INTRODUCTION
The Cooperative Education program at University of Wisconsin-Stout is an excellent example of a working partnership between employers and an institution of higher learning. This integration of practical experience and academics results in a win-win situation for employer, student and university. UW-Stout has long recognized the value of practical work experience to strengthen university programs. Employer participation is invited.
Cooperative Education at UW-Stout is centrally coordinated through Career Services in cooperation with the various schools (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.
BENEFITS TO THE EMPLOYER
- Trained motivated workers.
- Employees with special skills for projects.
- Trained employees to meet needs for increased business or seasonal demands.
- Improved access to special populations.
- Decreased cost of recruitment and training.
- Improved employee retention.
UW-Stout benefits through the positive relationship with business, industry, agency, and government employers, resulting in support and advisement for university programs.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CO-OP EMPLOYER
- Provide a supervised work experience related to a program offered by UW-Stout.
- Provide a position description relating to the program and showing types of learning experiences and responsibilities. UW-Stout administrative staff 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 employee 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.
SALARY
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. Additional benefits are also 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 Statue 108.02(15)j1at unemployment.wi.gov. Unemployment Insurance: Tax and Accounting (608) 261-6700.
HOUSING
Housing arrangements are the responsibility of the student. Some employers provide assistance, which is appreciated.
RECRUITMENT/SELECTION TIMETABLE
The UW-Stout Career Services staff is service-oriented and offers cooperation and flexibility to meet employer needs.
FOR EMPLOYMENT TO BEGIN |
INTERVIEW |
January |
October to December |
May to September |
February to May |
Co-op Position Description: Co-op Requirements
Fill out this form to create a description of the co-op position being offered for potential candidates to view.