INFORMATION CONCERNING COOPERATIVE WORK
1. Cooperative work is employment which, as much as possible, is designed to combine the theoretical
work of the classroom with the practical application required by industry. All cooperative work must be
approved by the Food Marketing Cooperative Education Program Placement Director (the “Director”).
To graduate, three employment periods (as described below) are required in the five-year Food
Marketing Cooperative Education Program.
2. Each employment period must be at least 16 weeks. Saint Joseph’s University Academic
requirements must also be fulfilled during this time as directed by the Academic Director.
3.
If tuition and/or fees are due while the student is working, they must be paid at the time specified by
Saint Joseph's University. If tuition is not paid, the student will no longer be a registered student at
Saint Joseph’s University and credit will not be granted for the then current term of work. Regular
semester tuition charges will be assessed for semesters spent on campus; summer sessions and
charges for the nine cooperative work credits will be priced on a per hour credit, proportional basis.
4. The control of the student's placement is with the Director. However, the students must secure the
position themselves through an interview employment process with prospective employers.
5. The employer must be given two weeks notice of the end of the 6 month work period when a
cooperative student leaves a job, and if necessary, be given a written notification.
6. Always confer with the Director first if things are not going right on the job. Confer with your Director
promptly if you are having any problems. If a student is laid off, the student must notify the Director
immediately.
7. If an employer discharges a cooperative student for cause as approved by Saint Joseph’s University,
or if a student leaves a cooperative position without the consent of the Director, the student may be
removed as a registered student at Saint Joseph’s University. Refer to the Saint Joseph’s University
Catalog and Student Handbook for disciplinary action and judicial processes. Remember, while
participating in the cooperative program you are always a registered student of the University.
8. An employer approved written report is required for each work assignment. The written report is due
on an assigned date set forth in the outline distributed by the Faculty Program Advisor. Credit for the
employment period is determined on the basis of reports submitted by the student and by the
employer.
9. Many jobs require employees to work on Sundays and on shift work. If you are occasionally asked to
work such irregular hours, you are expected to abide by the request as other employees would. Do
not ask for special favors. Overtime work is necessary on many jobs and must be performed when
required. School holidays are not holidays for students while on cooperative work.
10. Notify the Director of the Cooperative Education Program of any changes in address, telephone
number, or other relevant information.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Due to changing economic conditions and variable job opportunities, it may be necessary to locate
students in companies beyond normal commuting distance from their homes. This would require a
change of residence.
Your supervisor will measure you by the quantity and quality of your work, and you stand or fall on your
own merits. On the job you are not first a college student; you are first an employee.
Never quit your employment or refuse any assigned job. The supervisor normally plans ahead for
everyone's work, yours included. If you are sick arid unable to report in person, send a telephone
message to your firm. Notify the Director at once if illness or disability necessitates absence from work for
an extended period.
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR FUTURE MANAGERIAL DUTIES BY LEARNING THE POINTS OF VIEW
OF BOTH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE. Evaluate things by keeping your mind open and your actions
fair to both parties.
Develop a reputation for good judgment. Do not be afraid to ask questions. A good rule is to think over a
question twice before asking.
Do not expect personal attention from your department head. He or she may ignore you entirely, but
knows whether or not you are making good. In most cases his or her idea of you depends upon your
ability to please your immediate supervisor.
Be honest about your mistakes. Take the blame when you are responsible for defective work. Profit by
your mistakes; do not make the same one twice. Be sure you understand instructions.
Any foolish act of one student hurts every student, present and future. A clean-cut, adult attitude on and
off the job will not only bring credit to yourself and to Saint Joseph’s Food Marketing, but it will help all the
students who come after you.
Our cooperative positions are with some of the best employers in the United States. It is hoped, through
your cooperative experiences, that many favorable opportunities for future permanent associations with
these employers will be presented to you.
And so, we wish you good luck and success in your cooperative work. We will help you - but we can't take
over your job which is building your own future!
Food Marketing Cooperative Education Program
Jerry Bradley
Placement Director