FAQs

1) WHAT IF I TAKE MOST OF MY CLASSES IN MOUNT VERNON? Go to this link: http://www.skagit.edu/directory.asp_Q_pagenumber_E_53 

2) WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO LOOK FOR A COOPERATIVE EDUCATION INTERNSHIP?

Answer:  There are many resources to help you find an internship. The Co-op/LIA office also has a list of employers who have a history of supporting work-based learning. Faculty often have community connections as well.

3) I AM ALREADY WORKING. IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE MY CURRENT JOB FOR THE WORK-BASED LEARNING REQUIREMENT?

Answer:  Yes, you may use your current job, If it relates directly to your major subject. Examples: an early childhood major working in a daycare center or a computer information systems major repairing computers for a school district. Please do not expect to maintain a flat line of responsibility at your current job should you use it as your co-op placement. You will be asked to develop some new goals and projects so you are using some new skills in your current job to fulfill co-op requirements.

3) WHEN SHOULD I REGISTER FOR COOPERATIVE EDUCATION?

Answer:  Most students take cooperative education in their second year of study, or at least after a few quarters. It's wise to check with your faculty. When you are ready, you may register for cooperative education as early as the first day the registration office accepts sign-ups for the next quarter. Register under the appropriate department.  For example, CIS 199, OFTEC 199, ECE 199, HFT 199 or MT 199.

4) MAY I START MY CO-OP EARLY?

Answer: Yes. You may start any time after you register, provided you have permission from your faculty sponsor and have met with the WIC co-op coordinator to receive instructions and applicable paperwork. If you meet with the coordinator and start early you are excused from and will receive credit for the Mandatory Orientation.

5) MAY I USE PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE IF IT RELATES TO MY CURRENT CLASSES OR PROGRAM?

Answer:  No. You may not use prior experience to receive credit because you had no Learning Contract with the Cooperative Education Office. The Learning Contract defines a goal or objective for what new learning or applied skills and outcomes you want to obtain BEFORE you actually begin the work.

6) IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO DO BESIDES REGISTER AND FIND A WORKSITE?

Answer:  Yes. All first-time cooperative education students need to complete an orientation session at the beginning of the quarter.  You will find the date, time and location in each quarterly schedule under "Cooperative Education Experience". At the orientation session you will receive a syllabus packet, which outlines the written, oral and work-related requirements for co-op.

7) I QUALIFY FOR WORK-STUDY. IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AND WORK-STUDY IN THE SAME JOB?

Answer:  Yes, as long as the Financial Aid Office says you're approved. The main difference between cooperative education and work-study is that co-op places emphasis on earning academic credit for work, while work-study focuses on earning money through financial aid. Just like the co-op internship, your work-study placement must match your major. 

6) HOW MANY CREDITS OF COOPERATIVE EDUCATION MUST I TAKE?

Answer:  The general requirement says there is a range of 1-15. Different programs have different requirements. You should discuss with your department chair or review your degree plan to learn how many credits are required.  

7) COOPERATIVE EDUCATION IS THE ONLY CLASS I'M TAKING THIS QUARTER.  IS IT POSSIBLE TO TAKE A LOT OF CREDITS (MORE THAN 5) OF COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AT ONCE?

Answer:  Taking more than five credits of co-op is extremely challenging, and most students underestimate the amount of written work that increases with the number of credits. If you must take more than five credits, be sure to discuss it with your faculty and co-op coordinator.

8) CAN I DO COOPERATIVE EDUCATION IN THE SUMMER?

Answer:  Yes, co-op is available year-round. Since most  faculty are away during the summer, it's wise to get the required approval sometime in the spring.

9) IF I TAKE TWO OR MORE CO-OP CREDITS, MAY I SPLIT THEM BETWEEN QUARTERS?

Answer:  Yes, if your faculty approves. Please keep in mind that each quarter you take co-op you must again complete all the written assignments and required forms.   See the co-op coordinator for more details.  It is quite common, for instance, for computer information systems (CIS) students to take two credits one quarter and three the next to fulfill their total of five credits.