Student Affairs

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CooPerative eduCation Program
WHAT IS THE CO-OP PROGRAM
Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an academic
engaged-learning program designed to provide the
student with an opportunity to learn and work under
a mentor in their field of study. Cooperative Education
represents an educational partnership between the
university and participating companies.
• Students are employed full-time, with pay, by the
participating company.
• Semesters of co-op rotations typically alternate
with semesters of classes and result in significant
full-time experience for each student.
• The students’ experiences are monitored and
evaluated by an academic staff of co-op advisors to
ensure a successful teaching and learning process.
• Companies serve as teaching partners of the
university and the co-op experience becomes an
integral part of the student’s education.
Beyond the educational benefits of the program,
students agree the significant full-time experience the
program offers gives them a competitive edge when
seeking employment upon graduation.
THE CO-OP COURSES
Students enrolled in the program register for the
appropriate co-op course (COOP 1010, etc.) for each
rotation and receive a grade of Pass or No Pass. Students
receive academic recognition on their transcript, although
no credit hours are awarded.
• Students pay a program participation fee each semester
or summer session that they are on a co-op rotation.
• In responding to questions about student status related
to health insurance, scholarships, loans, etc., the
university classifies a student on a co-op rotation as a
full-time continuing student.
LOCATION: Hendrix, Suite 316
HOW TO ENTER THE CO-OP PROGRAM
Students interested in seeking a co-op assignment should
contact the co-op Program office early in the semester
before they want to begin their first rotation. The fall
semester is the time to interview for assignments that begin
in January and the spring semester is the time to interview
for assignments that begin in May or August.
Tell me and I forget
Show me and I remember
Involve me and I understand
This ancient proverb expresses so well what the co-op Program is about.
Co-op assignments add a contextual dimension to the curriculum as students
are challenged to think critically and creatively within a work setting.
• When given the chance to apply theory that is learned in class, students
gain a greater understanding of the material from a different perspective.
• Students report when they are on a co-op rotation, they learn new concepts
in their field as well as material not yet covered in their classes.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Most students enter the program as sophomores or juniors. All students must have declared their majors. Students must
have a minimum Clemson University GPA of 2.5 and be enrolled in a full-time (minimum 12 credit hours) course load.
• Transfer students must have an established Clemson University GPA before entering the program.
• Mechanical engineering students must successfully complete ME 2010-Statics & Dynamics, before beginning the
placement process.
• Chemical engineering students must be in the second semester of their sophomore year before entering.
Completion of the Co-op Program is a curricular requirement for some majors such as Packaging Science. Packaging
Science students normally complete the program in two back-to-back rotations during one six-month period.
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