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Co-op Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are Co-op and Internship positions paid?

  2. How can I work and still be considered a student?

  3. Can I co-op during the summers only?

  4. Can I change employers during my co-op?

  5. How long will it take me to complete school if I co-op?

  6. Can I develop my own co-op job?

  7. Are transfer students eligible for the Co-op Program?

  8. Will I receive any special recognition for completing the Co-op Program?

  9. How much does it cost to participate?

  10. How do I get a co-op job?

  11. Can I take classes while working as a co-op?

  12. Can I get financial aid during my co-op work semester?

  13. What happens if I change my major while I'm participating in the Co-op Program?

  14. I'm an International student.  Can I apply for the Co-op Program?

  15. Who handles housing arrangements if I'm not working in the Atlanta-metro area?

  16. Can I talk with a staff member about the Co-op Program?

 
1.
 Are Co-op and Internship positions paid?
  Yes, all Co-op and Internship positions are paid. The Career and Counseling Center will provide students with unpaid internship opportunities; however, we will not automatically refer your resume to those positions.
2. How can I work and still be considered a student?
  By registering for a full-time SPSU Co-op, you retain your full-time student status (even if you are not taking any additional classes/credits). When completing a full-time assignment, student loans do not become due and those covered by family health insurance will not be dropped.
3. Can I co-op during the summers only?
  No. Students who enter the co-op program sign an agreement to fulfill a commitment of three or more alternating work periods. You should not enter the program unless you plan to fulfill this agreement.
4. Can I change employers during my co-op?
TOP No. The only time this is allowed is if you change to another field of study or your original employer can no longer employ you due to circumstances beyond your control.
5. How long will it take me to complete school if I co-op?
  That will depend on you. The requirement of the Co-op program is that you be registered full-time while in school so if you only take a minimum of 12 credit hours while in school you will delay graduation longer than the average of one year.
6. Can I develop my own co-op job?
  Yes, if the work is related to the student's major and the employer has agreed with the policies of the Co-op program and registers with the Center.
7. Are transfer students eligible for the Co-op Program?
  Yes. Transfer students may begin interviewing during their first semester at SPSU if they meet all eligibility requirements.
8. Will I receive any special recognition for completing the Co-op Program?
TOP Yes. Your co-op work experience is a permanent part of your transcript. You are awarded a co-op seal on your diploma upon graduation.
9. How much does it cost to participate?
  There is no additional cost to participate in the Co-op program. Co-op involvement is documented on your transcript as “non-contact credit hours” so students do not pay any additional fees.
10. How do I get a co-op job?
 
  • Meet the eligibility requirements of the Co-op Program.
  • Attend a Co-op Orientation.
  • Complete the Co-op Application and Applicant Agreement forms.
  • Register in Career Link (jobs database).
  • Have your resume critiqued by someone in the Career and Counseling Center, then upload the resume into the Career Link jobs database.
11. Can I take classes while working as a co-op?
  Students can take a maximum of 2 classes during their Co-op work semester. Students should not plan to take classes during their 1st Co-op rotation to allow time to adjust to the demands of their new position with the employer.
12. Can I get financial aid during my co-op work semester?
TOP Contact the Office of Financial Aid and tell them your situation. Be sure to let them know you will be on your Co-op work semester. They will advise you as to any aid you might be eligible for if you are also enrolled in classes (maximum of 2).
13. What happens if I change my major while I'm participating in the Co-op Program?
  The Co-op should contact the Co-op Coordinator immediately. The Co-op program allows and encourages students to evaluate their academic decisions throughout their co-op experience. Many employers are versatile and understanding of this process and will often allow the co-op to continue working in another department provided there is an opening.
14. I'm an International student.  Can I apply for the Co-op Program?
  International students are not currently authorized to participate in the Co-op program based on INS rules. They are however eligible for the Internship program.
15. Who handles housing arrangements if I'm not working in the Atlanta-metro area?
  Housing arrangements are usually worked out between the student and the employer; however, this is not a guaranteed benefit provided by every employer. Students who have difficulty finding cost effective housing should communicate that with the employer and the Co-op Coordinator.
16. Can I talk with a staff member about the Co-op Program?
TOP Yes. The office is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Summer hours are 7:30am to 6:00pm Monday through Thursday. The university is closed on Friday's during the summer term as an energy conservation initiative.