The Mount Co-op program works on a trimester calendar including summers. This enables students to work 15 to 16 weeks for each term. There are two plans available:

• Alternating - Students are employed full-time one semester and attend college full-time the following semester. They then return to full-time employment. They are considered full-time students by the College during their work session.
• Parallel - Students carry a full-time course load and are available for employment approximately 20 hours a week.

Location of Co-op Experiences
The majority of the work experiences are in Greater Cincinnati, but the co-op coordinators can sometimes assist students in finding positions in their home towns.

International placements are also available through an agreement with Huron University in London, England. These students attend classes at Lansdown campus in London and work part-time in positions related to their major.

How Much Do Co-ops Make?
For the 2005-2006 trimester year, Mount co-op students made approximately $871,688 in total wages. The hourly salary ranged from $5.50 to $18.25 an hour depending upon the major and career field. The average hourly salary was $10.15. All wages are paid by the employer directly to the co-op student.

Co-op Requirements
To participate in the Co-op program at the Mount, a student must:

• have and maintain the status of a full-time, matriculating student in a degree program
• have established a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• complete the Professional Development Course (CED 220)
• complete course work commensurate with position requirements
• complete the Application Process

Application Process
To apply to the Co-op program, a student should:

• schedule a co-op intake session with one of the co-op coordinators
• complete a Co-op Application Form and return it to the Co-op Office
• obtain approval from the academic department chairperson

Interview Process
After the student is approved for the Co-op program, and before registering for co-op credit, the student must interview with employers for specific co-op openings. These are typical steps in the process:

• co-op coordinator refers student resume to employer(s)
• student is interviewed by employer(s)
• when the employer offers a position and student accepts, then registration for co-op credit occurs

Registration Process
After an offer has been accepted, the co-op will:

• register each semester when working for a co-op employer. Co-ops may choose to earn between 0 and 3 credits for a maximum of 9 total credits.
• confirm in writing, specific learning objectives for each semester credit is being earned. This contract must be signed by your faculty coordinator and placed in your file both in the academic department and in the Co-op Office.
• complete a Work Agreement and Co-op Evaluation each semetser
• adhere to the Cooperative Education Code of Ethics

Student Benefits of Co-oping

• Integrate theory and practice
• Solidify decision of academic major
• Earn dollars to defray educational costs
• Gain valuable work experience
• Learn about the workplace
• Enhance career goals
• Establish contacts in the field  

A Work Agreement is to be completed by its due date each semester and a site visit is to be arranged by the student each semester with the student's supervisor and faculty coordinator.