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2013-2014 Catalog

Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is designed to give students an opportunity to receive college credit for on-the-job experience. The work experience, conducted under the direction of WPCC, must be significantly related to the student’s program of study. Co-op students work from one to four semesters at part-time or full-time jobs with employers approved by the College. Academic credit is awarded for the learning experience that occurs during the Co-op work period. Students receive guidance from their Co-op instructor and on-the-job supervisor.

Eligibility

Any student enrolled in a program offering Co-op for academic credit is eligible if he/she meets the following minimum requirements:

  1. Students must have completed nine (9) semester hours credit (SHC) in their program of study including three (3) hours in their core.
  2. Students must have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in the program courses and has/is completing prerequisite and co-requisite courses.
  3. Students must obtain approval from their advisor.
  4. Students must obtain approval from the Office of Cooperative Education.

Academic Credit

A minimum work load of 160 hours per semester is required to qualify for the program. Generally, Co-op students may earn credit toward the Associate degree, Diploma and Certificate programs. (See individual programs for maximum hours allowable.) Grades are awarded by the Co-op Instructor and are based on the student’s accomplishment of specific learning objectives, student reports, and employer evaluations.

Application Procedure

Interested students should complete an application form and schedule an interview with the Director of Cooperative Education in CH-121. Students are selected for Co-op based on the evaluation of information obtained from their application, transcripts, and interviews. Students already working must have the approval of the College and their employer.

Registration

Students must have the “Approval for Cooperative Education” form completed before registering for a Co-op work experience. Those students who are approved must follow normal registration procedures. Students are invited to inquire at the Office of Cooperative Education for more detailed information.