activities on and off campus, shall be free from
harassment or discrimination. If either situation occurs in a Co-Op workplace,
students should contact their Head of School, the UCSI Co-Op coordinator, any
of the Vice Presidents of UCSI or UCSIs Corporate Legal Advisor. Similarly,
issues of safety or expectations to engage in any behaviour that may pose a
risk to the students well-being should be brought to the attention of the
students Co-Op supervisors / CECS staff immediately.
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Q24:
How will I be assessed or graded, and by whom?
A:
You
will be assessed and graded on your performance in the Co-Op Component by both
your work supervisor as well as your course coordinator.
A
return-to-campus interview will also be conducted, where this is an on campus
meeting between you and a field co-ordinator. Its purpose is to discuss your
work experience and confirm your status and assessment. Interviews normally
begin the day after classes start, so be sure to check the bulletin boards for
your specific interview date and time. Student surnames are listed
alphabetically on the Co-Op bulletin boards or UCSI e-advantage outside the
International University Placement Center and/or the URE (University Registry
&Examination (Block A, Level 2). In some cases, a student may not require a
return-to-campus interview.
Occasionally,
students, faculty, and members of the Co-Op team will meet with students on an
ad hoc basis to discuss areas of mutual concern as they affect the academic
program, the work program, work reports, regulations and procedures, etc.
Work
report requirements vary by School and Department. Students must submit work
reports according to the requirements of their School and/or Department. Work
report guidelines are available in a variety of formats from the relevant
Schools (e.g. online, hardcopy, e-mail, etc.)
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Q25:
Who decides what is the criteria for assessment?
A:
The criteria for assessment will be decided by the respective Heads of Schools
together with the UCSI Academic Council. These criteria will be published for
students to view.
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Q26:
What
if I fail the Co-Op placement at the end of the two months?
A:
You will be considered as having failed that particular component of your
degree or diploma requirement, and thus will have to repeat the component. You
may or may not be allowed to progress on to the following academic year of
study depending on the recommendations of the respective Head of School.
There
will also be options for the University Exam Board, the University Academic
Council as well as the Head of School to elect to re-assess the reasons why you
may have failed and re-evaluate your work experience again through further
interviews, reports or investigations.
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Q27:
What if I get fired?
A:
You will be considered as having failed that particular component of your
degree or diploma requirement, and thus will have to repeat the component. You
may or may not be allowed to progress on to the following academic year of
study depending on the recommendations of the respective Head of School.
There
will also be options for the University Exam Board, the University Academic
Council as well as the Head of School to elect to re-assess the reasons why you
may have failed and re-evaluate your work experience again through further
interviews, reports or investigations.
Students
are therefore strongly advised to conduct themselves professionally at all
times and obey all company policy and rulings, and perform their jobs to the
best of their ability.
This
list does not outline all of the disciplinary actions that may be applied when
the policies or regulations of UCSI Co-Op or the procedures of the employing
company are not followed. Disciplinary action is left to the discretion of the
University Academic Council and the relevant Head of School.
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Q28:
What
if I fall ill or cannot attend my placement due to any unforeseen
circumstances?
A:
You must apply in writing in advance and explain failure to attend the Co-Op
component to the University Academic Council and the Head of School. If
justified, UCSI will officially give you a Deferred grade until you are able to
attend at a later time.
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Q29:
Do
I have to appeal to the HRD of the company, or can I refer to UCSI in case of
problems?
A:
Certainly a student may do both; it is best to inform both parties in writing,
but UCSI will always endeavour to assist students in every way.
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Q30:
Will I be covered by insurance?
A:
The company which you work for will have insurance to cover you as an employee.
At the same time, you will also be covered by the PA insurance policy which all
students pay for as students of UCSI.
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Q31:
Will I enjoy other benefits of the company?
A:
Common practice is that the company will cover your ordinary medical bills if
you fall ill while on duty but your entitlement to other benefits may depend on
individual company policy (including annual leave, staff discounts, etc.).
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Q32:
What else may I expect from UCSI?
A:
Before
being sent for the internship program, there will be at least two 2.5 hour
sessions of training to assist students in becoming a better candidate at work.
All rules and regulations will be briefed to students.
Students
will also be trained in the following:
preparing rsums
writing work reports
developing interviewing skills
setting objectives
employer performance evaluation
grooming
work ethics
other issues.
Development
seminars are a non-credit course; attending them teaches you how to handle the
Co-Op system successfully and how to reach your goal of finding work term
employment. The seminars occur in the term prior to your first work term.
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