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When you bring a co-op student
into your organization be prepared to provide an appropriate
orientation, supervision and performance evaluation as outlined
below. The staff of RIT’s Office of Cooperative Education
and Career Services is here to help you and the student in achieving
a positive experience.
Orientation
• Discuss and clarify employer and student expectations
for the co-op experience.
• Treat the co-op student as you would with any new
employee.
• Provide a thorough orientation to your department
and overall organization.
• Familiarize the co-op student to your work environment
by providing a tour of your facilities.
• Provide information on how co-op students fit into
the organizational structure of your organization.
• Co-op students are subject to the same procedures,
regulations, etc. that govern your other employees. It may
be helpful to assign a mentor or "buddy" at this
initial stage to assist in the co-op's introduction to the
new work environment.
Supervision
The co-op student will be able to work independently once
the orientation/training period is complete. However, your
student will need at least the level of supervision that you
would provide for any employee:
• Assign a specific supervisor who will be accessible
for questions, direction or assistance with problems.
• Contact the Office of Cooperative Education and Career
Services with any
questions or concerns.
• Be sensitive and supportive to the goals of your organization's
co-op
program.
• Pay particular attention to adjusting the co-op student's
workload as his/her
skills grow.
Evaluation
Provide frequent feedback for the co-op student about performance.
In addition, towards the end of each academic quarter, you
will receive a co-op student evaluation form from the Office
of Cooperative Education and Career Services. The form needs
to be returned to the Office of Cooperative Education and
Career Services upon completion in order for the student to
receive credit for the co-op experience. We ask that you use
that form to:
• Provide formalized performance feedback for your co-op
student.
• Realistically assess your co-op's strengths and weaknesses.
• Make recommendations for the co-op's further professional
and academic development.
Keep Us Involved
• Report Hiring Decision: Please contact us when you
have filled your vacancy.
• Employer Testimonials: We would welcome news of the
achievements and successes of our co-op students.
• Concerns: Do not hesitate to contact us if you are
concerned about the work performance of your co-op.
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