1. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Gold Seal Co-op Orientation
UNIT NAME
Event
Date

2. In this session students will learn and understand:
Requirements and expectations while in the program
Definition, types and benefits of a co-op
Course modules and requirements
Searching for opportunities
Preparing and navigating a co-op successfully
Reporting and registering a co-op once hired
Success after a co-op
FAQs

3. Student Requirements
2.5 GPA Overall (3.0 for students with no UCF GPA)
Minimum credits: 20 semester hours total completed (all college credits)
At least two full semesters before anticipated graduation date (excluding current semester)
Attend a Co-op orientation
Have resume reviewed and approved by EL Faculty Coordinator/EL Graduate Teaching Assistant and submit on Handshake (approved students will have a “el-gold seal coop” restricted label – only available for approved students)

4. Requirements continued
Students must be registered for a co-op or academic course (0, 1, 2+ credits) each semester while employed by a co-op employer. Note, may incur fees
Students must complete learning objectives, evaluations and any assignments associated with the co-op course
Students must notify EL Faculty Coordinator or EL Graduate Teaching Assistant of any employment status changes (i.e. stopped working, start/end date changed, no longer continue in the position, etc)
GPA must be set to viewable to public (“hide from employers” checkbox must be unchecked) on Handshake

5. What is a Co-op? (Cooperative Education)
Multiple-semester commitment
Always paid
Alternating or parallel
Work experience
Enhance academic learning

6. Why should you do a Co-op?
With the company a longer period of time
Skill development, enhance your college career
More likely to gain major-related employment after graduation
In 2016, there were 1,409 co-op students
Nelson Engineering, AT&T, Mitsubishi, Disney

7.   Why is this important?  
Internship Course
Professional Skills Modules
Assignments: Students in EL program who begin positions are REQUIRED to complete
Must see your EL faculty member to begin your requirements
  Why is this important?  
Identify the stages of development in internship or Co-op experiences
Learn about ways to maximize the benefits learning opportunities

8. Internship Course Cont.
Course: Professional Modules
Handshake Experience Screenshot
Work Environment Quiz
Learning Objectives
Mid-term Check-in
Student/Employer Evaluations
Semester report
Guidance from EL staff member

9. What is an Alternating Co-op?
Student takes an academic semester off focusing on Co-op experience
Usually full-time for first rotation (semester), second rotation can be part-time with classes
FALL
SPRING
SUMMER
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3

10. How to apply on Handshake
Looking for a Job? Internship? Or Co-op?

11. “EL – approved” is a label created by the department
Verified and met internship requirements and criteria
Employer’s assigned responsibilities to students align with the mission, vision of EL

12. Before your Co-op
Check with Registrar’s Office at Millican Hall 161 about your remaining classes and academic semesters
Look at your degree audit on my.ucf.edu
Remaining classes

13. Before your Co-op Find out about dress code
Research company, location, area
Required trainings, workshops, certifications
Special meetings you need to attend?
Identify start date and end dates
Ask questions from Human Resources
What do you need to bring or prepare for your first day?
Discuss expectations – salary, hours, work environment
Find housing during co-op

14. During your Co-op General etiquette Network and meet your coworkers
Professionalism, timeliness, meeting deadlines
“Dressing for the job you want, not the one you have”
Network and meet your coworkers
Observe and take notes
Be flexible – this is a learning experience!
Seek potential mentors
Create and work on professional goals
Do you want to stay there? If so, make it known

15. During your Co-op Reflect on your experience
Discuss performance with employer
Receive feedback from employer
Feedback is valuable and goes a long way
Can improve your performance, skills for the future
Thank employer for challenges, support & guidance
Register for classes – plan ahead and researches you need to take when you return

16. How to report an experience on Handshake
As soon as you have an accepted position, you MUST report an experience
Fill out all the required information

17. How to report an experience on Handshake

18. After your Co-op Stay in touch Maintain good rapport and communication
Reflect, reflect, reflect
Useful reference for future employment
Ask for a letter of recommendation!

19. After your Co-op Update your resume
LinkedIn profile
Plan ahead – career and academic goals
Graduate school? Full-time employment?
Getting ready to head back to UCF
Senior Design for engineers – final two semesters
Maintain communication with EL team
Recognition Awards, Testimonial Sessions
Social media spotlights

20. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I receive credit for my co-op?
How long is a co-op?
What happens if I get let go from my co-op?
What do I do if I want to leave my co-op early?
I want to withdraw from the co-op course. What should I do?
Can I participate in a co-op after graduation?
When should I let my employer know I want to work there after UCF?
How should I inform my employer about working there after UCF?
Do co-ops pay for housing and meals?
Yes as long as your major is eligible to receive it, or zero credit course required registration if credits are not required as part of your academic degree. Be sure to communicate with your EL faculty coordinator once you secure a position.
At least two consecutive semesters (fall-spring, spring-summer, summer-fall).
Broad range of responses and follow-up questions for this one. Can inform them to let their EL coordinator know who will then support you.
Same as No. 3. Inform your coordinator ahead of time but remember your professional commitment to the employer for at least two semesters.
Per terms and conditions, you are not able to drop the course. Academic holds and employer notifications can be used if not in compliance.
No. However if you have been in your co-op for at least two semesters, you can talk about possibly staying onboard fulltime.
EARLY – when you have even the slightest intention of working there after UCF.
Have a conversation with your supervisor, who then will either advise you to speak to the director directly, or your supervisor will make your intent known. Make an appointment to see your EL coordinator for suggestions/tips.
Some do, some do not. Find out through research or take advantage of company information sessions or other venues when recruiters are present on campus.

21. Experiential Learning CSEL, Suite 300
Questions?
#UCF_EL ‏
/UCFEL ‏
Experiential Learning CSEL, Suite 300
(407)
/UCFEL
@UCFEL ‏

22. QUIZ Please follow the link to take the quiz: