What is CoOp?
Cooperative Education is a supervised career related work experience lasting a minimum of three semesters.  The CoOp program is highly structured to provide continuing developmental experiences that bring together practical applications and the academic studies that the student is pursuing.  Employers should provide the student with a mentor; assist with a semester work plan, and a performance evaluation at the end of each semester.  CoOp's are always paid and the student always receives academic credit.  Employers interested in starting a CoOp program should contact Career Services at 850-474-2254 and discuss possibilities with the Assistant Director for Experiential Learning.

CoOp Models
There are three models of CoOp, alternating, parallel and sequential. The alternating model is more traditional with one semester at work full time followed by a semester at school full time.  This schedule continues until the student has completed two full semesters at work and two full semesters at school.  The parallel model is more commonly used by UWF employers.  This model requires that the student work part time between 15 to 25 hours a week and attend classes 3/4 time with approximately 9 credit hours.  The student follows this program for three consecutive semesters.The sequential model allows the student to work two back to back semesters with an employer full time (spring/summer, summer/fall, fall/spring). The student completes his or her co-op in two semesters.

CoOp Expectations
Employers should not only provide work related to the students field of study but also work increasing in challenge and responsibilities.  Students are expected to continue their academic studies while achieving a minimum GPA and academic progress.  The student must also follow the employer’s regulations and guidelines.  Career Services should be contacted if the student is not meeting expectations.  Students continuing to not meet expectations after mentoring should not be invited back for subsequent semesters.

What is an internship?
An internship is a supervised career related work experience usually lasting one semester.  The internship should provide developmental experiences that bring together the practical applications and academic studies that the student is pursuing.  Employers should provide the student with a mentor and a performance evaluation at the end of the internship.  Internships can take place in any number of organizations, non-profit agencies, corporations, government, policy institutions, and neighborhood centers.

Compensation
Internships can be paid, for academic credit, or both.  Paid internships are recommended to be paid at the level of experience that the student brings into the position.  Academic credit is granted by the academic department that the student is associated with.  Employers should also review the Fair Labor Standards Act to determine if the position should be paid or not.  More detailed information about starting an internship program can be found in the Starting an Internship Program PDF. UWF Career Services does not award nor make arrangements for academic credit, but will direct you to the appropriate academic department.

Internship Expectations
Employers should not only provide work related to the students field of study but also work increasing in challenge and responsibilities.  Students are expected to continue their academic studies while achieving a minimum GPA and academic progress.  The student is also expected to follow the employer’s regulations and guidelines.  The Career Services Office should be contacted if the student is not meeting expectations.  Students not meeting expectations after mentoring may be dismissed.

Getting Started