Thirteen UPEI co-operative education programs receive national accreditation
The University of Prince Edward Island Co-operative Education Program is pleased to announce that 13 Co-operative Education bachelor programs at UPEI have been accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) for six years, ending December 2030.
The following programs have received accreditation:
- Faculty of Science: Actuarial Science
- Faculty of Science: Biology
- Faculty of Science: Computer Science
- Faculty of Science: Environmental Studies
- Faculty of Science: Physics
- Faculty of Arts: Economics
- Faculty of Business: Specializations
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- International Business
- Marketing
- Organizational Management
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Accounting
“Co-operative Education has been a long-standing component of many programs at UPEI and has expanded considerably over the past few years. The new accreditation marks first time accreditation for our Actuarial Science, Biology, Environment Studies, and Economics programs and speaks to the quality of programming offered at the University. This milestone could not have been achieved without the commitment of the Co-op Office staff, Academic Directors and all our employer partners,” said Megan MacLean, Interim Associate Vice-President, Students.
In a letter that accompanied news of the accreditation, Claudia Sperling, Chair, CEWIL Canada Accreditation Council, and on behalf of the CEWIL Canada Board of Directors, thanked UPEI for its on-going leadership in Canadian co-operative education and adherence to the CEWIL Canada criteria and standards of quality. The chair also acknowledged and thanked UPEI for submissions of data to CEWIL Canada’s National Stats Database. The data has been integral in advocacy work at both the federal and provincial levels.
The accreditation review team, composed of Christine Dodds from Capilano University, Sarah Maunder from College of the North Atlantic and Chair, Shawn Read from Thompson Rivers University thanked UPEI for preparing a comprehensive and detailed application package. The review team was impressed with many practices, including that the UPEI Co-op team demonstrates strong collaboration with faculty members, engaging in regular consultations with Academic Directors and Advisors to ensure alignment and integration; and for its flexibility in reflective assignments, allowing students to tailor their learning experiences during their work terms.
“This recent accreditation of 13 co-op education programs at UPEI is a mark of excellence for their high-quality standards,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President Academic and Research at UPEI. “Many thanks to Megan MacLean and the Co-op Education team for preparing a comprehensive application for accreditation and their dedication to exceptional learning opportunities for students through co-op education.”
The Co-operative Education Office recently celebrated their annual awards with students, faculty, and community employers, closing out national Co-op and Work-integrated Learning month. Those interested in learning more about hiring Co-op students are encouraged to reach out to the Co-op Office.
