The Mount 's Co-op program works on a trimester calendar including summers. This enables students to work 15 to 16 weeks each semester (and sometimes more during summer). There are two plans available:
- Alternating: Students are employed full-time one semester and attend college full-time the following semester. With this plan, a student maintains full-time status during the work session.
- Parallel: Students carry a full-time course load and are available for employment approximately 15-20 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 Richmond, The American International University in London, England. These students attend classes in London and work part-time in positions related to their major.
How Much Do Co-ops Earn?
For the 2010-2011 trimester year, Mount co-op students earned approximately $917, 815 in total wages. The hourly salary ranged from $7.50-$15.50 an hour depending upon the major and career field. The average hourly salary was $9.98. All wages are paid by the employer directly to the co-op student. Employers may consult with the Mount's Co-op Coordinators for advice on hourly pay rates consistent with similar organizations and career fields.
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
Employers interested in hiring a Mount co-op should abide by all federal, state and local employment laws. Contact the Career & Experiential Education Center to learn how easy it is to participate in our co-op program.
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 that you co-op by completing a Learning Contract. This contract must be signed by your employer and placed in your file in the Co-op Office.
- adhere to the Cooperative Education Code of Ethics
A Student Evaluation is completed each semester by its due date and a site visit is arranged by the student each semester with the student's supervisor and faculty coordinator.
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