Georgia Southern Cooperative Education Program

A Nationally Accredited Co-Op Program

What is a Co-Op?

GSU Co-Op History

The cooperative education program has existed at Georgia Southern for over 20 years, primarily for engineering and technology students.  In 1986, the program was centralized in the Office of Career Services and is currently offered to any major.
In 2001, our cooperative education program was recognized as a national accredited cooperative education program by the accreditation council for the cooperative education (ACCE). Since 1998, over 500 employers have posted Co-Op positions with GSU and over 800 students have been placed in Co-Op positions.

How does the Co-Op work?

Alternating Plan * – allows students to work full-time (40 hrs/week) for one semester and return to school the next semester. (One semester of work and one of school is called one Rotation).  This plan continues for at least two (2) rotations.

* The University requires students to commit to this plan for at least two rotations.  However, as the employer, you can require a longer commitment.

Parallel Plan ** – allows students to work part-time (at least 16 hrs and no more than 30 hrs per week) and attend school part-time.  This plan requires a student to work four or more work/school combination periods scheduled over two academic years. 

** The University requires students to commit to this plan for four work/school combination terms.  However, as the employers, you can require a longer commitment. 

Goals & Benefits

Goals for Student

• Gain practical work experience related to their chosen major
• Further clarify their academic focus and career goals
• Integrate practical knowledge into classroom learning
• Gain an understanding of professional cultures and expectations

Benefits to Employers

• Recruiting Savings – employers spend an average of $6,500 to hire & train new employees, half of whom leave the company after training.  While employers are under no obligation to offer full-time positions to Co-Op students upon graduation, they may do so, lowering recruiting & turnover costs.

• Flexibility - meet seasonal needs and release professional staff from work that can be delegated

• Campus Recognition – employers promote their company name and have good public relations on campus when Co-Op students have positive experiences with your organization.

• Cost effectiveness – when you hire a Co-Op student as a full-time employee after graduation, you hire a trained professional who is productive from day one.

Requirements

Students

• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students)
• Have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours
• Have attended Georgia Southern for one semester (for Transfer Students)
• Be available to participate in at least two alternating semesters (40 hrs/week) OR four parallel semesters (16 – 30 hrs/week) of a work rotation. 

Employers Must:

• Provide a Full-Time position (40hrs/wk) that is at least two work rotations in length OR
• Provide a Part-Time position (16-30hrs/wk) that is at least 4 work/school combo work rotations
• Offer a position that is related to the student’s major
• Provide to the student a written job offer and description
• Must work with the student to develop written learning objectives
•  Completion of an evaluation of the student at mid-term and at the end of each work term by the student’s direct supervisor

Sample Full-Time Co-Op Alternation Plan

Sample Part-Time Co-Op Alternation Plan

Employer Evaluation

Employers are asked to complete an evaluation of the student at mid-term and at the end of the assignment.  To access the Internship Evaluation please click here.

List of Co-Op Employers

This is a partial list of employers who have recently hired a GSU Co-Op student:

Posting Co-Op Positions

Returning Users go to the Eagle Career Net login page and enter your username & password

New Users go to the Eagle Career Net login page and click the Register and Post a Local Job (FREE) tab

On-Campus Interviews

Interviews will occur during the following months:
Fall Semester: September – November
Spring Semester: January – April

There are two types of interview schedules/models Preselect & Open.  Employers must choose one interview schedule/model.

Preselect – only students who have been pre-selected by an employer can sign up on these schedules. To be considered for a pre-select schedule, a candidate must meet ALL specified requirements (i.e. GPA, Major, Grad Date) and submit a resume during the resume submission period. From the pool of resumes submitted, the employer will select candidates to invite for interviews.

Open - students must meet ALL specified interview requirements (i.e. GPA, Major, Grad Date).  If the requirements are met, candidates can sign up for an interview slot during the sign up period on a first come, first serve basis.

For step-by-step instructions on how to request an on-campus interview schedule click here.

 To access Eagle Career Net please click here.

Co-Op, Internship & Summer Job Fair

The Office of Career Services hosts the Co-Op, Internship & Summer Job Fair each January.  This event allows you to talk with hundreds of students representing various majors.  The registration fee of $200 includes a 6 foot table, 2 chairs, and lunch for two (2) company representatives. 

To register for the 2nd Annual Co-Op, Internship & Summer Job to be held Wednesday, January 21, 2009 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, log into Eagle Career Net and click the EVENTS tab.

Developing your Co-Op Program

How do I develop a cooperative education program at my work site?

Step 1: Obtain a commitment from Management

For a successful program, everyone involved needs to be on board – from HR, to supervisors, to co-workers, to management. You much make the commitment for the student to fit into your organization long-term.  Co-Op’s require funding, time, resources, and personnel to be successful.

Step 2: Plan the Assignment

Develop quality & meaningful assignments for students. Determine eligibility requirements (i.e. GPA, Major, Skills Needed, etc.).  Put the job description in writing.  Try to build upon and exceed the student’s responsibilities of the previous work term.  Have the student participate in training & professional development activities.  In addition to the supervisor, assign a mentor who can provide guidance.  Have the students give written and oral reports of projects that are in progress or have been completed. 

Step 3: Determine Salary, Relocation, Housing & Benefits

These are all set at your discretion.  Co-Op and internship salaries tend to resemble salaries of entry level employees in the same field.  Take into consideration the student’s GPA, major, academic level/classification.  Most employers reimburse students for transportation and moving expenses at the beginning and end of each work term. Payment for additional relocation expenses is at the discretion of the employer.  Organizations vary in the extent to which they provide benefits. It is critical that prior to your first hire you determine how you will assist students who need housing during their work terms.  Employers have assisted with housing in a variety of ways including:

• Providing an apartment
• Providing a housing allowance
• Matching students with other Co-Op to share expenses
• Providing info about area housing that offers short term leases

Step 4: Plan a company Orientation & Training

Give students the same orientation to policies that you provide other employees. Clearly communicate your expectations for behavior and performance at the beginning of the work term.

Step 5: Provide Positive Supervision

Provide a positive supervisory experience that encourages the academic, professional and personal growth of the student.  The supervisor should be committed to and enthusiastic about your Co-Op program and should understand the program requirements and the time commitment.

Step 6: Establish Company Evaluation Procedures

During the mid-term and at the end of each work term the student and direct supervisor must complete an evaluation and submit it to the Office of Career Services.  However, to resolve potential problems early, we recommend that you keep students continually informed of your expectations, and their performance.  Also create a means for Co-Op students to evaluate your Co-Op program internally so that you can strengthen your program.

Once your company has decided to become a Co-Op site and have planned your Co-Op program you will need to:

1. Register as an Employer in our Eagle Career Net system (click here to log in)
2. Post any open Co-Op positions in Eagle Career Net powered by Symplicity
3. Contact the Experiential Education Coordinator (912-478-5478) to discuss recruitment opportunities

Examples of Great Co-Op Program

• University
  
• Employers

Frequently Asked Questions
Coming Soon

Co-Op Contacts

Mrs. Dorsey Baldwin                                           
Assistant Director of Employment                         
Office of Career Services                                     
(912) 478-5478                                                   
dbaldwin@georgiasouthern.edu                           

Mr. Warren Riles
Director
Office of Career Services
(912) 478-5197
rileswl@georgiasouthern.edu