the SCOOP newsletter

News from CO-Op/Student Employment Fall 2011

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What is Cooperative Education?

Cooperative Education (CO-OP) is an academic program, which combines a student’s formal academic study with special periods of practical work experience in business and industry, government, and professional or service organizations.

The work experience is an integral component of the student’s education, which supplements academic knowledge with personal growth and professional development. This work experience is related to the student’s major field of study and allows students to earn college credit while working. CO-OP classes are listed as electives in most academic programs. CO-OP opportunities may be paid positions or performed on a volunteer basis. You may register for CO-OP Classes any time during the semester.

Student's Academic Requirement

Must have 2.0 overall grade point average (GPA) or must receive CO-OP departmental approval and maintain that GPA while participating.
Must meet the eligibility requirements for CO-OP in your curriculum area and be recommended for CO-OP.
Must work a minimum of 160 hours to receive 1 credit hour or 320 hours to receive 2 credit hours toward fulfilling your graduation requirements.
Must have completed 9 credit hours or departmental approval.

Benefits to the Students

Build job qualifications for future employment
Earn college credit while working
Increase self-confidence
Reaffirm career choices
Boost GPA
Obtain financial support
Gain professional experience
Network with prospective employers

Benefits for Employer

Introduces students to your company policies, work ethic, requirements
and operation.
Gives you the chance to evaluate prospective employees aptitudes and
capabilities before making a long-term commitment.
Frees professional personnel for more creative and responsible decision making
functions.
Saves on personnel recruitment costs.
Develops students who become ambassadors for your company.
Presents the opportunity for industry to become a partner in the educational
process.

Employer Responsibilities

Interview and select appropriate CO-OP for the company.
Provide opportunity for CO-OP student to perform practical jobs or tasks
related to their academic major or career interests.
Provide supervision of student at the work site.
Provide job description to student.
Permit faculty and/or CO-OP Representative to conduct several on-site
visits with student and their supervisor

Study on CO-OP Students

A grant was awarded to North Carolina to study Cooperative Education Students. The findings concluded that Cooperative Education students:

Stayed in school and completed their course of study
Stayed focused in their career choice; they did not change majors
Found employment in less time
Were offered a higher beginning salary
Maintained a higher GPA

Current CO-OP Programs

A/C Heating, Refrigeration Tech
Accounting
Architectural Technology
Associate of Arts
Associate of Fine Arts
Associate of Science
Automotive Systems Tech
Biomedical Equipment Tech
Biotechnology
Computer Engineering Tech
Broadcasting Production Tech
Business Administration/Mgmt
Civil Engineering Technology
Computer Information Technology
Computer Programming
Criminal Justice Technology
Dietetic Technician
Early Childhood Associate
Electronics Engineering Tech

Electronics/Electrical Tech
Emergency Preparedness
Fire Protection Tech
Human Services
Industrial Systems Tech
Information Systems Security
Machining Technology
Mechanical Engineering Tech
Medical Office Administration
Networking Technology
Office Systems Technology
Office Systems Technology-Legal
Paralegal Technology
Veterinary Medical Technology
Web Technologies
Welding Tech

How can I find out more about Cooperative Education?

Call or visit the Cooperative Education Department located in the Dalpiaz building, room 102 or 115. (See contacts)

You may register for CO-OP Classes any time during the semester

Student Employment

The Student Employment Office has a full range of career opportunities available, helping students present themselves effectively as candidates, and aiding them in finding part-time, full-time, temporary, and summer employment. In addition to current students, the placement office is available to service all prospective graduates and alumni of the college.

Job opening information is posted on http://www.collegecentral.com/gastoncollege. A sampling of job openings are posted on a job board located between the bookstore and Linda’s Campus Café in the Myers Center of the Dallas campus. Websites of area agencies are accessed frequently for current job opportunities and made available for students to review.

A representative from the Cooperative Education/Student Employment Office will be on the Lincoln campus each Thursday morning to share information about Cooperative Education (Co-op) and current job openings. Feel free to drop by room 205 for employment assistance and to learn how you can receive college credit from a job that relates to your academic major.

Cooperative Education/Student Employment has an annual “Career Day” generally held in the spring. This is an excellent opportunity for students to explore career choices and make beneficial employer contacts. An average range of 75-100 employers attend Career Day each year. Information regarding our next Career Day will be forthcoming.

How can I find out more about Cooperative Education?

Call or visit the Cooperative Education Department located in the Dalpiaz building, room 102 or 115. (See contacts)

Contacts
If you have any questions, please contact the following

Name	Phone	Area
Brenda Kincaid, Director kincaid.brenda@gaston.edu	704.922.6247	CO-OP & Student Employment
Joy Morrow, Student Employment and Cooperative Education Job Developer/Coordinator morrow.joy@gaston.edu	704.922.6360	CO-OP & Student Employment
Melissa Fox, Cooperative Education and Student Employment Specialist fox.melissa@gaston.edu	704.922.6212	CO-OP & Student Employment
Vickie Smith, Secretary (PT) smith.vickie@gaston.edu	704.922.6525	Student Employment *Only*

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