Wentworth Institute of Technology
Cooperative Education – Student Handbook1
Welcome to the co-op process. This document outlines the requirements, expectations and policies for
your cooperative education experience at Wentworth. As a student preparing for co-op, review this
document carefully. Discuss any questions with your Co-op Advisor during your co-op preparation
semester.
How Cooperative Education Works
Cooperative education (co-op) is full-time, temporary employment in your field of study that enables
you to connect classroom learning with professional work experience. Co-op at Wentworth is a
graduation requirement. All undergraduate day division students successfully complete two co-op
semesters (COOP400, COOP600) in order to graduate. Optional co-op (COOP300, COOP500) does not
fulfill the graduation requirement. Grading for co-op is based on completion of the work experience and
required assignments.
Your Co-op Advisor is knowledgeable about your major, professions in your field of study, employment
trends, and is experienced coaching students in job search, career development and the co-op process.
Meet with your Co-op Advisor at the beginning of your co-op preparation semester and periodically
throughout the semester. Your Co-op Advisor works with you individually and in small groups on all
aspects of your co-op search including: resume, portfolio and cover letters, email and phone
correspondence, networking, job applications and follow up, interviewing, accepting a job offer and
preparing for the workplace. You are expected to dedicate time and energy to your co-op search
throughout the entire semester. Your Co-op Advisor maintains contact with you while you are at your
co-op job, and debriefs with you when you return the next academic semester.
Co-op employment must be related to your major and approved by Career Services. The minimum
length of a co-op term is 32 hours per week for at least 12 weeks, extending through the last day of
classes. If your employment period ends earlier due to your employer’s economic reality, you may be
allowed to end co-op early.
Eligibility for Co-op
Eligibility for co-op is determined by your class standing and cumulative GPA. Students with double
majors are required to complete three co-op terms.
Co-op Course
COOP300
COOP400
1
Class year
Sophomore
Junior
Optional or Mandatory
Optional
Mandatory
This Handbook is not a contract between Wentworth and any student and its contents and the policies and
guidelines contained in it can be changed at any time without notice.
COOP600
Senior
Mandatory
COOP500*
Senior
Optional
* COOP500 requires Co-op Advisor approval. COOP600 is a pre-requisite for COOP500. You may
register for COOP500 more than once.
Minimum GPA
You must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 to be eligible for co-op.
Transfer Students
Transfer students must complete one full semester in residence before being eligible for a co-op
semester. Transfer students are advised to work with their faculty academic advisor to plan remaining
course work and co-op semesters before meeting with their Co-op Advisor. Provide your Co-op Advisor
with a copy of your course tracking sheet.
Transferable Work Experience as Substitute for Co-op (IPC)
Co-op credit may be granted by transfer of work credit from another educational institution that has a
cooperative education program with similar standards, or full-time, substantial work experience in your
major field for a minimum of eight consecutive months (for each co-op substitution). If you are
considering the Petition for Industrial or Professional Credit (IPC), contact your Co-op Advisor for more
information.
Searching for a Co-op Job and Preparing for Co-op Employment
Co-op Application Process:
Start preparing for your co-op one semester before the beginning of the co-op work semester and
earlier if possible. Your first step is to submit the Co-op Application (online at www.wit.edu/careerservices ) within the first four weeks of the co-op preparation semester.
Initial Meeting with your Co-op Advisor:
You are required to attend an intake meeting with your Co-op Advisor at the beginning of your co-op
preparation semester. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss your professional interests, goals for coop, introduce you to WITworks, and begin the process of creating tools and strategies for your co-op
search. Meet periodically with your Co-op Advisor throughout the preparation semester.
Co-op Job Postings on WITworks:
WITworks is the Wentworth online job board for both co-op and full-time positions. Employers post
approved positions on the system and recruit students directly. Your Co-op Advisor will assign you
access to co-op job postings on WITworks once your approved resume is posted on the system.
Accepting a co-op job:
Once you accept a co-op job your search ends. All acceptances of a co-op, either verbally or in writing,
are considered a formal commitment to that employer. Once you accept a co-op job:
1. Inform your Co-op Advisor.
2. Stop applying for jobs; stop interviewing and cancel any scheduled interviews.
3. Inform employers you have been in contact with that you and are no longer available and would
like to be removed from their list of job candidates.
4. Complete the Report a Co-op Hire on WITworks.
Reneging on an accepted co-op job is a serious offense, and students who do that harm their
professional reputation as well as jeopardize opportunities with that employer for future Wentworth
students. Consequences for students who renege on an accepted co-op job may include, but are not
limited to: losing access to WITworks-posted jobs, losing access to Career Center resources, failing coop.
Enrollment in another course while on co-op:
Students may not enroll in other courses at Wentworth during their co-op semester. However, in
unusual circumstances, a student may request to enroll in another course. Permission (by email) to
enroll in additional courses during the co-op semester is required from the student’s faculty academic
advisor, employer and co-op advisor.
Co-op Abroad
Students working outside the United Stated for co-op employment are required to complete additional
paperwork during the co-op preparation semester. This applies to all students, including international
students returning to their home country for employment. The additional forms are available from your
Co-op Advisor.
Co-op Assignments
Your co-op assignments will be completed through WITworks. Reminders will be delivered to your
Wentworth email account, so it’s important that you check your Wentworth email throughout your coop semester.
Report a Co-op Hire: Complete the Report a Co-op Hire record after you accept your job and as soon as
you know your starting date and supervisor contact information. Your Co-op Advisor and supervisor
submit electronic approvals after you complete the record. If your supervisor changes after you report
your co-op, inform your Co-op Advisor. Students who do not complete the Report a Co-op Hire will be
withdrawn from co-op registration.
Co-op Learning Goals: Together with your supervisor, define three learning goals for your co-op
semester. Keep your goals nearby throughout your co-op semester so you can review your progress
from time to time. At the end of your co-op semester you will be asked to reflect on your Learning
Goals.
Co-op Student Evaluation: At the end of the co-op semester you will reflect on your co-op experience,
accomplishments, and assess your professional and general workplace skills by completing the Co-op
Student Evaluation. You will also evaluate whether you met the Learning Goals you defined at the
beginning of the semester. A link to this online evaluation will be emailed to you approximately one
month before the semester ends.
Co-op Employer Evaluation: Feedback from your employer is important to you and to Wentworth. At
the end of the co-op semester your supervisor provides feedback about your experience,
accomplishments, and assesses your professional and general workplace skills. A link to this online
evaluation will be emailed to your supervisor approximately one month before the semester ends.
Resume: Submit an updated resume including your most recent co-op experience. Keep a draft of your
resume on your desktop at work. Whenever you are given a new task or learning experience, add it to
your resume.
While you are on Co-op
As an ambassador of Wentworth, your work performance impacts your employer, Wentworth, and
future co-op students. While on your co-op job, it is expected that you will conduct yourself as a
professional at all times while taking advantage of opportunities to learn about your profession. Treat
your co-op job like a 12-week interview.
Completing Your Co-op
Co-op Assignments and Grading:
Co-op grading is Satisfactory “S”/Unsatisfactory “U”. Grades are based on satisfactory completion of
your co-op job and satisfactory completion of assignments.
Exit Interviews:
Career Services encourages you to meet with your Co-op Advisor for an exit interview to debrief your
co-op semester. Contact your Co-op Advisor at the beginning of your next academic semester to
schedule the meeting.
International Students
International students participating in co-op in the U.S. must apply through International Student
Services (located in the Student Service Center) for off-campus work authorization.
Required Co-op (400 or 600): International students participating in required co-op must be issued a
new Form I-20 authorizing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) prior to beginning employment. Failure to
obtain the new I-20 prior to beginning co-op employment is a violation of F-1 Student status. Students
should contact International Student Services for instructions on how to apply for CPT. Application
processing time is approximately one week.
Optional Co-op (300 or 500): International students participating in optional co-op must apply through
International Student Services for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and be approved for OPT by the U.S.
government prior to beginning employment. Failure to be approved for OPT prior to beginning co-op
employment is a violation of F-1 Student status. Students should contact International Student Services
for instructions on how to apply for OPT. ISS will issue a new Form I-20 recommending OPT and the
student will then send the application to the U.S. government. Government processing time is
approximately 2 – 3 months.
International students may be prohibited from employment where United States citizenship or a
security clearance is required as a condition of employment.
In addition to reporting co-op employment in Report a Co-op Hire on WITworks, international students
must complete an additional paper Supplemental Co-op Approval Form, available from the International
Student Services office. The form must be signed by the Co-op Advisor and submitted by the student to
the international student advisor.
Co-op Policies
Opportunities for Employment
While every attempt is made to assist you to find co-op employment, Career Services does not
guarantee employment. Co-op schedules are set by employers and are subject to business conditions,
job requirements, location, student availability, and other factors. You must be an active participant in
finding a co-op opportunity which will meet the requirements of your program. You are ultimately
responsible for securing the required co-op opportunities and successfully completing them.
Employer Choice and Responsibility
Final responsibility for interviewing, evaluating, and selecting students for employment lies with the
prospective employer. Being under the direction and supervision of the employing unit during each
work period, the student is an employee of the employer.
Absences and medical leave
Your employer expects your attendance will be regular and punctual. Contact your supervisor
immediately if you must be absent due to an illness or emergency. If the absence totals more than 5
business days, inform your Co-op Advisor as well. If you must take time off, request the time several
weeks in advance from your supervisor. Permission for the time off rests solely with the employer. If
time off totals more than 5 business days, inform your Co-op Advisor. While on co-op, the employer
sets any holidays and time off, not Wentworth.
ADA and Students with Disabilities
Co-op Advisors work together with staff in the Center for Wellness and Disability Services to assist
students with disabilities in their preparation for co-op.
The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 provides that employees with disabilities are
entitled to an equal opportunity to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities
available to others. Covered employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to
qualified student employees with known disabilities who request them. Wentworth Institute of
Technology does not condone or tolerate any discrimination toward students with disabilities.
Discrimination and Harassment
Federal laws prohibit discrimination in employment based upon race, color, religion, religious creed,
genetics, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran, or disability status. Massachusetts prohibits
discrimination also based upon sexual orientation and gender identity. Wentworth Institute of
Technology does not condone or tolerate any form of discrimination toward students on the basis of a
protected classification.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination and is a serious concern in the workplace.
Wentworth Institute of Technology does not condone or tolerate any form of sexual harassment toward
students.
While Career Services does not refer students to co-op sites that have been the subject of complaints of
discrimination by students in the past, it cannot ensure that any site is free of illegal or unethical
behavior. If you experience any kind of discrimination or harassment, notify your Co-op Advisor as soon
as possible. Vice President Anne Gill (617-989-4193) is the Title IX coordinator for all claims of
discrimination. You should also consider options available through the Boston Area Office of the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (800-669-4000) and the Massachusetts Commission
Against Discrimination (617-994-6000) or another agency in the state in which you may be working.
Foreign countries have different laws concerning discrimination which do not align, in all cases, with
what laws in the United States require.
Taxes and Unemployment Insurance
Wages paid to co-op students are subject to federal income taxes, state income taxes and Social Security
taxes. International students pay federal and state taxes, but not Social Security taxes.
Co-op students are not subject to unemployment provisions at the end of their co-op placement under
the Federal Unemployment Tax Act Provision, Title XXVI, Section 3306 (c)(10)(C). In Massachusetts,
Employers do not include any student-employee’s wages in their payrolls subject to federal and state
employment security taxes. Students having co-ops in other states should speak to the Human
Resources department of their employer and check the state’s web sites for more information. Usually,
as in Massachusetts, when a position is for a specified limited duration unemployment benefits are not
available at the end of the position. Please understand how applying for unemployment benefits when
you are not eligible may affect your future relationship with your employer.
If you co-op ends and you continue employment, other rules will apply.
Fair Labor Standards Act
Student employees are not specifically exempt under this Act which sets forth minimum wages and rules
concerning over-time. Unless your position is one that, by its nature, is exempt under the act, you are
included in its provisions for minimum wages, hours, and overtime pay. Each employer is responsible
for ascertaining whether the co-op position is specifically exempt under the act.
Employment as Consultant or Independent Contractor
Wentworth Institute of Technology does not consider it appropriate for employers to engage the
services of students as consultants or independent contractors and Career Services cautions you not to
accept co-op positions under these conditions.
Should you on your own choose to accept such a position, then that decision is solely yours. The
Institute takes this position due to the fact that students on co-op are assigned duties and are
supervised by the employer, and the work performed is for the benefit of the employer. There are
additional concerns about possible lack of student awareness about the status of their protection under
workman’s compensation, payroll deductions for taxes and social security, and possible penalties should
students fail to pay self-employment taxes.
Termination of co-op by employer
Employers may discharge you, just as they would any employee, for many reasons, including
unsatisfactory performance, incompetence, irregular attendance or tardiness, or unacceptable attitude
or behavior. Employers are encouraged to contact Career Services before initiating action, so we can
work with you and them to resolve the problem. If you are discharged, notify your Co-op Advisor
immediately. The consequences for students who are fired from a co-op job due to poor performance
may include, but are not limited to: losing access to WITworks-posted jobs, losing access to Career
Center resources, failing co-op.
GPA Policy and Appeal Process
Students ineligible for co-op due to low GPA will be notified in writing and email at the end of the
semester that their GPA below 2.0 makes them ineligible for co-op the following semester. If you
receive such notification, you may petition, in writing, within 10 business days of notification of
ineligibility. The petition is available from Career Services, and you must secure permission from your
faculty academic advisor, department chair, and Co-op Advisor. Decisions on petitions will be decided
by the Career Services Director and/or Associate Director.
If the appeal is denied, the student will inform the employer; the Co-op Advisor will follow up with the
employer regarding the student’s change in status and the student will be dropped from co-op. The
student may choose to register for academic courses, or be considered a walk-away for the
semester. While the employer may decide to hire the student for the semester anyway, the work will
not be eligible for co-op credit, including consideration for a Petition for Industrial and Professional
Credit (IPC).
Walking at Graduation with Incomplete Co-op
It is the policy of Wentworth Institute of Technology that only those students who have met all the
academic and financial requirements for graduation are to participate in the Commencement ceremony,
including walking across the stage and shaking the hand of the President. However, in unusual and
hardship circumstances, a student who will complete no more than eight credits or one semester of
cooperative education within the subsequent semester after the ceremony (May - complete in the
following summer semester; August - complete in the following fall semester) may request of the
academic department chair, permission to “walk-on” the stage and participate in the ceremony with his
or her classmates. The Graduation Walk-on Policy form is available in the Student Service Center. All
remaining courses must be registered before approval may be granted.