Cooperative Education has been offered to students since the mid 1970’s. In 2005 the program was up-dated to provide a top quality experience for students and employers. The Cooperative Education Program (co-op) offers opportunities for students to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to work settings. Students are highly encouraged to integrate a Cooperative Education experience into their academic plan.
Co-op also provides a means for students to earn upper-division elective credit while gaining valuable work experience. Applying classroom learning to a work setting allows students to develop their knowledge and skills, and assists them in academic and career decision making and planning. It also helps students gain an advantage in their job search as they graduate, because they are able to describe how they set and met job-related goals and objectives.
The Co-op Program is open to students in any major who are in good academic standing. Ideally, students participate in cooperative education during their junior and/or senior years. Enrollment in co-op can be part-time (1-11 credits) or full-time (12 credits). Co-operative education is offered both fall and winter semesters, as well as during the summer. It is possible to earn one academic credit for each 50 hours worked, and be at least 12 to 15 weeks in length no matter the number of credits.
Obtaining relevant work experience while enrolled in college is one of the best things a student can do to prepare for the future career. Students will gain practical experience, develop technical skills, and gain insights on potential career fields. All of this knowledge will help students make informed decisions as they enter the working world. Information can be obtained at the links provided below.
Forms
There are several items that must be completed to participate in a Cooperative Education placement. Once all items have been completed and turned in you will receive permission to register for the class.
All items must be completed, including required signatures, and should be submitted the Coordinator for Cooperative Education
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On-line Application Form – This begins the process and establishes a file for you. No commitments are made at this point, it is simply an intention to participate. Upon submission, the form will be automatically emailed to you and the Cooperative Education Coordinator.
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Job Description – A job description must be approved and in your file before you will be approved for academic credit. You may use the online PDF form or submit a copy of a job description from the employer. Please note that after you complete the online form, you MUST print it. It will not save to the computer or be emailed to the coordinator.
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Learning Goals & Objectives with Guidelines – This is a comprehensive description of what you hope to gain from the experience. In your final paper you are required to significantly and substantially address your learning objectives, so be accurate and clear when developing them. The learning objectives must also link to your academic and/or career goals. Please note that after you complete the online form, you MUST print it. It will not save to the computer or be emailed to the coordinator. Please see the Sample Learning Objectives section below.
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Student/Employer Work Agreement – This is a record of the agreement with the employer showing when you will work and any additional expectations. This form must be printed and signed by you and your employer. If you are taking an assignment outside of the immediate area, we will accept this form via fax with the original to follow via regular mail.
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Skyhawks Job Source - Create or update your Skyhawks Job Source Profile
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Resume – A basic resume is all that is required at this time. You will have the opportunity in the course to prepare a professional, quality resume.
Register for Credit
Once you have completed the above items and the job description has been approved, you are able to register for academic credit. The program coordinator will give permission to register and provide you with the CRN and other information you may need.
For Your Employer
Direct your employer to the Employers section below for more information.
Sample Learning Objectives
GOALS: Articulate your purpose for participating in the internship experience. What technical, interpersonal or other skills do you want to develop? What informational knowledge do you want to broaden? What qualifications do you want to gain?
OBJECTIVES: Describe explicitly how you plan to achieve your goals. Be as detailed and specific as possible. What activities or projects will you work on to accomplish your goals and objectives? What types of reading (about the field/industry, job/career, work site/company) will provide you with information to help you meet your goals. How do these assignments relate to your field of study? How do your co-op/internship responsibilities address your needs, as well as the requirements of your work site? These outcomes must be observable, concrete, and measurable.
SAMPLES: The following samples are intended to provide you with ideas from which you can develop your own individual goals and objectives. Because each internship experience is unique, each student’s goals and objectives are unique as well.
Goal #1: Improve written communication skills.
Objectives related to Goal #1:
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Develop and write a comprehensive manual for other student leaders.
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Clearly express activities and learning in weekly reports.
Goal #2: Gain classroom experience with at-risk youth.
Objectives related to Goal #2:
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Observe mentor teacher’s techniques.
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Discuss relevant issues with teachers.
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Read scholarly articles related to effective teaching methods for at-risk youth.
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Prepare a lesson addressing learning
Goal #3: Develop verbal communication skil
Objectives related to Goal #3:
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Learn to speak confidently when working with customers.
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Develop appropriate techniques for listening to customer concerns and addressing them respectfully and honestly.
Goal #4: Effectively utilize computer equipment both in the office and in the field.
Objectives related to Goal #4:
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Input information into AUTOCAD.
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Analyze data from field GPS markers.
Goal #5: Gain knowledge of legislation affecting college students.
Objectives related to Goal #5:
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Research TABOR and COF.
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Regularly meet with lobbyist and external affairs personnel.
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Work with students at other Colorado universities to assess effects of legislation.
Goal #6: Gain budget management experience in small business environment.
Objectives related to Goal #6:
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Review financial reports.
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Analyze areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in cash flow.
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Assist owner in determining short and long term goals.
Goal #7: Adapt techniques learned in the lab to a professional setting.
Objectives related to Goal #7:
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Apply the scientific method.
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Analyze errors and quantify results in tests.
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Report learnings in written format, with data tables.
When determining your goals and objectives for your co-op position, consider your future marketability to employers. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveys thousands of employers each year, and since 1999, written and verbal communication skills has topped of the list of qualities employers seek in college graduates. Interpersonal skills and teamwork skills also made the top five, along with honesty/integrity and a strong work ethic. 1. Does the high emphasis placed by employers on these particular qualities surprise you? Most employers believe that they can teach you specific skills, but that you should already have the demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively, get along well with others, and have sound judgment. Your coop experience presents the perfect opportunity to develop skills in relating to others, show initiative and a strong work ethic, while learning how to organize projects and manage time.
NACE Job Outlook
Information for Employers
If you are interested in having a student for a Cooperative Education position use the link below for more details. Cooperative Education is the same as an internship, but for program purposes Cooperative Education is used as the program title. The link below highlights some of the items that are necessary for a position to qualify as a Work Integrated Learning experience.
Establishing a Work Integrated Learning Experience
Cooperative Education is an applied work experience for academic credit. The purpose of the experience, also known as Work Integrated Learning Experience, is to provide the student with a chance to apply academic skills and knowledge in a real world work setting. This means that they will be working with a faculty member completing assignments on-line through the college while working for you. Jobs that do not provide the student with the opportunity to learn and apply skills will not be approved.
Therefore, a few administrative details must be in place prior to a student registering for academic credit. You can view the process and required forms above. It is primarily the student’s responsibility to gather the required forms and information, but they will need your assistance and support in making sure these items are accurate and in agreement with what you need.
Job description
A job description is an integral part of establishing a position and must be approved by the program coordinator prior to a student employee being able to earn academic credit.
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You can hire any student you want to hire without any approval required from the college.
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Before a student can be permitted to enroll for academic credit, however, a job description must be submitted to and approved through the Cooperative Education Program.
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Once a position has been approved, it will remain in place for the possible use of another student. You will need to activate the position.
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Post the position on the Skyhawks’ Job Source if you are seeking an employee.
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The student does need to be in good academic standing or they will not be eligible for academic credit
This form documents the placement of the student in your position. This information is used to determine the number of credits for which the student can enroll and by signing, we know that you are on-board with the experience. Basically, a student can earn one credit hour for each 50 hours of work. The experience must be a minimum of 12 weeks in length with a preference of 15 weeks.
Once the position has been approved and the student is enrolled for credit, there should be a seamless transition to work. The only additional item that we request from you as an employer is to evaluate the student twice during their experience. Evaluation forms will be sent to you or you can
download it here. Please use the same form for mid-term and final.
Important Considerations
There are some additional things for you to consider when seeking an intern. The same considerations you would make for a regular employee should be carried over to internships.
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Have a workstation for the student employee
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Provide orientation to your business or organization and the position
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Assign a supervisor and/or mentor to whom the student can go for assistance
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Provide challenging work tasks that will help the student build skills and knowledge
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Make sure the student employee is clear about their duties