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