What is Cooperative Education
Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an academic class, where a student applies classroom learning in the workplace. Students are placed in jobs directly related to their field of study and work a specified number of hours over the semester in order to complete their Co-op and receive class credit. Goals are set for the semester, and the On-the-Job Supervisor mentors the students as they work towards those goals.
The primary objective is to provide students with the best possible preparation for employment. Students learn skills related to their program of study and can work in private industry or government. A limited number of positions are available on campus as well. Co-op jobs may be paid or unpaid. Based on state and federal laws, if a position is paid, Co-op students may not apply for nor will they be paid unemployment insurance based on their Co-op employment.
Throughout the semester, students work with their assigned Faculty Coordinator for Co-op. The Faculty Coordinator, who is an instructor, approves the student’s Co-op application, sets goals, monitors student progress, and evaluates student progress. At the end of the semester, the Faculty Coordinator grades the student based on the list from the grade sheet of the workbook.
