Cooperative Work Experience
Fall Semester 2008
Cooperative Work Experience Education (Co-op) is a process of education which combines work experience with college instruction as an integral part of the community college curriculum. It is called Co-op because it is dependent upon employers and educators cooperating to form a more complete educational program for the students. It is a unique plan of education designed to develop skills and knowledge and to improve self-understanding by integrating classroom study with planned, supervised work experience.
All students who enroll in Co-op are required to attend one mandatory orientation. Please contact the Career Center to schedule your orientation. Students who do not attend will be automatically dropped from the program.
- Syllabus
- BlackBoard
Students are required to submit assignments and monthly hours reports via blackboard. Please contact the Student Help Desk or the Career Center if you need assistance.
Student Benefits
- Learn or improve employment skills under actual working conditions
- Gain perspective on career goals through application of classroom theory to "real life experience."
- Test personal abilities in work environments.
- Acquire a more realistic approach to the job market.
- Develop a better understanding of human relations.
- Learn to apply Management-By-Objectives (MBO).
- Refer to work experience education on future job applications.
- Benefit financially while learning.
In Cooperative Work Experience, the student's education, career, and personal development advance simultaneously. Students earn college credit for what they learn and contribute on the job.
Employer Benefits
The program helps maintain a flow of trained personnel into the occupational field, reducing the cost of employee turnover by employing people who are on a career path. The co-op students develop work objectives with his or her supervisor which furthers the employer's goal and the employee's work performance. The employer is provided with the opportunity to communicate business and industry needs to the college. Read our Employer Letter to better understand the program and its benefits.
Community College Connections
Cooperative Work Experience Education strengthens the relationship between the college and the business community. The interaction of student-instructor-supervisor provides valuable, current input concerning labor market conditions and the implications for curriculum. Student success and a skilled work force benefit the college and the community at large.
Shared Responsibility
The student is responsible for regular attendance at work and college, appropriate appearance and performance, positive attitude and human relationship, job skills, and educational progress.
The employer's responsibility includes providing a suitable work station, work experiences which have educational value for the student, supervision to help the student progress on the job and accomplish specific on-the-job learning objectives, as well as insurance and compensation as established by law.
The college provides organization, coordination, program supervision, and maintenance of student records. A college instructor will visit and counsel with the student and employer during the semester and, together with the supervisor, determine the student's grade.
College Credit
Co-op offers elective units toward an associate degree based on the total number of hours:
| HOURS |
=PAID |
HOURS |
=UNPAID |
| |
| 3 unit |
= 225 hours |
3 unit |
= 180 hours |
| 4 unit |
= 300 hours |
4 unit |
= 240 hours |
| 2 unit |
= 150 hours |
2 unit |
= 120 hours |
| 1 unit |
= 75 hours |
1 unit |
= 60 hours |
Cooperative Work Experience Education is not transferrable to the California University system. Check with your transfer university to see if they will accept Co-op credits for transfer.
Occupational Work Experience directly ties the student's employment to his or her occupational major. A maximum of 16 units during community college attendance may be earned during community college attendance.
General Work Experience is available to students whose work is not related to their instructional major. Three units per semester with a maximum of six units may be earned during community college attendance.
Enrollment
Co-op offers late enrollment for Spring & Fall semesters, usually up to the 10th week. Co-op is also offered during summer session. Students may enroll in person and online following the regular enrollment procedures of the college. The Co-op Office on the Oceanside Campus can provide additional information and assistance.
Call (760) 757-2121, extension 6575.
F
S
|
