University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

• Trained motivated workers
• Employees with special skills for projects
• Qualified employees to meet needs for increased business or seasonal demands
• Improved access to special populations
• Develop pool of qualified full-time applicants
• Decreased cost of recruitment and training
• Improved employee retention

• Enhance UW-Stout's reputation for preparing students for the real demands of the world of work
• Employer recognition and support for university programs
• Employer input regarding university programs

Cooperative Education at UW-Stout is centrally coordinated through Career Services in cooperation with the various colleges (majors, minors and concentrations) of the university.

Work periods are usually one semester or summer in length. However, a summer can be combined with the previous or following semester. A six-month period may be preferred, such as January through June or July through December. Positions can be established on an annual basis and filled by alternating co-op students.

A "parallel co-op" for students to work part time while attending school part time is possible for employers located within commuting distance of Menomonie.

• Provide a supervised work experience related to a program offered by UW-Stout
• Provide a position description relating to the program showing types of learning experiences and responsibilities. UW-Stout faculty mentors must approve the position for college credit. While the description can be brief, some specifics are very helpful
• Select student employees through interviews or by evaluating applications
• Communicate with student regarding work schedules, supervision, safety regulations, appearance, personnel policies and other procedures
• Supervise and evaluate work performance of co-op student
• Communicate with university mentors and co-op staff for purposes of evaluation and program improvement, or in the case of dissatisfaction with student performance
• Provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment
• Provide a safe work environment

Cooperative Education is a paid work experience. Salaries should be fair, competitive and commensurate with wages paid full-time employees for similar assignments with consideration for training and experience. Optional benefits are determined by the employer.

Co-op student wages are considered excluded for unemployment insurance purposes if the student is registered for academic credit through the university. Refer to Wisconsin State Unemployment Insurance Statute 108.02(15)j1 at www.unemployment.wi.gov, or call the Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance: Tax and Accounting Department at 608/261-6700. 

Housing arrangements are the responsibility of the student. A number of employers provide assistance, which may be an attractive benefit to applicants.

The UW-Stout Career Services staff is service-oriented and offers cooperation and flexibility to meet employer and student needs.

Minimum requirements of Co-op

• Submission and approval of Cooperative Education Program Position Description form.
• All co-op positions must be paid; salary is determined by employer.
• Cooperative Education at UW-Stout requires a minimum of 320 hours of experience per semester.
• Furnish student performance appraisals to provide feedback to the student and to the university.
• Provide a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.
• Provide a safe work environment

The position will be reviewed for approval. Upon approval you will be contacted regarding the service you would like to use to find candidates (posting the position, interviewing on-campus or viewing student resumes).