Cooperative Education

Sonja Higgenbotham, Assistant Director

The Cooperative Education Program is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. The program is coordinated by the Center for Career Development, located on the third floor of the Roaden University Center (RUC 328). Students enrolled have the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in the professional field they are considering as a career path. The cooperative education program provides careful supervision with timely evaluation of performance, attitude, and ability of the student on the job. The goal is to empower students to grow and improve their capabilities.

There are four co-op plans:

Plan A – Traditional up to 12 months

Plan B – Alternating 3 semesters of work and school

Plan C – Parallel working locally while attending Tennessee Tech

Plan D – Summer only assignment

Students electing to enter the Cooperative Education Program at Tennessee Tech must meet the following requirements:

· Have a minimum overall 2.0 GPA (GPA must be maintained while participating in the program)

· Be in good academic standing

· Must have completed two grading cycles at the university

· Pre-registration will be required for students entering the program after July 1, 2019

· Must complete the Gold (freshman/sophomore) or Purple (junior/senior/gradate) Career Readiness Certification Program

· Complete a Co-op Orientation appointment through Career Development

· Maintain enrollment in the appropriate co-op course throughout the entire co-op assignment, including summer semesters

Co-op work assignments are available in industry and business, agricultural areas, educational systems, and governmental agencies. Students applying for Co-op are not guaranteed work assignments nor stipulated specific job benefits or salaries. Employers determine the salaries and pay students directly. In regard to permanent employment after graduation, participation in the Co-op Program involves no obligation on the part of the university, student, or employer. Co-op experience is a benefit to students in securing full-time employment following graduation. Many students do return to their co-op employers after graduation.

Co-op students are required to complete the same academic program for graduation as non-co-op students. Students will be registered each semester on assignment for their course by the Cooperative Education Office and will be required to pay tuition for a one hour Co-op course

each semester of their work assignment, including summer semesters. Co-op students are classified as enrolled by the university while on assignment.

Students on assignment must submit a work report by an established date and will receive a grade of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory (S or U). Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Additional information about the Cooperative Education Program may be obtained by contacting the Center for Career Development.