Cooperative education (co-op) at RIT means that you will alternate periods of full-time study with full-time paid work experience in your career field. RIT's school year is divided into 4 years (12 quarters) of college course work and 5 quarters of co-op work experience towards your bachelor's degree program.

Co-op schedule for Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Students

Any deviation from this schedule must be discussed with your advisor.

Co-op Program Overview

• Electrical Engineering Technology [PDF]
• Computer Engineering Technology [PDF]
• Telecommunications Engineering Technology [PDF]

Job Search

It is your obligation to obtain employment. The Career Zone is a new registration and job database service for students and alumni. It is your pathway to all co-op and full time jobs. Registration and an on-line referral resume are required of all students to gain access to job postings and on-campus interview opportunities. The information you provide is stored in a database and will be used to match your qualifications with the hiring needs of employers. You may be required to have an on-campus interview, call the potential employer or just send an appropriate cover letter and resume.

Requirements

You must successfully complete the required courses before you can co-op as outlined in your program curriculum.

Registration

The registration process is twofold; You MUST register with the Registrar as well as the Co-op office.

How do I register for co-op with the Registrar ?
The same way you register for classes; via SIS or telephone registration.

What course number should I use?

RIT Co-op Placement Notification: Once you have accepted a co-op job offer you need to complete the on line co-op notification form through Career Zone to notify the Office of Co-op and Career Services that you have accepted a co-op position.

Co-op Credit

Student and Employer evaluations are now completed in an online format only. An e~mail will be sent from the co-op office to the student and their supervisor with access information for the online evaluation site. Evaluations will not be sent if you have failed to register on Job Zone and SIS. Questions regarding the evaluations should be directed to Marylu Balacki at mxboce@rit.edu or 585-475-5457.

A student and employer evaluation must be submitted to receive a satisfactory grade. Incomplete grades automatically roll to an “F” if the necessary paperwork is not received after 2 quarters. Note: Those on double block must submit paperwork for each block of co-op.

Co-op Waiver

What is it ?

A waiver of a co-op requirement based on previous work experience in the field of Electrical, Computer, or Telecommunications Engineering Technology.

Who is eligible?

Only students, who have completed an "official" co-op, are eligible to request a waiver. Students with previous work experience or part-time experience equivalent to 10 weeks of full-time employment are eligible. A waiver is occasionally granted to a student who actively pursued employment but was not able to find a co-op assignment.

How do I Request a Waiver ?

• Discuss the possibility with your advisor.
• Submit a letter requesting a waiver to your advisor, explaining the reason for your request, the company you worked for, the length of your employment and your status, either full time or part-time.
• Submit a letter from your employer (on company letterhead) verifying your length of employment and duties. This should be submitted with your letter of request.
• Complete an application for co-op credit (available in the department) and submit this with your letter and employer documentation.