COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

 

 

Director: Maureen Pernick Huber

Assistant Director: Rebecca Michalovic

Career Counselor: Krista Paszkowsky

 

Program Offered:

The Cooperative Education Program (commonly known as “Co-op”) assists in placing students in temporary, specially arranged internships in local businesses, governmental agencies, and public or private institutions, as well as opportunities in Washington, DC. Students receive academic credit for working, gain practical on-the-job work experience and training, and acquire the workplace values and attitudes that are basic for career preparation. Utilizing the cooperative plan of education, which is an integration of academic studies and field experience, a curriculum is designed to meet the goals of each Co-op student in terms of personal development and career objectives. Along with liberal arts and departmental academic requirements, the student has the opportunity of gaining field experience, which will provide intellectual and professional growth. The Co-op Program is open to students in every academic discipline, and internships are available on a part-time basis throughout the academic year and during summer terms. Employers are located in Western New York, Washington, DC, as well as many other locations, as determined by the needs of participating students and employers. The Cooperative Education staff works with faculty members from each department in offering guidance and evaluation of students’ performance in the field.

 

Admission Requirements:

Eligibility for Co-op participation will be determined by the Cooperative Education Director. The Co-op Director may consult with the appropriate academic advisor and/or department chairperson for additional information regarding a student’s eligibility for Co-op participation.

 

Prior to consideration for a Co-op placement, students must:

1.         Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative quality point average, except when specific       departmental requirements apply.

2.         Have achieved sophomore status unless special approval is granted by the Co-op

            Program Director.

3.         Have earned a grade of P (pass) in the prerequisite course, CFE 97 Co-op Preparation Seminar or a passing grade in CFE 101 Career Exploration & Development

 

Limits on total Cooperative Education Academic Credit:

A maximum of twelve (12) academic credits may be earned through Cooperative Field Experience.

 

Conflict-of-Interest Limits:

Co-op placements are not permitted in situations where the student is, or is an immediate relative of, an owner, partner, or officer of the corporation sponsoring the Co-op experience.

 

Cooperative Education Courses (CFE)

 

97        Co-op Preparation Seminar (Non-Credit)

The Co-op Preparation Seminar prepares the student for participation in the Cooperative Education Field experience. Students are given information regarding the structure of the Co-op Program and the benefits of participation. They develop skills in self-assessment, resume preparation, business correspondence, and job interviewing. Offered Twice Each Semester.

 

101     Career Exploration and Development (3)

This course is an expanded version of the Co-op Prep Seminar. Students have the opportunity to develop their professional presentation skills, prepare resumes and other job search documents and meet professionals from their fields of interest. Offered on a limited basis.

 

Note: Either the Co-op Preparation Seminar (CFE 97) or Career Exploration & Development (CFE 101) is a prerequisite for the Co-op Field Experience).

 

200, 300, 400  Cooperative Field Experience (1-6)

201, 301, 401  Cooperative Field Experience (1-6)

202, 302, 402  Cooperative Field Experience (1-6)

The Cooperative Field Experience is an opportunity for students to procure practical work experience in the career area of their choice. Each field experience offers the student knowledge in areas of communication, human understanding, and methods of functioning within a particular environment. Academic credit must be arranged prior to the internship experience and is granted for each experience depending upon the number of hours spent in the field throughout a semester/summer. In addition to the work hours, students must participate in and complete a series of projects and evaluations. Final letter grades are granted upon completion of all field experience requirements. Offered Each Semester and Summer.