Jen Franchak, Director
Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a unique educational program open to all baccalaureate degree students in every major. It complements academic programs by integrating theory with practice. Qualified students are eligible to work in positions related to their academic majors. These paid work experiences are coordinated by the cooperative education staff and departmental faculty coordinators who counsel and monitor student learning. Students earning credit establish written goals for their work experience and set specific learning objectives each semester. The student’s work performance is evaluated each semester by the faculty coordinator and the employer. Evaluation of work performed is on a pass/fail basis.
Cooperative education at the Mount is a year-round program. Work assignments are approximately 16 weeks in length. The two work plans are as follows:
Alternating Positions: Students are employed full time one semester and attend college full time the following semester. They are considered full-time students by the College during the work semester.
Parallel Positions: Students carry full-time course work and are available for part-time employment.
Job referrals are based on expressed career interests, academic performance and available positions. Employers make hiring decisions through a competitive interview process and establish a rate of pay and work schedule. Compensation for work performed is paid directly to the student.
Requirements for Cooperative Education
Prerequisites:
CED 220 Professional Development Course (1)
Full-time student status in a baccalaureate degree program. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
Completion of required major course work.
Approval of department chairperson.