Cooperative Education Student Manual

Congratulations! Your decision to participate in the Co-op Program places you in a select group of over 2,700 enterprising Southampton students who - since 1979 - have discovered that hands-on experience and classroom learning are a winning combination around the world!

What is Co-op? Three Partners Why Co-op? Requirements for Receiving WAC Credit for Co-ops Are You Eligible? How Does It Work? Expectations ... Your New Environment Understanding the Workplace Financial Aid Planning for Co-op Work Periods

Co-op Student Loan Program Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Foreign Student Information Evaluation and Feedback How to Approach Your Employer Behavioral Standards in the Workplace Sexual Harassment Paperwork Learning Agreement What is a Learning Objective? Final Paper Guidelines

 

What is Co-op?

Co-op is an academic program that integrates classroom study with career-related professional training. Co-op allows you to gain practical, paid work experience while earning academic credit towards your degree. Because it's considered part of your studies, Co-op differs dramatically from working at any old job. How? There are three partners in Co-op: The Employer, You and The College.

Three Partners

1. The Employer

• Submits job descriptions to the Co-op office, outlining responsibilities
• Selects a student to hire after reviewing resumes and conducting interviews
• Verifies terms of employment (hours, salary, start-end dates)
• Provides a meaningful entry-level work experience : orientation, supervision and training
• Evaluates student's on-the-job performance

Note: Up to 80% of all Co-op students receive offers of continuing or permanent employment from their Co-op employers.

2. You

• Attend the pre-placement workshops.
• Decide which organizations you wish to apply to.
• Complete the application process.
• Compose a professional resume (with lots of help from us).
• Meet on a regular basis with the Co-op coordinator and your advisor (Remember to keep all appointments you make and to communicate any change in plans).
• Select a Faculty Sponsor.

3. The College

• Your Advisor and your Faculty Sponsor will help you fit Co-op into your schedule.
• Your Co-op Coordinator will meet with you to determine appropriate placements.
• S/he will help you polish your resume.
• S/he will make every attempt to successfully develop a Co-op position for you, sending your resume to agreed-upon employers, setting up interviews and helping you hone your interviewing skills.
• The Co-op workshop will prepare you for success in the workplace.
• Your Faculty Sponsor will help you with your learning agreement, discuss your paper requirements, receive your evaluations, read your paper and issue a final grade

Why Co-op?

• Take charge of your future: Co-op helps you explore your career choice to determine if it's right for you.
• You'll earn credit toward your degree.
• You'll be exposed to professionals in your field, develop a network of contacts and a support system.
• Your classes will take on more meaning as you apply what you are learning.
• You'll gain maturity, professionalism and self-confidence.
• You'll earn wages to meet your living expenses and valuable experience for your resume.
• You'll learn job-seeking and job-holding skills.

Requirements for Receiving WAC Credit for Co-ops

Students who can demonstrate that their Co-op experience is writing intensive will be able to use that project to satisfy one of the five courses in the Writing Across the Curriculum requirement. Students must be registered for at least three credits to apply for WAC credit. A Co-op experience may meet the WAC requirement in various ways, but in all cases the amount of writing must be equivalent to that in a normal WAC course, where at least 4,000 words (sixteen typed pages) of written work are expected. Co-ops which themselves involve substantial writing activities-writing reports, newspaper articles, or advertising copy, or editing or proofreading-will qualify.

This option requires a high level of commitment from the student and should not be proposed unless it is clear that writing will be an important and integral part of the co-op experience.

Students who wish to apply for WAC credit for their Co-op should write a letter to the Southampton College Office of Transition Services describing how they propose to fulfill the requirement. Students are encouraged to come talk to the WAC Coordinator before they write this letter. After receiving the letter the WAC Coordinator may well ask the student to make an appointment to discuss the proposal before he gives his approval. The letter will form part of the learning contract for the Co-op. The WAC Coordinator's approval must be secured before s/he is asked to sign off on the Co-op enrollment form, or s/he will disapprove the application for WAC credit.

Are You Eligible?

Yes! You are eligible if you are in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 G.P.A. with a 2.25 in your major) after completion of one full-time semester of study at LIU/Southampton. You must also enroll in and pass the pre-placement workshop series - before being placed. Approval by your academic advisor is required as well.

How Does It Work?

10 hours/week:   1 credit   min. 120 hours  11-14 hours/week:  2 credits min. 132 hours 15-19 hours/week:  3 credits min. 180 hours 20-24 hours/week:  4 credits min. 240 hours 25-29 hours/week:  5 credits min. 300 hours  30-40 hours/week:  6 credits min. 360 hours

You may do Co-op on a full-time or part-time basis during any academic semester. Credits are awarded based on the number of hours worked (you are expected to work a minimum of 12 weeks in a semester, except during Winter session, when you work for 5 weeks).

(Winter session is full-time for 1-2 credits. A full-time Co-op during summer session may be taken for 3 or 6 credits).

Most students do more than one Co-op. You may earn as many as 18 Co-op credits - which count as electives - towards your 128 credit degree requirement. The requirements of each major vary, so it is important to plan early and to consult your academic advisor. Co-op is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

Expectations ...

1. What Can You Reasonably Expect from Your Co-op?

• To be treated fairly and professionally.
• To be given adequate training and supervision.
• A clear definition of your job duties and responsibilities.
• A challenging work environment that uses the skills you've already acquired while enabling you to learn on the job.
• An orientation to the workplace including an overview of the organization, its policies, and an explanation of how your work relates to the overall functioning of the company.
• Open lines of communication, including an honest appraisal of your performance.
• If you research the company beforehand - using annual reports, Co-op employer files, employee handbooks - you will have a good idea of what to expect.

Remember!Everyone is expected to share in the responsibility of meeting the goals of the workplace; this means you may sometimes have to pitch in and do work that appears to be menial.

2. You've Got the Job, Now What? What Will the Employer Expect From You?

• That you'll be interested, enthusiastic, have a good attitude, be willing to learn and give a 100% effort during your time on the job.
• That you'll be dependable and reliable.
• That you will articulate learning goals and objectives to your supervisor.
• That you will follow directions and be receptive to criticism.
• That you'll ask questions and communicate problems or concerns. (The only stupid question is a question not asked!).
• That you will comply with company policies, standards of behavior and ethics.
• That you will respect the confidential nature of work done by your organization.
• That you will be aware at all times of your role as a company representative.
• That you call your office (in advance, if possible) to communicate any illness, delays in getting to work and/or emergencies.
• That you adhere to the company's work schedule - NOT the college's academic schedule. (Don't schedule any vacations for your Co-op semester until you find out what - IF ANY - free time you may be entitled to).
• That you will remain on the job for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Note: An employer retains the right to discharge any employee - including a Co-op student - for failure to meet these expectations. Being discharged or quitting may result in a failing grade. The degree to which you are able to meet your employer's expectations will determine your success.

1. What Will The College Expect Of You?
   • That you'll discuss your goals and objectives with your employer at the outset of your Co-op.
   • That you will complete your learning agreement with the help of your Faculty Sponsor before starting your Co-op.
   • That you will keep all appointments with your Co-op Coordinator and communicate with him/her about any changes of plans and/or new developments.
   • That you will communicate to the Co-op office any problems (no matter how minor) and any changes in the status of your job. (Don't hesitate to call us collect if you need to).
   • That you will adhere to the terms and conditions of your employment (start-end dates, hours/weeks worked).
   • That you will seek out new opportunities to network and to learn new skills.
   • That you'll contribute your knowledge and skills where possible REMEMBER: Employers hire students because they want new and creative ideas.
   • That you will MAXIMIZE this opportunity for professional development.
   • That you will complete your final paper and any other assignments given to you by your Faculty Sponsor in a timely fashion in order to receive a passing grade.
   • That your Co-op work period will be for a complete semester (minimum of 12 weeks). If you quit, you may fail.
   • That you will keep in mind at all times that you are representing LIU/Southampton (Don't burn any bridges for yourself or future Southampton College Co-op students).

Your New Environment

Remember when you first came to Southampton College - how different it seemed: new faces, new rules, a totally new environment to adapt to? Think back on your expectations, all the exciting possibilities and challenges. There were so many new doors to be opened. Look how much you've grown. You mastered a whole new environment.

Like your first step into the world of college, now you're taking your first step into the world of professionals. You did it once, and we know you'll succeed again. All you need is desire and determination. We're about to point you in the right direction.

"... The first difference between the workplace and the classroom is in punctuality and attendance. One has to show up for work on time. One can usually make up homework if s/he doesn't show up for class, but at work one falls a day behind. I could always get notes from someone else in the class and make up the work out of class. But at work, this is not so easy. The job I'm doing is my own, so there's no one to give me notes on it. Secondly, I have a work station at my job. I can't just pick this up and take it home with me!...The classroom is definitely more general, while the workplace is more specific." (excerpted from a Co-op student's paper)

Understanding the Workplace

Although three months seems like forever at first, your time on the Co-op job will be much more productive and rewarding if you have certain information from the outset. Being successful in a new job - whether your first or your tenth - depends on your ability to become integrated into the new work environment. Here are our suggestions on what you can do to insure you're off to a good, positive start:

• Be responsible: Your work is important to the organization. Your fellow employees depend on you to do your part and, in fact, may not be able to do theirs without your input.
• Be dependable: Show up on time, (or even early), and develop good habits of attendance.
• Give an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. Most professionals stay until the work is done, so don't be a clock-watcher.
• Employers reward workers who seek work and look for opportunities to contribute. Employers hire Co-op students because they're interested in fresh ideas.
• Have a good attitude: Take initiative, be enthusiastic, pitch in wherever possible. Many times supervisors may test your dependability and willingness to work by giving you tedious or routine work at first. Cheerful compliance will most likely lead to increased responsibility.
• Ask questions about other people's work. Remember, you're there to learn.

 

1. From College Style to Professional Style

Visual:   - 55%   Verbal:   - 45%

Believe it or not, impressions are usually formed within the first 10 seconds of meeting someone. Impressions are based on both visual and verbal cues.

Making a positive first impression takes thoughtful preparation. First impressions may even be formed during telephone conversations, so think about how you come across. In school, we have no rules, regulations or guidelines for the way in which students must present themselves. In the professional world, certain standards must be adhered to in order to create a positive impression. No matter what field you work in, if you want to be treated as a professional, you must present yourself as one.

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

2. Tips on Dress

People make assumptions about you based on the way you dress. In fact, customers and clients of your employer see you as a representative of the company, both in and out of the office. Here are some tips that will assist you in creating a positive impression with your dress:

• Choose a classic style of clothing vs. a trendy style. It's more economical in the long run, and you will convey a more professional attitude. It also conveys a message that you are more concerned with your work than with your personal life.
• Clothes should fit properly. Too tight or loose a fit implies that you lack confidence.
• Outdated or worn out clothing, or sloppiness in your attire, may imply that you don't care about yourself. It may then be concluded that you also may not care about your responsibilities in the workplace.
• Neatness and grooming create an impression as well.
• Hair that complements your style of dress and which is not over processed shows confidence.
• Make-up should be minimal, yet complimentary.
• Facial hair should be neat and proportional.
• Jewelry should be appropriate - one earring per ear, and no nose rings! The understated look is desirable.
• Sunglasses and hats are never appropriate indoors.
• Observe other employees. Modeling the attire of other employees is a good way to start.

3. Day One

• Know where to go, to whom you will report, when to be there, how to dress.
• If you haven't yet done so, meet with your supervisor as early as possible to find out his/her expectations, to discuss your learning agreement, clarify your job description, find out where you fit in. If such a meeting isn't already set up, you take the initiative to set it up.
• Find out what the procedure is for handling lateness and/or illness. Whom should you call, and by when?
• Find out how your performance will be evaluated, by whom, at what intervals, and what measures will be applied.
• Establish, early, a good communication system with your supervisor. Take notes, listen attentively. Ask questions if you don't understand something.
• Always ask questions including the location of the appropriate rest rooms, times and durations of breaks and lunch hours, policies on smoking and parking areas, use of phones for personal calls, and....When is payday?!
• Come prepared to fill out forms - have identification: social security number, driver's license; bring a pen
• Smile! and make sure to greet everyone you encounter: treat everyone you meet as a potential evaluator
• If you are required to keep a journal, jot down your first impressions, including names of people you meet
• Ask for a copy of the employees' handbook.

4. Starting off Right

Prior to your first day on the job, it is highly desirable - whenever possible - to schedule a 'pre-employment interview' with your direct supervisor. (If you are unable to accomplish this before Day 1, try to schedule it as soon as possible once you are on the job....no later than your first week.) Topics to be covered should include:

• Your expectations.
• Your Learning Agreement.
• Your supervisor's expectations.
• A tour of the facility and/or a general overview.
• Completion of any paperwork required by the employer.
• Discuss any orientation or training which you'll be receiving.
• Ask how to dress and what to bring on your first day.

Financial Aid Planning for Co-op Work Periods

* Any student receiving financial aid who is contemplating Co-op should meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss his/her individual circumstances.

Students may be eligible for financial aid during terms they are on Co-op. Planning in advance of the year you intend to do Co-op will insure that you receive the maximum amount of aid to which you are entitled. General guidelines about availability of financial aid are as follows: (Guidelines refer to full-time, 6-credit Co-ops only).

a. Fall/Spring Semesters

• NYS Aid: Students are ineligible for regular TAP awards when on full-time Co-op because TAP requires registration in a minimum of 12 credits. However, students may apply for awards under the APTS program (Aid to Part-Time Students) provided that they are enrolled for at least 6 credits.
• Federal Aid: Students registered for 6-credit Co-ops may receive Pell, SEOG or Perkins awards which are pro-rated based on half-time attendance. This generally does not penalize you since tuition expenses, calculated on a per-credit basis, are commensurately lower.
• Institutional Aid: Also pro-rated at 50% of original semester award.

b. Summer Sessions:

Students may begin or end an aid year with the Summer semester. (Keep in mind, however, that the total amount will not increase, it will just be spread over three terms instead of two). If you have taken a 6-credit Co-op in the Fall or Spring semesters, you will have the remaining aid to use during the Summer. Similarly, if you take a 6-credit Co-op in the Summer enabling you to have a reduced load in the upcoming Fall or Spring, you may choose to begin your aid year in the Summer.

• NYS Aid: New York State residents may apply for partial TAP during the Summer if they are enrolled in a 6-credit Co-op. This award is counted as a half-payment toward the maximum 8 TAP payments a student may receive.
• Federal Aid: Based on individual circumstances, students may be eligible for Stafford Loans or for the new, unsubsidized loan programs during the Summer.

Co-op Student Loan Program

This program established Fall, 1994, provides students with an interest-free loan equal to the tuition cost (three credits) "less any applicable financial aid" of the student's first alternating* Cooperative Education placement, providing that the registration/placement occurs prior to the start of the student's Junior year. The loan will be forgiven in full upon the student's graduation from Southampton College. This loan program operates as follows:

The maximum loan amount will be equal to the tuition cost of three credits "less any applicable financial aid"
of the student's first alternating* Cooperative Education registration. The co-op loan covers only the first three credits. The placement must occur prior to the start of the Junior year.

• You are eligible for the Co-op Loan Program any time before the start of your fifth full time semester (example: the summer before your Junior year.
• Transfer students with less than 90 credits are eligible (the 33 credits are exclusive of ACE or AP credits gained in high school).
• The loan will be forgiven in full upon graduation from Southampton College, providing the student has completed the Co-op with a passing grade.
• Co-op placements may be taken during the Fall, Spring or Summer terms. Winter term Co-ops are not eligible for this loan program as they carry a maximum of only 2 credits.
• Loan eligibility is verified by the Co-op Office upon approval of the Permission to Enroll (PTE) form and actual registration.

*An alternating co-op is a experience taken while at the co-op site and not at Southampton College. Frequently, alternating co-ops are done in the summer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The LIU/Southampton College Cooperative Education Program will not knowingly place students with any employer who discriminates on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, handicap or veteran status

Foreign Student Information

Students on F-1 visas may be authorized to participate in Co-op which is considered as curricular practical training since it is an integral part of our established curriculum. To be eligible, F-1 students must:

a. have been in student status for nine months prior to beginning Co-op.
b. be matriculated and enrolled on a full-time basis in a degree or certificate program.
c. obtain work directly related to their programs of study.

F-1 students may work at Co-op positions for a period of time that is less than one year (11 months, 29 days) without jeopardizing eligibility for one year of practical training following graduation. Part-time curricular practical training is not counted in determining eligibility for post-completion practical training (part-time is defined as 20 hours or less/week - total employment).

F-1 students must be authorized by the college for all curricular practical training assignments. The procedure for authorization is as follows:

a. Students must complete the I-538 form, including documentation attesting to the work experience (including projected completion date, title and course number - all Co-ops are designated 440, number of credits to be earned, name of employer, dates and hours to be worked).
b. The designated school official (DSO) must certify the I-538which is then sent to the INS processing center.
c. Student's I-20 is then endorsed by the DSO with authorization for full-time or part-time curricular practical training with the specific employer, location and dates noted.
d. The I-20 is signed and dated by the DSO. A student may begin curricular practical training only after receiving his or her I-20 with the DSO endorsement.

Notes:

• An employer does not have to meet Labor Department attestation requirements when employing F-1 students under a curricular practical training program
• Curricular practical training may not be used to extend the approved period of study, unless it is a required part of the degree program.

Evaluation and Feedback

In class you're evaluated on tests, participation, final paper, and attendance. At work, evaluation may be less formal, but your success depends on how your performance is perceived. Feedback and evaluation are crucial to your success. If they're not forthcoming, we suggest you seek them out - early and often! To ensure a successful dialogue with your supervisor, first set up an appointment to meet with him/her at a time when s/he is not busy. Let your supervisor know, in advance, that you'll be meeting to discuss your performance, because you'd like to make sure you're on the right track.

Your supervisor is required to submit a preliminary evaluation to the Co-op Office within your first month of employment. If you haven't received feedback by that point, that is the time to ask for a meeting. If you've had a formal, first-day meeting with your supervisor, you will probably know his/her expectations right from the outset. The attributes below are those included on the Co-op evaluation form. At the end of your co-op, your employer will submit a final evaluation.

• Punctuality
• Alertness
• Attitude and Initiative
• Dependability
• Self-confidence
• Judgment
• General Appearance
• Maturity
• Capacity to work with others
• Originality

How to Approach Your Employer

There will be many times, especially in the beginning, or if you are experiencing difficulties in the workplace, that you will need to talk to your supervisor. While you may feel some sense of immediacy, you can insure a successful dialogue if you adhere to these guidelines:

• Make sure s/he is not busy.
• Set up an appointment in advance.
• Know what you want to accomplish.
• Thoughtfully prepare an agenda for yourself, including possible outcomes and/or solutions.
• Speak only about your own experiences, not others'.
• Be factual.
• Be positive, don't whine!

Maximizing Your Co-op ... From the Beginning

Your success on the job will depend upon three important factors: people, places and things.

1. People
Everyone you meet is a potential resource and/or evaluator who may serve as a mentor, source of information or future reference for a job or graduate school.

• Learn names of everyone and treat them cordially.
• Seek advice from others.
• Ask questions; All questions don't have to be directly related to the job. Tap into the expertise that's there.
• Show an interest in what people around you are doing. See if you can help them in any way.
• Avoid office politics and gossip, but be aware of how information is communicated.
• When you - and some of the other professionals - have time, show curiosity about their career paths: find out how they got to where they are today; everyone's career path is unique; there are many ways of getting to the same place.
• How do people communicate? Formally or informally? Are appointments necessary, or can you walk in unannounced? Are there weekly staff meetings, or is information communicated individually?
• Be aware of timing. Asking questions when someone's trying to meet a deadline can be frustrating to you and annoying to the other person.
• How diverse is your workplace? Does the diversity - or lack of - affect communication, work style?
• Staffing is affected by funding. Find out where funding comes from and how it affects people's jobs. (i.e. Are salaries funded by grants? Who writes the grants?)

2. Places
You may or may not have your own workspace. Space is a limited commodity which you may have to share. You may even have to float from one workspace to another because of cramped quarters, or because of assignments which may require you to be in a different location each day.

The physical arrangement of the office can tell you a lot about corporate style and how people work.

• Do people work as a team or individually?
• Can you tell a person's rank or function by his/her office environment?
• How does the office arrangement contribute to or hinder the flow of information going from one group to another?
• How interdependent are the various offices?
• Are you located in corporate headquarters, and are there other locations? Or, is this a small company with only one location? Small companies make up the bulk of employers in this country.
• If so, which functions are housed in each?
• How are functions physically separated?
• How are they grouped?
• How does the division of workspace relate to the overall mission of the company or agency? The type of industry may determine the physical setting. (for example: education, laboratory, etc.)
• Does funding determine how space is allocated? Is your company profit-making or non-profit? How does that affect the physical setting?

3. Things
Technology is rapidly changing the work environment. One of the beneficial aspects of Co-op is that you may get to work with technology unavailable at the college. Study your workplace to assess the level of technology and how it impacts on the work.

• What kind of technology is employed?
• How is it used, and how does it affect your job?
• How is equipment different from that at the college? What is it called?
• Try to find time - even after work hours - to be trained on equipment with which you are unfamiliar. You may then be given additional responsibilities, and certainly you will enhance your resume if you can demonstrate familiarity with state-of-the-art equipment.
• Other resources that you might make use of include a company library, learning the latest procedures, therapies, techniques, methodologies.
• Does funding have an impact on the technology employed at your workplace?

Behavioral Standards in the Workplace

As you change hats - from student to employee - you will be expected to behave in a professional manner. Employers have much to say about ethical and professional behavior. Most employers have an employee manual that clearly defines behavioral expectations. Here are some excerpts from manuals provided to us by our Co-op employers:

Ethics: "Each officer, employee and director is expected to maintain the highest ethical standards in dealing with customers and co-workers. When in doubt, ask yourself this simple question: 'Would I be embarrassed to read of my actions on the front page of the local newspaper?"

Professionalism: "The growth and reputation of the firm are the direct results of individual efforts and close cooperation by all of our staff. Our success depends upon these efforts and strict adherence to the highest professional standards and ideals."

Confidentiality: "Confidential information about the company, its customers and suppliers is to be used solely for company purposes. It may not be disclosed to any outside parties. Under no circumstances should it be used for one's own or anyone else's personal benefit." (Information is usually provided on a 'need-to-know' basis. If you don't need the information to do your job, it is just gossip). "It is the job of each of us to protect the privacy of all forms of communication - whether they be voice, data or image transmissions."

Conduct at Work: "We are expected to be on the job when scheduled and to be cooperative and helpful toward all with whom we come in contact."

Company Time: "We are personally accountable for the proper use of work time, just as we are for company funds and company property." Be punctual. Other people are depending on you.

Attendance: "Employee absence creates an extra burden on the remaining staff and may seriously affect customer service. A good attendance record is a valuable asset and a necessary requirement for promotion to key positions." Call in early, if you are ill or unable to come to work.

Appearance: "Each employee contributes personally to the prestige of the company by the impression their grooming and dress convey to our customers." "The image that the firm and you project reflects upon the company." Appropriate dress varies from job to job. Dress in accordance with the demands of your job. Dress for safety as well. (Fieldwork on winter days may require apparel such as gloves, hats, etc. Other types of work may require jeans or clothing that can get dirty).

Personal Conduct: "Employees must conduct their personal affairs so that there can be no opportunity for unfavorable reflection upon the company."

Problems on the Job: "Employees are encouraged to discuss work-related problems with their supervisors."

Evaluation: "The primary objective of performance appraisal is to ensure communication between employees and their supervisors about job responsibilities, performance expectations, current job performance and individual development goals for the future. It is also designed to assist supervisors in making decisions affecting salary, promotion, discipline and reassignments."

Company Property/Equipment: Don't assume that it's yours to use. Ask permission before using any company property or equipment for personal use.

Sexual Harassment

As part of the Title VII Civil Rights Act of 1964, it has been mandated that each and every working person have the legal right to work in an environment free from harassment on the basis of sex. The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission guidelines define sexual harassment as: "Un-welcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to such conduct by an individual is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment.
• Submission to, or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for an employment decision.
• And such conduct has the purpose or effect to interfere with an individual's work performance, or creates a hostile or intimidating environment."

The key word in this definition is 'unwelcome.' When any unwanted, un-welcomed or unsolicited sexual conduct is imposed on a person who regards it as offensive or undesirable, it is sexual harassment. When a person communicates that the conduct is unwelcome, it becomes illegal

Paperwork

Don't panic about paperwork (you may not be able to guess it, but...we're working towards becoming a paperless office.....).

In most work environments a certain amount of paperwork will be required. We are not unique! Here's a list of forms you will need to complete prior to starting your Co-op.

• Statement of Agreement: Signing this form indicates that you understand and accept the terms and conditions of Co-op employment.
• Application form: This form must be signed by your academic advisor, your Faculty Sponsor and you. It must be completed by you in order for the process to begin.
• Faculty Reference(s) - (2 required). Fill in your name and the name of your reference at the top, and give it to a faculty member who knows you well enough to give you a positive reference.
• Transcript: An unofficial copy may be requested from the registrar at no cost to you.
• Press Release: We want to make you famous in your hometown! Just fill in the information and we'll do the rest once you obtain a Co-op.
• Permission to Enroll: Once you've accepted a position, this form will be used to register you for the credits. Once you have begun working at your Co-op, withdrawal is not permitted.

Learning Agreement: Setting goals before you start your Co-op will help you get the most from this learning experience. Writing these down in detail will help you to clarify legitimate expectations for on-the-job learning. Your Faculty Sponsor will help you set these goals based on your job description. Use this agreement as a tool for discussion of expectations with your direct supervisor.

• Final Paper: Your final paper must be submitted to the Co-op Office in order for your grade to be awarded.

Learning Agreement

Your learning agreement is important as a tool to set goals and objectives for yourself. Since Co-op is a credit-bearing experience, the emphasis should be on the learning that will take place. In discussing your learning agreement during your first meeting with your supervisor, you may find that it leads to greater opportunities for you. Your initiative in leading this discussion shows enthusiasm, motivation and a level of professionalism. It also helps your supervisor to delegate appropriate assignments to you. For each new Co-op assignment, you will be required to complete a Learning Agreement. If you design your objectives carefully, it will be easier writing your final paper. A first draft of your learning agreement should be developed with your Faculty Sponsor and then reviewed and amended with your supervisor.

This final draft should be sent to the Co-op office within two weeks of your starting date.

What is a Learning Objective?

A Learning Objective is a written statement describing measurable achievements you hope to accomplish through your Co-op experience. It should be stated in terms of realistic results you wish to achieve relating specifically to the work experience. Basically, a good learning objective contains three parts:

• What you are going to accomplish
• How you are going to accomplish it
• How you will know (proof) you have achieved it

On your Learning Agreement we have classified learning objectives into five categories:

Theory/Concept: Identify a theory or specific principle you have already learned in your classes that you hope to apply on the job.

Skills: Identify two or more new skills you wish to acquire on the job.

Equipment/Procedures: Identify - by name - any specific equipment on which you hope to become proficient or procedures with which you want to become familiar.

Interpersonal: This category might include communication skills, ability to act professionally, networking, etc. Be specific.

Career Goals: Co-op helps you to identify a variety of functions and positions within your field. As a result of this experience, you should be able to narrow your focus.

Final Paper Guidelines

The following information should be included in your report, which is expected to be at least five typewritten pages in length.

Title Page: Name, Major, Semester/Year of Co-op, Employer.

1. Part One

a. Job Title
b. Job Description: Summarize your work experience, including:

• a description of your specific responsibilities
• a typical day
• the work environment (people, places, things)
• background of the organization for which you worked

c. Learning Objectives

• List
• Indicate whether you were able to meet your objectives and if not, why
• What proof do you have that your objectives were met? (criteria, measurement, levels of achievement)
• What new goals might you now set as a result of this experience?

d. Personal Growth

• What insights have you gained? How were your expectations clarified or modified over the course of the semester?
• How has this placement affected your goals? (academic, personal and career goals)

*Some majors/concentrations require additional assignments for a final grade. See you coordinator of Faculty Sponsor for specific information.

• Part Two: Synthesis, Analysis of Experience
  • Compare/Contrast methods, procedures used at your workplace to standards in the field, or to those used in the classroom, lab, or texts
  • Explain how certain tasks, procedures, methods could be applied to the field in general, or to another setting
  • Identify what new skills you have gained from this experience, and explain how these skills can be used either in the classroom, or how they might be applied to another setting
  • Explain the relationship of your specific responsibilities to other work going on at your facility and also how they relate to your major and to your career goals.
• Part Three: Self-Evaluation: Use this form (in Forms Section) to complete this part of your paper. Submit it attached to the front of your paper.

All papers and other assignments should be submitted to the Co-op Office no later than the last day of classesto avoid an INC grade on your transcript. (Any extensions must be requested from your Faculty Sponsor). We will keep a copy in your file, and we'll send a copy to your Faculty Sponsor for grading. We will also keep a copy of your paper for prospective Co-op students to read.