Partnership and Engagement

Award-winning co-op student Luke Laforest makes his mark at Ford

photo of Luke Laforest outside of his homeElectrical engineering co-op student Luke Laforest received a Rising Star Award for his contributions during a work term at Ford Motor Company's Windsor Engine Plant. Through projects focused on predictive planning, assembly-line optimization and continuous improvement, he delivered solutions that helped improve efficiency, reduce costs and support frontline workers. (LUKE LAFOREST/University of Windsor)

By Victor Romao 

At a modern engine plant, even a brief disruption can have significant consequences.  

From co-op student to HR professional Ashley Deslippe builds a career through curiosity and risk-taking

portrait of Ashley Deslippe in her office workspaceAshley Deslippe, a University of Windsor Odette School of Business alumna and human resources coordinator at AAR, says co-op placements, international learning experiences and campus leadership opportunities helped prepare her for a career in human resources. (SUBMITTED BY ASHLEY DESLIPPE/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao 

A co-op placement is often viewed as a bridge between the classroom and the workplace.  

For some students, it can also become the first step toward a long-term career. 

The opportunity to gain practical experience, build professional relationships and apply classroom knowledge can open doors well beyond graduation. 

That was the case for Ashley Deslippe (BComm ’25).  

Career Centre and co-op office adopt new shared name: Co-op, Career & Experiential Education

student and instructor seated at a computerThe University of Windsor's newly renamed Co-op, Career & Experiential Education unit brings career development, experiential learning and co-operative education services together under one banner to support student success. (FILES/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

The University of Windsor’s Career Centre and co-operative education office are now operating under a single name: Co-op, Career & Experiential Education.

The new name reflects the integration of the Office of Experiential Learning, Co-op & Workplace Partnerships and Career Development & Experiential Learning, also known as the Career Centre.

Work Study job postings now available for 2026-27

group of students sitting around computer in classroomApplications are now open for the 2026-2027 Ignite Work Study Program, offering paid part-time positions across campus. (FILES/University of Windsor)

 

Work Study job postings now available for 2026-27 

Looking for a flexible way to earn money, build your resume and gain valuable experience on campus?

Students looking to gain experience while earning income during the academic year can now apply for positions through the University of Windsor's Ignite Work Study Program.

The program offers paid, part-time employment opportunities across campus, allowing students to develop professional skills, explore career interests and contribute to the university community.

Legal protection is not the same as belonging: Report sheds light on experiences of Black queer and trans migrants in Windsor-Essex

Anold Mulaisho, Dr. Carlo Handy Charles, drag performers Valentina Rosé and Baddie Brooks, and Dr. Camisha SibblisAnold Mulaisho, Dr. Carlo Handy Charles, drag performers Valentina Rosé and Baddie Brooks and Dr. Camisha Sibblis, Director of the Black Scholars Institute, participated in the Black Queer and Trans Migrants and Racism Conference at the University of Windsor’s Black Scholars Institute in March 2026 (DAVE GAUTHIER/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Being legally protected on the basis of gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation is not the same thing as belonging. 

That is the message of a new report by UWindsor sociology professor Dr. Carlo Handy Charles examining the experiences of Black queer and trans migrants in Windsor-Essex. 

He turned a decade of hidden knowledge into a tool engineers use every day — and earned a job while doing it

photo of Nishant Gowthaman standing in Dillon HallMaster of Science in Computer Science student Nishant Gowthaman received a Rising Star Award for his contributions during a co-op placement with CenterLine (Windsor) Limited. During his work term, he developed a machine learning-powered system that transformed years of estimating data into a searchable resource, supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. (SHIVANGI ROY/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

When Nishant Gowthaman arrived at CenterLine (Windsor) Limited for his co-op placement, he was presented with a challenge that extended far beyond writing code.

The company had years of estimating data stored across thousands of spreadsheets, containing valuable knowledge that engineers often struggled to find and reuse. 

How a UWindsor co-op student turned AI solutions into real business results at RBC

portrait of Harshkumar Nayanbhai Patel outdoorsMaster of Applied Computing graduate Harshkumar Nayanbhai Patel earned a Rising Star Award for outstanding work during a Winter 2026 co-op placement at RBC, where he developed AI-powered solutions that improved efficiency and delivered business value. (SUBMITTED BY HARSHKUMAR NAYANBHAI PATEL/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

For Harshkumar Nayanbhai Patel (MAC '26), a co-op placement at RBC became more than a learning opportunity. By the end of his work term, he had helped develop AI-powered solutions that were saving thousands of engineering hours annually and earned a full-time software engineering position with the company.

More than 800 engineering co-op placements in 30 years: inside the Stellantis–UWindsor research centre

Group photo at the Stellantis Canada-University of Windsor 30 year partnership celebrationCelebrating 30 years of partnership, the Stellantis Canada-University of Windsor Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC) welcomed visitors on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, inside the facilities. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/ University of Windsor)

Marking 30 years of collaboration, the Stellantis Canada-University of Windsor Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC) welcomed visitors Tuesday for a rare look inside the facilities and technology driving the future of vehicle development. 

A first-of-its-kind Canadian partnership between industry, academia and government, the ARDC conducts research, testing and engineering work to advance the technology, quality and safety of tomorrow’s vehicles. 

Winning Barbie case competition gives Odette MBA students insider look at Mattel Canada

photo of MBA students standing beside Mattel Corporation signFrom left, Clementa Stan, career and employer relations advisor at the Odette School of Business, and MBA students Andrea Rivait, Hagen Nelson, Meghan Rae and Fatima Rizvi pose during a visit to Mattel Canada's headquarters in Mississauga. The students earned the visit after winning a Barbie case competition. (SUBMITTED BY CLEMENTA STAN/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

Winning a Barbie case competition earned four Odette School of Business MBA students a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most recognizable brands.

Andrea Rivait, Hagen Nelson, Meghan Rae and Fatima Rizvi, members of the MBA Class of 2026, recently visited Mattel Canada's headquarters in Mississauga after taking top honours in a competition that challenged students to develop strategic and marketing recommendations for Barbie.