How do I get credit for completing my co-op?

In order to receive full co-op credit, your work experience must be a position that gives you a valuable learning experience.

Additionally, you are required to complete each of the forms listed below in a timely fashion. Failure to complete the forms and return them to the Co-op Center may result in you not receiving co-op credit for this work assignment.

All surveys and paperwork must be completed within (1) one month after the completion of your work assignment. All work experiences must be for a duration of 35-40 hours per week, for 10-16 consecutive weeks to be considered as (1) one co-op credit.

Please read and follow the instructions in each area to ensure your paperwork is accurate, complete, and on time.

Additionally, when you are registering for classes, register for your co-op experience.

CWE 101 - course title, 1st co-op (Pass/Fail)
CWE 201 - course title, 2nd co-op (Pass/Fail)

1. Cooperative Education Work Agreement:
Print form from www.wilberforce.edu/coop Review with your supervisor, and place in employee file.

2. Performance Learning Objective:
To be successful during this co-op, you and your supervisor jointly agree on four performance learning objectives:

A sample form may be printed from www.wilberforce.edu/coop

3. Employer’s Evaluation of Student:
To receive credit, the employer must register on www.wilberforce.edu/coop, and complete a series of student evaluation surveys.

4.Student’s Evaluation of Employer:
At the completion of your co-op, each student will be responsible for the completion of a survey that highlights your work experience.

5.A 2-3 page typed narrative essay of your co-op work experience.

6. Post on wucareers–resume/document section

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How do co-ops benefit the Student?

1.Helps in career decision-making. You can reality test careers and make choices based on on-the-job experience in a chosen field. As a result of cooperative education, you have a clearer and more specific sense of your career objectives than do students in traditional college programs.

2.Allows you to test classroom learning in the laboratory of the real world.

3.Enables you to pay for a significant portion of your college expenses through earnings from your cooperative education work experience.

4.Provides a means of financial assistance that is available to all students, regardless of their family in-come levels or other financial aid arrangements. The opportunity to earn income while pursuing a college degree is often an added incentive for many first generation college students.

5.It improves post-graduation employment prospects by giving you valuable work experience.

6.Teaches you valuable job search skills such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, and company research.

7.Provides you with a more direct relationship between your college major and full-time permanent employment, as well as a more direct relationship between your current employment and career plans.

8.Helps you in the development of an understanding of human relationships and social skills required to work more effectively with others as members of a team.

9.Provides you an opportunity to observe the social skills and attitudes held by other professionals in one's field, and learn about different corporate cultures.

10.Increases your marketability after graduation to receive a higher starting salary, and accelerate your upward mobility.

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Which students need to complete co-ops?

Cooperative Education is an integral part of the education process at Wilberforce University; therefore, every student enrolled in the traditional program must participate in the cooperative education work experience program and satisfy all work requirements as a part of their graduation requirements.

You should discuss your career goals with you Career Development Officer on a regular basis. This will ensure that any changes in your career goals may be addressed.

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Does the Co-op office offer career assessments?

Career Development Officers are assigned according to the academic status of the student. After the academic advisor has verified your academic preparation, you are required to visit the Cooperative Education office and meet your career development officer. The career development officer is the individual who will help you make the connection with prospective employers, based on your major field of study. He/she will assist you in developing:

Resume, Cover Letter,
Preparation for the interview.
The process for receiving Co-op credit for graduation.

On-campus Job Interviewing

Notification of on-campus interviews is listed on wucareers, campus bulletin boards, and various other locations throughout the University. It is your responsibility to contact the Cooperative Education office to schedule appointments. If an interview has been scheduled for you, be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the interview.

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What are the Eligibility Requirements for me to co-op?

During the semester before you begin working; you should visit the Office of Cooperative Education and Professional Services and individually meet with your particular Career Development Officer. He/she will assist you in completing the necessary forms, review your resume, and discuss interviewing techniques. You will also discuss your career interests and review available positions, if available.

Listed below are some eligibility requirements of the university for participation in the cooperative education work experience program.

1.A minimum of 2 semesters of completed course work.

2.A cumulative GPA of not less than 2.0.

3.Successful completion of "Strategies for College Survival", "Preparation for Cooperative Education", or "Success 101" and "Success 102" course.

4.Successful completion of Academic Success Math.

5.Successful completion of Academic Success Reading.

6.Successful completion of a "Computer Literacy" course.

7.Successful completion of IDS 180 “What to do with the rest of your life”.

8.Current application and information uploaded on wucareers.

9.Absence of probationary status for disciplinary/academic reasons.

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Does the Federal work study program count as a co-op?

Yes, it is possible for you to receive co-op credit for on campus work study. You must first discuss this with your supervisor, and have it approved by the Co-op office. There must be a plan involved that gives you valuable work experience in you current field of study. (Accounting major - financial aid office)

While we will accept some forms of on campus internships, we HIGHLY recommend all students to seek off campus work experience. This will insure that you will have first hand knowledge of the career path you desire.

The goal of the Cooperative Education office is to provide you with an individualized opportunity for maximum long range development via a coordinated plan of work and study -- of practical application and reflective theory. It is normally through group concern and the sharing of a regularly alternating classroom experience that you can utilize the off-campus work experience to make giant educational strides.

There are some on-campus work experiences that may qualify for a (1) one cooperative education work experience credit. All on campus programs must be approved by the Cooperative Education office.

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Can I receive co-op credit if I want to go to graduate school?

Yes, The Cooperative Education Office working with the Princeton Review program will help you with your road to Graduate School.

1. You must enroll and complete the Graduate School test class offered by the Princeton Review program.

2. Complete your chosen test.

3. Upload your results on wucareers.

4. Turn in a letter from Princeton Review stating you completed the class.

Once all these steps are completed, you will receive (1) one co-op credit.

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Does an assigned practicum count as a co-op?

Yes, a 12 credit hour practicum internship that requires you to work at least 350 hours may also be counted as a cooperative education work experience.

The practicum internship must be approved and supervised by the academic advisor or academic representative, and you must receive a grade not less than a "C".

You must submit to the career counselor the entire practicum internship packet and evaluation form(s) that are submitted for approval to the academic advisor. This completed information must be uploaded directly on wucareers to receive credit.

You and the supervisor are required to complete the process for the co-op packet located on wucareers before work experience credit is awarded to you.

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I want to start my own business, how can I get co-op credit?

For those students interested in business ownership. (1) One co-op credit will be awarded for those students who upload a full and complete business plan to The Office of Cooperative Education & Professional Services. The following format(s) are acceptable:

Before you begin writing your business plan, consider four core questions:

•What service or product does your business provide and what needs does it fill?

•Who are the potential customers for your product or service and why will they purchase it from you?

•How will you reach your potential customers?

•Where will you get the financial resources to start your business?

Addenda should include an executive summary, supporting documents, and financial projections. Although there is no single formula for developing a business plan, some elements are common to all business plans. The following outline of a typical business plan can serve as a guide. You can adapt it to your specific business. Breaking down the plan into several components helps make drafting it a more manageable task.

Introduction
•Give a description of the business and its goals.

•Discuss the ownership and the legal structure.

•List the skills you bring to the business.

•Discuss the advantages your business have over your competitors.

Marketing
•Discuss the products/services offered.
•Identify the customer demand for your product/service.

•Identify your market, its size and locations.

•Explain how your product/service will be advertised and marketed.

•Explain the pricing strategy.

Financial Management
•Explain your source and the amount of initial equity capital.

•Develop a monthly operating budget for the first year.

•Develop an expected return on investment and monthly cash flow for the first year.

•Provide projected income statements and balance sheets for a two-year period.

•Discuss your break¬even point.

•Explain your personal balance sheet and method of compensation.

•Discuss who will maintain your accounting records and how they will be kept.

•Provide "what if" statements that address alternative approaches to any problem that may develop.

Operations
•Explain how the business will be managed on a day ¬to¬day basis.

•Discuss hiring and personnel procedures.

•Discuss insurance, lease or rent agreements, and issues pertinent to your business.

•Account for the equipment necessary to produce your products or services.

•Account for production and delivery of products and services.

Concluding Statement (s)
•Summarize your business goals and objectives and express your commitment to the success of your business.

•When you feel comfortable with the content and structure make an appointment to review and upload your sample plan on wucareers. The business plan will only be seen by the Wilberforce University staff. This business plan is the ownership of “you” the student, and will not for any reason is used outside of the intended reasons.

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How do I get Co-op Credit toward my graduation requirements?

All students must meet all eligibility and credit requirements in order to graduate. Credit requirements include:

1. Two (2) satisfactory co-op work experiences.

2. Two (2) summary essays describing your co-op work experiences.

3. Two (2) employer evaluations posted of wucareers.

4. All employer information should be uploaded on wucareers within (4) four weeks after the completion of your cooperative education work assignment. If your information is not completed within the time frame, it is at the discretion on the Director of Cooperative Education if credit will be approved.

Note: Non-traditional, international and transfer students requirements may differ.

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Do I need to attend the debriefing seminar for my co-op?

At the beginning of each semester, the Cooperative Education office staff will hold a debriefing seminar for all students who had a cooperative education work experience during the preceding semester [or summer]. The time and place for this seminar will be posted in the Cooperative Education office, on wucareers, cooperative education bulletin boards, and various other locations. Attendance at this seminar is highly suggested and has a direct bearing on your cooperative education work experience credit. At this seminar, the Cooperative Education office staff will lead discussions on cooperative education experiences, and listen to various concerns and suggestions.

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Do I need to attend an exit seminar for my co-op?

We suggest all students attend the exit seminar prior to going on co-op, whether you are placed or on your own plan. The evaluation paperwork pertinent to your work experience will be explained. The time and place for the seminar is given in the cooperative education calendar and posters will serve as reminders.

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What is the Alternating work Program?

The alternating cooperative education work experience program, allows you to work full-time, between 35 to 40 hours per week; for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 16 consecutive weeks, followed by full-time study. Rotation Plan selection may be required for this option.

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What is the the Parallel Program?

The parallel cooperative education work experience program, allows you to work part-time, between 16 to 20 hours per week; for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 16 consecutive weeks, during the semester, while enrolled for full-time study.

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What is the summer work Program?

The summer cooperative education work experience program, allows you to work full-time, between 35 to 40 hours per week; for a minimum of 10 to 16 consecutive weeks. Work performed for less than 5 weeks will not be considered for school credit.

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I am a traditional student, how many co-ops must I complete to graduate?

Traditional students must successfully complete at least 2 cooperative education work experiences in your field of educational study before graduating from Wilberforce University. We strongly encourage and recommend both work experiences be in your major field of study so you may gain more knowledge and practical experience where it is needed most.

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I am a transfer student, how many co-ops must I complete to graduate?

Transfer students entering Wilberforce University, with two semesters or 30 credit hours of transferable credit, will be eligible to start their first cooperative education work experience after successfully completing one semester of study, provided all other prerequisites are met. Transfer students may waive one of their work experiences, depending on the number of credit hours transferred: 0-59 credits - two work experiences required. 60-90 credits - one work experience required. Ninety-one plus credits - no work experience required

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I am a Non-traditional Students , how many co-ops must I complete to graduate?

The Office of Cooperative Education and Professional Services staff will review prior work experiences completed by non-traditional students who are enrolled in Wilberforce University. Non-traditional students, with three years of previous documented work experience, may be exempt from one work experience.

If the student wishes to be exempt for previous work experience, the student must submit a written request to the Director of Cooperative Education. The request must include a detailed description of the previous position(s) held, the relationship of the position to the student's major field of study, and the length of employment. In addition, the request must include a satisfactory evaluation from the employment supervisor. Students must submit their request no later than the end of the semester in which they successfully complete all eligibility requirements for cooperative education. The remaining work experience must be in the student's major field of study. (Note: a non-traditional student is 25 years of age, or older, with an employment history between the completion of high school and entrance into Wilberforce University).

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I am a International student, how many co-ops must I complete to graduate?

International students must successfully complete at least 1 cooperative education work experience in their major field of study before graduating from Wilberforce University. Any additional work experiences are optional. (Note: An international student is a non-U.S. citizen with a student visa).

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How do I Pre-register for classes while on my Co-op?

Students, who are on the cooperative education work experience during the Fall or Spring Semester and have attended the exit seminar, will be given the opportunity to pre-register by mail for the upcoming semester. The pre-registration packet will be mailed to you by the Registrar's Office staff in care of the employer's address that you provided. (If the materials are to be mailed to a different address, you must make arrangements with the Registrar's Office.) In order to make the proper choice of courses, you should meet with your academic advisor prior to leaving for your work experience.

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What if I can't make it to my scheduled interview?

If for some serious reason you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, contact the Cooperative Education office 48 hours (2 days) prior to the interview so that some one else may be scheduled in your place. Common courtesy demands that you make every effort to fulfill your commitments. If you cancel the day of the interview, you must make a personal apology to the recruiter. If you miss an interview without prior notification, you may not be allowed to interview through the Cooperative Education office for the remainder of that semester.

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Do I have University insurance While on Co-op?

If you are officially enrolled in the university and have paid for the student health plan, you are protected by the university's Student Health Insurance Plan. This coverage remains in effect during your work experience.

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What if I want to go to Graduate School?

The Cooperative Education and Career Services Center provides guidance to students on various doctoral, master's and professional degree program; periodic group visits to selected graduate schools and the Law School Admission Council forums; and on-line practice tests for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). National testing applications are also available for the different tests mentioned above.

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What if the employer wants to extend my co-op?

Many employers may require a two-semester/summer commitment. This gives you an opportunity to become more familiar with your organization's operations, to demonstrate your acquired abilities, and to gain the necessary experience for possible advancement beyond an entry-level position. However, the university does not mandate a two-semester/summer commitment.

Back-to-back cooperative education work experiences consist of completing two consecutive work periods (six months) during one work assignment. Arrangements may be made through the student's academic advisor, with the concurrence of your employer, and the Cooperative Education office. You will make a written request to your academic advisor, and career counselor three weeks prior to the expected return date to school.

To inform the Co-op office, simply contact your advisor and update your information on wucareers. You will receive (2) two co-op credits for this back-to-back work experience.

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What if I fail to report to work?

If you accept a cooperative education work experience through the placement process and you fail to report on the designated date in a timely manner, according to the requirements of the employer, you will not receive work experience credit and may not be allowed to participate in the placement process for future work experiences.

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What if I get terminated from my co-op?

If you are terminated (fired) from a cooperative education work experience, you will not receive work experience credit for this assignment.

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What if I need to leave my co-op early?

Students are expected to fulfill the designated work experience dates as assigned. Only under extreme circumstances will you be allowed to withdraw from a work experience earlier than the last day of the work experience. You must receive written approval from both the employer and the Cooperative Education office staff prior to leaving the work experience. Each request will be considered on its merits.

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I can't find a job through the co-op office, what do I do?

Own Plan Job Search

You may be permitted to find your own cooperative education work experience, if it is discussed with your career development officer. You will need to petition to have your own work experience approved for credit, one week prior to acceptance of employment. Only employment with applicable educational value will be approved.

Although your career counselor will verify the position with the employer, you are responsible for informing the employer that you are a Wilberforce University cooperative education student and that you will return to the university at the end of your work period. The same rules of conduct apply to all cooperative education work experiences.

Students are placed on their "Own Plan" under the following conditions:

1.You refuse to accept a cooperative education work experience offered as a result of the placement process;

2.You do not properly cancel a scheduled interview with a prospective employer;

3.You fail to gain a job offer through the placement process; or

4.You refuse to return to a cooperative education work experience previously planned with the employer and acquired through the placement process. This condition may be waived by the Director of Cooperative Education under extenuating circumstances (i.e. major change.)