| Frequently Asked Questions About Co-op
How do I apply?
You can register on-line. The CDC requires that you complete the online Profile through JobLink and post at least one copry of your resume online to participate in on-campus recruiting activities. In addition, you must submit the $5.00 annual registration fee.
How will I find a job?
Most co-op applicants find their job through the Co-op Program in the Career Development Center. You may, however, choose to search for a job on your own. If you find a job on your own, you are required to submit a job description and an offer letter (for approval) to the co-op staff before accepting the job.
As an international student, may I go on co-op?
Yes, provided you have resided in the US for nine months prior to starting co-op employment, and the employer is willing to hire international students who are authorized for co-op curricular training. Your co-op position must be jointly approved by the CDC, your academic advisor and the International Student Services Office.
When is the best time to go on co-op?
Some students choose to go on co-op early in their academic program because they are unsure of their career plans and hope the experience will aid in their future decision making. Other students choose to co-op later because, after completing more courses, they can take on additional challenges at work. It is common for students to do consecutive summer and semester work tours, although it is not required. Freshman and sophomores who have technical summer jobs related to their academic major may get the position accepted as their first co-op tour, then do additional tours later. In any case, discuss your plans with your academic advisor and review Co-op Information by Major.
Do I have to pay tuition while on co-op?
No. You would only pay tuition for classes you take while on co-op. You also maintain your status as a full-time student during your co-op work term.
Can I get academic credit for co-op?
In general, credit is not given for co-op jobs. However, Electrical, Computer, & Systems Engineering will grant you credit for co-op experience. Check with your academic advisor BEFORE going on co-op to arrange for academic credit. SOme students have also been able to use co-op as the basis for an independent study course.
What do I do about medical insurance while on co-op?
If you live within 25 miles of campus, you will automatically be charged the Student Health Center fee and may use the Health Center as though you were taking classes. If you are more than 25 miles from the college, the Health Center fee is not charged, and you will not have access to the Center. You will be charged only for the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance policy unless you have waived the coverage (you may also inquire as to whether your co-op employer offers this benefit). If you are covered under your parents' medical insurance you must waive the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance policy while on co-op.
What do I do about housing and transportation while I am on co-op?
Although you are ultimately responsible for finding housing and transportation, your co-op employer can assist you in the housing search. During your co-op interviews, it is appropriate to ask if the employer offers assistance in finding housing and if you will need a car as transportation to work. The Career Development Center has a "Co-op Housing Binder" with information from former co-op students about housing, or you can check out some relocation websites in Career Links.
Will co-op affect my Financial Aid?
Financial Aid is an issue of major concern for most co-op students. While no one can guarantee that your co-op earnings will not have any impact on your financial aid package, the Director of Financial Aid will make every effort to minimize this impact. If you have any questions at all about financial aid, we encourage you to meet with your financial aid counselor before leaving for your co-op job.
Students who are on co-op assignment in the fall should be aware that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be mailed to their permanent address on or about December 1.
Students who are on co-op during the spring should be aware that the April deadline for submitting the FAFSA will not be extended for co-ops because they are away from campus.
Are there any other requirements for the program?
All new co-op students will attend a co-op student "briefing"; these are small-group meetings held toward the end of each semester, or if needed, on a individual basis. To provide professional development in the workplace, the co-op student's immediate supervisor will evaluate their job performance during each co-op tour. At the conclusion of the first co-op term(s), the student will be asked to write up a 3-5 page "work report" and submit it at a co-op "debriefing" held on campus after the co-op assignment has ended.
I need to file my Federal tax return, but I'm not sure if I also have to fill out forms for the state that I worked in, live in, or both. What should I do?
First, you almost assuredly will have earned enough income that you will have to file a Federal tax return. Second, the state tax laws for filing differ by state. Refer to our Federal and State tax links for further information. Also, please note that the Career Development Center (CDC) sponsors a tax workshop in the spring semester as does the Office for International Student Services (ISS) at Rensselaer. Both workshops will provide details on filing Federal and New York State returns, but the ISS workshop will also focus on the process as it relates to non-citizens.
May I still walk with my class during May Commencement ceremonies if I graduate in December because of co-op?
The Institute normally requires that students have no more than four credit remaining in their baccalaureate program to participate in Commencement. Because many co-op students graduate in December, they are permitted to walk as long as they have no more than 12 credits to complete. When you enroll in the co-op program, be sure to plan out the rest of your courses to be certain that you can participate in Commencement. You might also consider taking one or two courses, if necessary, during your co-op assignment or in the summer before co-op. (If you have between 5 and 12 credits, you will be asked to file a petition with the Registrar to walk at graduation.)
When do students typically go out on co-op? How many total co-op assignments do students usually have?
You are required to complete two work terms, one of which must be a semester. Most students choose consecutive terms such as spring-summer or summer-fall. However, it is permissible to work non-consecutive terms, too. For example, you could work a fall semester for your first co-op term and then the next two summers for second/third co-op terms. As yet another example, you could enroll in co-op with a summer job that you found on your own the summer after your sophomore year. You could then interview on campus for a summer-fall position during your junior year.
Please Note: Only in rare circumstances does the Co-op office permit students to be on a work assignment for two consecutive semesters. You must have a compelling academic reason supported by your academic advisor to support your request. Requests must be made to the Director of the Cooperative Education Program.
After enrolling in the Co-op Program, are co-ops required to report any future summer jobs they get?
Yes. If you work the spring-summer in your junior year, for example, and you push off graduation by one semester, we will ask you to report any summer job you get prior to your last semester at Rensselaer. All universities monitor the "total employment time" that co-op students work--regardless of whether the student found the job on their own or through the college.
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