WHAT IS COOPERATIVE EDUCATION?

•  It is a program that helps you practice skills you have learned in the classroom in a real job setting.
• It is a credit course offered in most areas of study.  Credit is given for learning in a worksite related to your major area of study.
• Credit can be earned regardless of whether you are paid or volunteer.
• It is a coordinated effort between a student, the college, and an employer to prepare a student for employment. 

BENEFITS OF COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

For Students

• A chance to practice skills learned in class
• An opportunity to learn things not taught in class
• Work experience for a resume

For Employers

• A source of enthusiastic and motivated workers for part-time or short-term needs
• An opportunity to pre-screen potential workers with no obligation to hire
• An avenue for direct input into college education and training

ENROLLING IN COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

1. Check with your instructor or a Cooperative Education Specialist to see if you qualify.  In most cases, prior course work or a certain GPA are required.
2. You must have an approved worksite prior to registering.  Your instructor or a Cooperative Education Specialist can grant approval of a site.
3. Department approval is required for registration.
4. A Training Agreement and Learning Objective form must be completed and returned to the Cooperative Education office, usually by the third week of the term.
5. Seminar sessions, for which credit is given, may be required.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION CREDITS

• The amount of credit earned is based on the amount of time spent working.  A minimum of 30 hours per credit is required.  Program requirements may vary.
• Time requirements of the employer, your time availability, and course requirements will determine how much credit you will earn.
• You may repeat Cooperative Education training at one site, or may train with more than one employer.
• Some programs require Cooperative Education, others consider it an elective course.  A college advisor or the college catalog can explain how Cooperative ducation fits into the degree requirements for a particular major.
• If you’re interested in transferring credits to another college, you must check with the admissions office of that college to find out if the credit will be counted.  In most cases, Cooperative Education credits transfer as electives.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

• Students working at non-paid training sites are eligible for accident insurance, at no cost, provided by the college.  You must be registered and the training agreement must be completed and submitted to the Cooperative Education office in order for the insurance to be in effect.
• In case of an accident, you must immediately notify the site supervisor and the Cooperative Education Specialist.  Accident report forms must be completed for the college within 24 hours of the event..
• If the employing agency provides insurance for volunteers, this should be indicated on the Training Agreement.
• Paid employees are subject to State of Oregon Employment Workers’ Compensation laws.

Students who add a coop class after week two will need to pay their bill within five days - please do not wait for a bill in the mail. The computer billing system is programmed to assess a 10% late fee after week two  - this can be waived if you pay your bill within five days.

VISIT OUR WEB SITE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

            http://www.pcc.edu/coop