Co-op Procedures for Employers

To create a co-op position:

• Develop basic job descriptions, including majors, skills, student learning objectives and pay range
• Designate a Co-op contact in your organization
• Keep the CDC informed about new student hires
• Forms required: Training Agreement and Employer Evaluation for each term the student is employed

For enrollment certification purposes, SIUE sponsored co-op participation is considered equivalent to full time enrollment. Formal enrollment in an approved co-op course through the CDC is required.

Position Criteria for Co-op

For a position to be eligible for co-op:

• The position(s) must be approved by the CDC
• Start and end dates for each co-op term must correspond with the academic calendar of SIUE
• Positions must be paid and in the student’s major field of study or career path
• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate level, 3.0 for graduate level.
• Employer must be willing to retain students at least two (2) terms
• International students and students in the School of Engineering may work one (1) term

Hiring International Students for Co-op

Co-op qualifies for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for International students, but these students must be at SIUE for at least nine (9) months before beginning a co-op assignment.

• Part-time Co-op: Employment of 20 hours or less per week
• Full-time Co-op: Employment of more than 20 hours per week. If engaged in for one year or more, this time may be deducted from Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• Employment authorization is not needed when offering employment, but it is needed to begin work: Letters of eligibility can be obtained through the International Student Services
• Positions must be major related and further the student’s academic interests

Start and end dates for CPT must be in accordance with pre-established deadlines for each academic term.

Participation Criteria

For a position to qualify as an internship:

• The position(s) must be approved by the CDC
• Start and end dates for each term must correspond with the academic calendar of SIUE
• Positions must be in the student’s major field of study or career path
• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate level, 3.0 for graduate level
• The position must be for at least 60 work-hours per semester