Getting Started
Student Information
Cooperative education links classroom theory with real job experience
Based on your field of study, you will be expected to successfully complete a specified combination of classroom and work experiences to earn co-op credit. Specific professional technical programs require Co-op credits for graduation. Some programs require prerequisites prior to placement in the field.
To earn co-op credit you are required to:
- Meet with the Co-op coordinator who is assigned to your academic area before you begin earning credit.
- Work 36 hours for each credit earned, a minimum of 3 credits per term which equals 108 hours of work, an average of 10 hours per week.
Co-op wages are at a rate of pay comparable to employees who do similar work. You may receive credit for non-paid placements. In certain cases, credit may be granted for current employment or College Work Study placements when the job is relevant to your academic studies. Normally, a maximum of 18 Co-op credits can be earned at Lane. All Co-op credits are graded.
To receive credit you must:
- Be currently enrolled at Lane Community College
- Be working toward a degree or program certification
- Be registered for three credits or more of Cooperative Education (Co-op Ed). Class fees are the same as any other credit class.
- Complete and sign a Cooperative Education Agreement form (must be signed by you, your co-op employer and co-op coordinator prior to working)
- Complete assignments as required by your coordinator which usually include an outline of your job goals and objectives and an assessment of your work experience.
Registration:
Registration for Cooperative Education is the same as any other Lane Community College class. Please refer to each terms College Schedule for registration numbers. All Cooperative Education classes are identified by the words "Co-op Ed" followed by a colon and the subject name.
