Cooperative

Education Program

 

 

 

 


WHAT IS COOPERATIVE EDUCATION?

 

Co-operative Education is a structured program in which students work in a career-related position while earning both money and academic credit.  It integrates classroom theory and work experience.

 

Xavier offers co-op opportunities in the fields of:

 

·         Accountancy

·         Economics

·         Entrepreneurship

·         Finance

·         Human Resources

·         Information Systems

·         Management

·         Marketing

 

 

Why Xavier University Co-ops?

 

When you hire a Xavier University co-op, you are hiring a motivated, enthusiastic employee who is educated and skilled in their declared business degree.  They have already completed required courses in history, fine arts, literature, philosophy, theology, science, mathematics, social sciences, foreign languages, cultural diversity and writing.  You are hiring a young adult who is more than half way through completing an educational experience characterized by critical thinking and articulate expression with specific attention given to ethical issues and values.

 

 

HOW LONG ARE CO-OPS?

 

Co-op assignments last between 12-16 weeks and typically correspond to Xavier’s academic semesters.

 

·         Fall Semester:   September through December

·         Spring Semester:  January through May

·         Summer Semester:  June through August

 

Co-ops are either part-time or full-time.  In a part time co-op (which is the most typical of Xavier co-ops), students attend classes part time and work part time.  Part-time assignments average between 12-20 hours per week, accumulating at least 200 hours on the job.  In a full time co-op, students work full time for a semester (30 or more hours per week), then resume their normal coursework the following semester.

 

 

WHO IS ELIBIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

 

Junior or senior business students who have earned 55+ credit hours toward their degree are eligible to participate in Xavier’s co-op program.  They must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better and have a declared major.

 

Students must also have successfully completed the business course Managerial Communications.  This course covers the essentials of communicating effectively in the business environment with emphasis on written and oral communication skills.  Students learn to write business memorandums and letters, develop public speaking and presentation skills, business protocol, and other critical business skill sets.

 

 

WHY PURSUE COOOPERATIVE EDUCATION?

 

Benefits to Employers:

 

·         Hire motivated and enthusiastic students with a specific business degree skill set

·         Screen students for permanent employment, thus reducing the cost of recruitment, hiring and training

·         Increase corporate visibility and image at Xavier University

·         Promote the connection between classroom theory and the reality of the business world

·         Hire students with fresh, innovative ideas and new approaches

·         Satisfy peak season personnel demands, special projects duties and release senior staff from routine professional tasks

 

Benefits to Students:

 

·         On-the-job experience

·         Compensation and academic credit

·         Possible full-time job offers after the co-op

·         Professional networking opportunities

·         Develop professional confidence and presence

·         A chance to evaluate and better understand their career choice

 

 

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES DO I HAVE AS A CO-OP EMPLOYER?

 

The responsibilities of co-op employers are not much different from a regular job.  The Xavier University co-op student you hire will be your employee and under your direction.  They are expected to meet the same levels of quality, service, loyalty, and corporate policy as other employees.  General responsibilities include:

 

·         Training and  supervising the student

·         Submitting two electronic evaluations (mid term and final) on the student

·         Providing for at least 200 hours of on-the-job, business related, work experience

·         Signing a Learning Objectives Agreement form delineating the job duties of the student and what the student is expected to accomplish.

HOW DOES A STUDENT RECEIVE ACADEMIC CREDIT?

 

Once you have hired a student, they will be responsible to you, like a regular employee.  The student will meet with a faculty advisor to determine what will be learned and accomplished from the work experience.  These responsibilities and objectives will be delineated in Xavier’s Learning Objectives Agreement (LOA) form.  Should you agree with and sign the LOA, the student will be eligible to receive and register for academic credit at Xavier.

 

The student will receive a grade for the co-op experience based on:

 

  • Job Performance.  We will ask you to evaluate your co-op, once at midterm and once at the end of the semester.
  • A final project.  The student’s faculty advisor will assign the co-op a final project to demonstrate that he/she has fulfilled the learning objectives associated with the co-op job.

 

 

HOW DO I HIRE CO-OP STUDENTS FROM XAVIER?

 

Contact Xavier (below).  We use an internet-based software suite called eRecruiting which automates and streamlines the placement process from a secure (SSL) internet site.  eRecruiting plays an integral role the recruiting, qualification and placement process.  Your job will be posted to eRecruiting and your employer profile will be activated.

 

Resumes of students with matching skills and background are electronically submitted to you via email.  Eligible students can view your job postings as well.

 

Treat the students as you would any potential employee.  Contact the student per the information on his/her resume and follow your company’s normal interview procedures.  Hire the student directly and determine work hours, salary, etc.

 

 

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?

 

Sarah A. Mock

Director of Cooperative Education

Williams College of Business

3800 Victory Parkway

Cincinnati, OH  45207

513  745-4869

513  745-3455

mocks@xavier.edu