Co-op Guide

Step-by-Step Guide to Co-op

Step 1: Meet Student Qualifications

• Students are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in addition to completing at least 15 credits at Olympic College.
• Most two-year programs allow a maximum of 12 credits to apply toward graduation requirements. Transfer students should ask advisors about transferability of co-op credits to four-year colleges and universities.
• Work experience for which credits is earned must relate directly toward an individual's major or career goals.
• Students receiving veteran's benefits must receive permission from the VA Office prior to enrolling in Cooperative Education.

Step 2: Identify an eligible worksite prior to registering

• The worksite must offer experience which is directly related to the student's career goals.
• The work experience should provide an opportunity for new learning and skill development.
• A worksite supervisor must be available and willing to train, supervise, and evaluate the student; and to communicate with the college coordinator.
• Large, medium and small companies in the public and private sector hire Co-op students.
• Some students have jobs already which will qualify as Co-op sites.
• Employers are not obligated to hire a Co-op Student following a placement. However, employment is sometimes offered after a successful Cooperative Education Experience.
• See Career & Student Employment Resources link at left.

Step 3: Agree to Requirements

• Perform to the best of your ability on assigned tasks related to the Learning Objectives
• Perform to the best of your ability on assigned tasks by the faculty coordinator and the Co-op Seminar instructor.
• Adhere to all personnel rules, regulations and other standard requirements of the host organization, including regular and punctual reporting to the work site.
• Attend the Co-op Seminar regularly.
• Maintain a work journal.
• Maintain frequent communication with faculty coordinator according to the agreed-upon schedule.
• Notify the faculty advisor and the Cooperative Education Office of any revisions in the contract.

Step 4: Receive item number from Cooperative Education Office

Step 5: Register for Co-op Work Experience & the Co-op Seminar

• For course descriptions and sample syllabi see Cooperative Education Courses link at left.

Step 6: Make sure required co-op forms are completed & submitted to the Cooperative Education Office according to syllabus deadlines.

• See Forms link at left.