Cooperative Education

Before being placed on a Co-op work assignment, each student must meet the following general Co-op program requirements:

• Be enrolled in at least a half-time status.
• Have a minimum of 12 semester hours completed. These can be from any accredited college and should be within the current academic major.
• Have and maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA).
• Attend an individual or group orientation presented by Co-op staff.
• Any course, not already established for Co-op, must receive prior approval for a course substitution by a Department Head.
• Satisfy any additional Co-op, academic coursework and/or employer-related requirements

*Note: Students may have attended college previously with a low GPA. The previous GPA can be waived, if the student’s current GPA is a 2.5 or better. If a working student falls below the required GPA, they will be placed on one semester of Co-op Academic Probation. If their GPA does not improve at the end of the semester, they will be terminated from the program.

2+2 High School Transfer Qualifications

Students participating in a high school Co-op Program may have the minimum 12 semester hours completed requirement waived provided they:

• Provide a certified copy of their high school transcript indicating a cumulative 2.5 GPA.
• Provide Co-op staff with a letter of recommendation from their BCE/DCT coordinator.
• Provide Co-op staff with a letter of recommendation from their BCE/DCT employer.

The first step of the Cooperative Education Program is the application/qualification process. Interested students must:

• Attend either a group or individual orientation with a Co-op staff member.
• If deemed necessary, complete seminars or workshops, which cover such topics as; resume writing, job interviewing techniques and other related topics.
• Be actively enrolled with a designated major.
• Complete an Assessment and submit an up to date resume. Students may be required to turn in additional related materials including an employer application, letters of recommendation, health-related information, driver’s license, etc.
• Satisfy any additional employer and/or departmental requirements.

After qualification, students have the opportunity to participate in the Co-op work experience.
Students must:

• Be available and prepared for job interviews.
• Register and pay for Co-op credit (if selected).

Students already working in the field may qualify for Co-op credit. They must receive approval for Co-op credit through the academic department, Co-op staff and employer.

All working students will be responsible for all items covered in the course syllabi and any additional requirements placed by their Faculty Advisor and/or employer.

Cooperative Education offers college credit (that will count towards a degree) for most majors offered at Pensacola State College. On November 19, 1992, the Curriculum Committee approved changing Cooperative Education credit to variable college credit (1, 2, 3) semester hours. The Curriculum policy asserted that “Implementing variable credits will allow students greater flexibility in registering for appropriate college credit to count towards their degree. The variable 1 credit will allow students financial latitude when Co-op credit will not count towards their degree and will eliminate the past practice of students mixing vocational Co-op credit with college credit.”

Associate of Arts students may count up to three (3) college credits of Co-op toward the elective credits requirement (with prior approval through the course substitution process).Under no circumstances may a student substitute Co-op credit for general education requirements.
Students must complete a minimum of:

• 135 working hours = 3 semester hours of credit
• 90 working hours = 2 semester hours of credit
• 45 working hours = 1 semester hour of credit

Associate of Science students may count up to six (6) college credits of Co-op toward elective credits unspecified or “in-field” as outlined in the program of study.
Students must complete a minimum of:

• 135 working hours = 3 semester hours of credit
• 90 working hours = 2 semester hours of credit
• 45 working hours = 1 semester hour of credit

If the Associate of Science program contains a work experience component, an equal number of in-field Co-op credits may be substituted and counted toward graduation upon final approval of the appropriate Department Head (course substitution required). In no case may co-op credits be substituted for general education credits.

Co-Op Ed Work Schedule

The Cooperative Education Program offers the following two types of work schedules for students and employers:

• Parallel Schedule – students work part-time (up to 32 hours a week) while simultaneously attending classes on at least a half-time basis. (Work periods for parallel Co-op student workers do not necessarily follow an academic term schedule. Students can register for Co-op credit and begin work at any time.)
• Alternating Schedule – students alternate between a semester of full-time Co-op employment and a semester of academic coursework. (Work periods for alternating Co-op student workers follow academic term schedules.)

Note: Occasionally an employer will ask that students who are on an alternating schedule, be allowed to work for an extended period of time. Careful consideration must be given to the effects in regards to academic progress and students being able to complete their degree within an appropriate time frame.

Co-Op Ed Work Assignment

After qualification, students have the opportunity to participate in the Co-op work experience Students must:

• Be available and prepared for job interviews.
• Register and pay for Co-op credit (if selected).

Students already working in the field may qualify for Co-op credit. They must receive approval for Co-op credit through the academic department, Co-op staff and employer.

All working students will be responsible for all items covered in the course syllabi and any additional requirements placed by their Faculty Advisor and/or employer.

Student Worker Promotion

The primary reason employers support Cooperative Education is because it gives them the opportunity to evaluate potential permanent employees. Although permanent employment is not guaranteed, some of the Co-op students are retained as employees.

Student Worker Termination

Any Co-op student can be terminated during their work assignment for inappropriate behavior, failing to register for Co-op credit or failure to maintain academic progress/required GPA. Please see the following guidelines:

1. If the student is terminated for unsatisfactory work performance, the CDA can issue a “withdrawal” or assign a failing grade.
   NOTE: Co-op issues and concerns should first be discussed by the Co-op student and the Co-op employer. The Co-op Coordinator can assist if additional help is needed.
2. If the student is terminated due to unforeseen circumstances, the CDA may assign a passing grade provided the student has satisfactory work performance and has completed the minimum work hour requirements.

As with any course, the student has the right to appeal in accordance with procedures outlined in the college catalog.

Graduation or Completion of Work Assignment

The main goal and objective of the Cooperative Education Program is to provide students with related work experience while they are obtaining their degree/certificate. Therefore, it is strictly the employer’s decision if the student is retained after the completion of their academic program or Co-op work assignment. Co-op staff assumes no responsibilities for this decision.