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Office of Engineering
Student Programs
 

The Co-op Process

The Initial Steps

An initial appointment is arranged with the co-op staff, where the co-op handbook is reviewed. Students must:

  • Complete an application
  • Obtain departmental approval
  • Research companies of interest
  • Construct a marketable resume
  • Participate in mock interviewing on videotape
  • Attend preparatory classes prior to the co-op assignment

The co-op staff assists students in choosing companies of interest, designing professional resumes, refining interviewing skills, and focusing on career direction. The co-op staff sends all cover letters and resumes to various employers and assists in arranging interviews. Some interviews are conducted on campus, while others are held on-site at the company.

Faculty Participation

In each of the participating departments, one faculty member is designated as the co-op faculty advisor. These faculty are available to advise on any scheduling concerns, may assist in the selection of appropriate companies for assignments, and must sign all co-op applications.

Choosing Employers

The co-op office acts as the liason between student and employers. However, students are encouraged to participate in the job search process, under the guidence of the co-op director. Some students may find their own assignments, although they must be related to the student's academic major. Appropriate arrangements are to be made through the Co-op Office in order to ensure the assignment is approved. Students are under no obligation to work for the co-op company after graduation

During Your Assignment

Two co-op reports are due per co-op term. These reports are reviewed by the co-op staff, faculty, departmental liaison, department chair, and the employer.

The employer will complete student performance evaluations both mid-way through and near the end of the co-op assignment.

Pay

Co-op is a paid work experience. Pay ranges vary depending on the company. Monthly co-op salaries have ranged from $1200-$3200. Typically, co-ops make about two-thirds of the starting salary of a new graduate.

Relocation

Some students choose to accept an assignment located out of town. Companies typically provide assistance and monetary allowance to help meet the students' needs. Students are encouraged to keep a log of expenses for their records and for filling out financial aid forms.

Registration

After a student accepts a co-op assignment, the student registers for Cooperative Education, which is considered an academic course by the University. This must be done each semester the student is on assignment. Upon satisfactory completion, this co-op experience is identified on the transcript. Registration for co-op maintains full-time student status. No academic credit is awarded for co-op work experience; however, it may lead to credit for senior projects upon approval from the students major department.

Tuition and Fees

No tuition is required to register for co-op; however, an administrative fee is required each co-op period. All prior University balances must be paid before co-op registration.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is not awarded for the co-op assignment. If the student will need financial aid for the semester following the co-op period, he/she must apply during the preceding spring semester according to the regular financial aid deadlines.

The Office of Financial Aid attempts to ensure that students will not be penalized financially for participation in the Co-op Program within the limits imposed by federal regulations and funding availability.

Student and parental contributions are based on income received during the prior calendar year. Any student considering participation in the Co-op Program should notify the Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible, preferably at the time of submission of financial aid application. Academic awards, scholarships, and loans are deferred during the co-op assignment.

Housing and Health Services

During the co-op assignment, students may live at home, remain on campus, or find housing near the co-op employer. Most co-op employers are able to assist with relocation expenses.

The Office of University Housing forwards information to students while on assignment to prepare for their return to campus.

While out on assignment, students have the option of selecting medical coverage through University Health Services.

Back on Campus

While on co-op, students will receive information in preparation for their return to campus, and can call the co-op staff with any questions about their work assignments. Once the student returns to campus after a co-op assignment, a Co-op Learning Presentation with the staff and faculty is arranged to evaluate the total experience.

Case Alumni Association

The Case Alumni Association annually sponsors scholarships for Case School of Engineering students who participate in the Case Co-op Program. Scholarship applications are forwarded by the Case Alumni Association to all students who are involved in co-op during the respective academic year.

ACCE Accreditation

The Co-op Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Cooperative Education (ACCE). ACCE has special criteria for recognizing cooperative education programs and Case's Co-op Program has met these specifications.

The Co-op Program at Case has a strong academic orientation, and the ACCE accreditation serves to strengthen this academic component.