STUDENT FAQ’S FOR CO-OP

       Q.  What is Co-op?

       A.   Co-op is an educational option that provides students an opportunity to apply classroom

             learning in paid (or non-paid) work experience.  Students work in jobs related to their major

             and career goals with area businesses, industries, and public agencies.    

       Q.   How do I know if I can Co-op?

       A.   You must complete a Co-op Application and be approved and registered by the Co-op Coordinator.

             You must be officially enrolled in a program that offers the Co-op option (see Program Offerings).

             You must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in your major curriculum courses.

             You must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.

       Q.   Who do I need to see to sign-up & register for Co-op?

       A.    The Co-op Coordinator and ONLY the Co-op Coordinator can determine your eligibility and register

              you.

       Q.   When should the required Co-op paperwork be completed?

       A.    As soon as registration opens for the semester in which you plan to do your Co-op

       Q.    Do I get credit for doing Co-op?

       A.    Co-op credit is based on the number of credit hours you want to earn. For 1 credit, you must

              complete 160 hours for the semester (or 10 hours per week), for 2 credits, you must complete

              320 hours for the semester (or 20 hours per week), for 3 credits, you must complete 480

              hours for the semester (or 30 hours per week). 

       Q.    Is there a cost to do Co-op?

       A.    Co-op is just like any other class; depending upon the number of credits you plan to earn.

              There is no cost for a textbook with Co-op.  A workbook will be provided to all registered students.

       Q.    Will the Co-op Office find me a job?

       A.    The Co-op Coordinator does get job leads but the student should be looking for positions related

               to their own curriculum as well.

       Q.     Will I earn money for doing Co-op?

       A.      There are both paid (or non-paid) positions in the Co-op work experience.

       Q.      Do I need to submit a resume’ to the Co-op office?

       A.      Yes, the Co-op Coordinator requests that students submit their resume to her electronically.

                She will review them and recommend any changes/corrections and once finalized will email

                it to potential employers.

        Q.     Will I have to go through an interview process?

        A.     The Co-op Coordinator will meet with you to determine your elibility and prior to your

                placement you may face an interview with the potential employer.

        Q.     If I am already working at a company in a job related to my curriculum, can I do my Co-op there?

        A.     Students already employed may participaate in the program to enhance their professional growth

                and earn course credit.  The job MUST be curriculum-related and approved by appropriate staff.

        Q.     Is there homework for Co-op?

        A.     You will track your work hours in the workbook provided to you upon your mandatory orientation

                 and set up some Measurable Learning Objectives to achieve during your Co-op experience.

        Q.     How will I be graded for Co-op?

        A.     Your grade will be based upon your performance in your Co-op position. Your Faculty

                Coordinator and Supervisor will give you scores for the On-Site Visitation, the MLOs and

                your attendance, quality of work, interaction with co-workers. This will all be explained

                in the one hour mandatory orientation session held the Friday prior class beginnings of semester.