Cooperative Education Information for Employers

Cooperative Education at the University of Connecticut is a structured, paid work experience, allowing undergraduate students to integrate classroom learning with practical training related to his/her professional and/or academic goals. The level of responsibility a student has should increase progressively as the work experience continues. The student, employer, and University work together in monitoring the work experience to ensure it is a positive one for both the employer and student.

Highlights

• Co-op positions typically begin in January or July and last for six-eight months.
• Employers may post full-time positions only.
• Employers may choose student eligibility: Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors.

Employers requesting a Co-op student are responsible for adhering to the Co-op Education Agreement Statement.

What are the direct advantages of hiring a Co-op student?

• Co-op is the ultimate interview. It is found to be one of the most effective and cost efficient ways to recruit and retain college graduates. Many students express an interest in returning to their Co-op company after graduation.
• Rotating six-month Co-op assignments (full-time and/or part-time) supplement employers' needs on an on-going basis in a more effective manner by lowering companies' benefits and health care costs. In addition, because Co-op is designed as a temporary work assignment, employers do not have to pay into unemployment compensation.
• The length of employment allows for adequate training and substantial productivity. Many employers utilize cross training where there is an overlap of students for two to three weeks. In addition, students can be used to accomplish special projects and to alleviate the workload of permanent staff.
• Job descriptions and requirements enable students to apply for those jobs they are best prepared and suited for. Position descriptions should include major responsibilities, type of training, supervision, level of education, preferred majors, special skills required, and salary.

How do I get involved?

You can post a Co-op position from our electronic job posting system, HuskyCareerLink. Students will have access to this opportunity and if interested will contact you directly. To learn more about HuskyCareerLink, contact Darlene Reynolds at 860-486-6156.

If you have additional questions about Co-op or want to discuss our program in further detail, please contact our office at 860-486-3013. We will put you in touch with the career consultant who works with majors you are looking to hire.

Employer Agreement Statement

The Cooperative Education Program will be made available to those companies and organizations who abide by the statements listed below. Your organization's request to post Co-op positions confirms its willingness to comply. UConn Career Services reserves the right to sever its relationship if the company is found not to comply with one or more of the following:

• Appoint a liaison to maintain contact with the Co-op Program.
• Advise the Co-op Program of appropriate work opportunities and provide comprehensive descriptions of each position.
• Review applications from qualified candidates, as referred by the Co-op Program, without regard to sex, sexual orientation/preference, color, religion, race, handicap, national origin, age, or veteran status.
• Provide selected students with paid, professional-level employment, related to the student's field of study.
• Provide Co-op students with quality supervision, and provide supervisors with specific information about the policies and guidelines of the University of Connecticut's Co-op Program.
• Provide Co-op students with full-time (minimum of 35 hours/week), for a minimum of one semester. Summer extensions can be arranged between employer and student.
• The employer also agrees not to make an offer of permanent full-time employment to Co-op students prior to their return to the University of Connecticut and completing their degree program. This does not prohibit part-time, summer and semester break opportunities. The employer is not obligated to offer the student permanent employment upon graduation, nor is the student obligated to accept any such offer, should it be made.
• Permit on-site visits and/or conference calls by a representative of the University of Connecticut for the purpose of evaluating a student's work situation.
• Complete and share with the student a written evaluation provided by the Co-op Program.
• Inform the Co-op Program of any changes in the student's work status.