Co-Op FAQ
What is the co-op program?
The co-op program at Cleveland State is comprised of a variety of courses designed to prepare students for the workplace. Students can receive college credit for up to four semesters working or volunteering in a job related to their career field (Major-related co-op: CPE 1010, 1020, 2010 and 2020). Students can also opt to take a one-semester course focused on work ethics and transitional job skills while working in a non-major related job (Non major-related co-op: CPE 2000 or 1015).
Courses not requiring work assignments are also available (CPE 1011 and 1012). These courses assist students with resume development, successful interviewing, job search techniques, and development of strong workplace ethics.
Co-op courses are excellent electives and offered in a convenient, independent study format. A complete list of courses is included in this handout.
If I am already working, may I get credit for my job?
Yes, you may enroll for a co-op class using your current job. If your job is
major-related, you may enroll for CPE 1010—Cooperative Education I. CPE 1010 is a 3-credit hour course that requires that you work 150 hours/semester in a job related to your major (10 hrs/week). You will develop four learning objectives with your employer that will increase your skills in your career field.
If your job is not major-related, you may enroll for CPE 2000—Workforce Development if you are working at least 10 hrs/week (3 credit hour course). CPE 1015 (2 credit hour course) is available for students working 5 to 9 hrs/week in a non major-related job. You will develop four learning objectives with your employer focusing on transitional work skills (skills that are utilized in all job settings) and complete a Job Savvy workbook.
If I am not working, how do I go about getting a co-op placement?
The CSCC Cooperative Education and Job Placement offices work in conjunction to assist students in locating employment in their career field. The academic advisor is also consulted in order to ensure that the student is ready to co-op. To start the process, contact the cooperative education office.
Does co-op have to be a paid position or may I do volunteer work/service?
While a paid placement is ideal and many placements are paid, there are some fields in which it is unrealistic to expect to be paid without obtaining the skills first. In those fields, it is to the students’ benefit to be willing to volunteer for their co-op placement. In return, students will gain on-the-job experience and skills that they can highlight in their resume, qualifying them for a future paying job. In some cases, the volunteer experience works into a stipend or paid position.
What does the course involve?
You will receive a co-op packet at your co-op orientation in the beginning of the semester. This packet contains a contract that you will have your supervisor sign—agreeing to supervise your co-op, giving you an opportunity to learn new skills, and evaluating you at the end of your experience. You will also use this packet to record four learning objectives (projects, training, new skills, certifications, job shadowing, etc.) that you will work to complete during your co-op. In other words, the purpose is to learn new skills in your career field (major-related co-op) or transitional skills (non-major related co-op), in addition to the usual duties of the job. You will record your work hours to document that you completed the required 150 hours. During your work hours, you will focus on learning and improving your work skills as outlined in your four objectives.
What are examples of learning objectives?
Learning objectives in the non-major related co-op course should focus on developing transitional work skills (skills that will be required in any work setting). These skills include advising, coordinating, budgeting, developing, planning, training, selling, keying, writing, communication, time management, customer service, leadership skills, etc.
Learning objectives in the major-related co-op will be much more in-depth with the students striving to acquire hands-on experience and skills in their career field. These objectives might include knowledge/skill development, specific projects, job shadowing, training, task forces, or problem-solving assignments. New learning objectives are developed for each semester of co-op.
As an independent study course, how often will I meet with my instructor?
All co-op students are required to attend an orientation session at the start of the semester to receive their syllabus and course assignments. You will then
meet with the instructor during the semester to develop and fine-tune your resume and discuss your learning objectives. The co-op instructor maintains office hours at all three CSCC campuses.
Students in major-related co-op will contact the instructor to set up a time for the instructor to visit their worksite during the semester.
Are there other co-op courses that do not involve a work requirement?
Yes, CPE 1011 and CPE 1012 are one-credit hour courses that provide students with valuable career guidance without the work requirement. CPE 1011 Job Search Skills guides students through the development of a resume, job interview, and job search methods. CPE 1012 Succeeding on the Job stresses important transitional job skills and the importance of work ethics. Like other co-op courses, CPE 1011 and 1012 are available in independent study format with the student meeting with the instructor occasionally throughout the semester during the instructor’s office hours at any of the three campus sites.
May I sign up for a co-op class without a placement?
Students should not sign up for a co-op class requiring the 150 hour work assignment without already having the job or volunteer placement secured because the work requirement is a critical component of the class. While every effort will be made to help students locate a placement, students should not sign up for co-op without a placement identified.
As mentioned earlier, CPE 1011 and 1012 do not include a work requirement and would be good courses for students who are not currently working or volunteering.
How will a co-op course count?
Cooperative education courses are electives and can be applied to the total hours for graduation from Cleveland State. Students should check with their senior institution to determine how co-op courses will transfer into that institution.
Why take a co-op course?
Cooperative education programs have been in existence at most colleges and universities for many years, and employers recognize this experience as valuable hands-on training in your field. Often, it is the student’s cooperative education experience that gives the student the edge in the hiring process. Cooperative education is the perfect compliment to your academic studies, preparing you with the skills and knowledge for your future career. It is a very important experience to add to your resume.
Courses are offered in an independent study format so they are convenient elective courses for students who have many obligations including family, work and college. The co-op director is available for conferences at all three CSCC sites throughout the semester. Full-time students may add a cooperative education course at no additional cost. In addition, should students have to drop an academic course during the semester, a cooperative education course added to the students’ semester courseload can help insure that they maintain full-time status.
What do I do next?
If you have a job or volunteer placement that will provide you with the opportunity to complete a 150 hour/semester work requirement, sign up for CPE 1010 (major related co-op) or CPE 2000 or 1015 (non-major related co-op) and attend the co-op orientation at the beginning of the semester. See the CSCC Class Schedule for a listing of cooperative education orientations (day/time/location).
If you do not have a placement, contact the cooperative education office to schedule an appointment: (423) 614-8718 or 1-800-604-2722, Ext. 718. You may also e-mail questions to: coopeducation@clevelandstatecc.edu.
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