intro co-op
Links to additional co-op information:
Programs by Major | Finding a Co-op | Notification and Reporting | Responsibilities and Ethics | Co-op Profiles
Cooperative Education, or co-op, gives you the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience before you graduate. For some of you it is a required, for others, it is an option. We strongly encourage you to download your major-specific Co-op Quick Start Guide (links are on right side of this page).
Co-op Defined
Cooperative education at RIT is full-time, paid employment directly related to your field of study for a minimum period of 10 weeks (single quarter) or a minimum period of 20 weeks (2 consecutive quarters or “double-block”).
Co-op begins after you have completed the first two years of coursework in your academic program, in most cases. (This may differ for masters degree students -- check with your academic department). Most students alternate quarters of coursework with quarters of co-op during the last three years of your program. Your academic department determines your co-op/academic schedule. International students need work authorization from RIT International Student Services and cannot co-op until after three consecutive full-time academic quarters of study have been completed.
Cooperative education is a unique
kind of education. It is different from summer employment,
and different from an internship. Here's why:
• Co-op employment is related to your field of study
• Co-op employment is full-time, productive work
• Co-op employment is paid
• Co-op employment increases in complexity and challenge
according to your academic level
• Co-op employment includes formal evaluation and documentation
of your performance
Co-op gives you the opportunity to:
• Apply much of the theory you are learning in your
course work
• Experience a typical work day and focus your career
choice
• Earn a reasonable salary which will help you finance
your education
• Take a breather away from your "grind" as
a student
• Develop additional technical skills and enhance vital
personal skills such as judgment, written and oral communication,
teamwork
• Make contacts (network) that may be helpful when you
seek full-time employment
• Be a more attractive candidate for full-time employment
after graduation and probably obtain a higher starting salary
than students without co-op experience
Employers benefit from co-op in a
number of ways:
• Co-op students are flexible, highly motivated, technical
employees who join the work force at relatively low cost to
the employer.
• Your presence can free up an employee's time for long-range
projects.
• Your abilities and potential for permanent employment
can be assessed on the job.
• Your new ideas and enthusiasm are often professionally
stimulating to full-time employees.
• You serve as the employer's "good will ambassador"
to other RIT students and faculty, facilitating recruiting
and other relationships.
International students need work authorization from the RIT International Student Services and cannot co-op until after three consecutive full-time academic quarters of study have been completed.
How Financial Aid Works While You Are on Co-op
While you are enrolled for a co-op assignment, you are not charged RIT tuition for the quarter. Therefore, with the exception of the Federal Pell Grant, you are not eligible to receive financial aid for the co-op quarter. Financial aid includes federal and private alternative loans as well as grants and scholarships. If you have any questions regarding your co-op earnings and financial aid, you should contact your Financial Aid Counselor.
Housing While on Co-op and When You Return to Campus
Students who co-op in Rochester may stay in RIT housing. Students who co-op out of town are typically responsible for finding their own housing near the employer’s location. Some companies provide housing assistance in the form of subsidies or housing allowances, or space in locations they own or rent for this purpose. Most employers will at least provide a list of apartments or housing options to assist students.
Students who return from co-op are guaranteed on-campus housing, if they were in RIT housing prior to leaving for co-op, however, preferences are not guaranteed. RIT Housing Operations communicates with students via email and provides information on how to apply for housing when you return to campus http://finweb.rit.edu/housing/.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q Am I guaranteed
a co-op job?
A The answer is no.
But, remember the Office of Co-op and Career Services does
guarantee we will help you in any way we can with your search.
By being flexible on your expectations and fully utilizing
the resources available to you, you will become skilled in
successfully conducting your job search.
Q
Do I receive credit for co-op?
A Standard academic
credit is not given for co-op. However, you earn "credit"
in that your department assigns a grade of "S" when
you have met all of their requirements and have successfully
completed your co-op assignment.
Q
Do I pay tuition for co-op?
A You do not pay tuition
or any institute fees while on co-op even though you remain
eligible to utilize all the facilities and services of the
Institute - such a deal!
Q
How much do I get paid?
A It is ultimately
up to the employer, but they often base it upon comparable
co-op salaries and a candidate's experience. There may be
room for negotiation. Your employer also determines eligibility
for benefits, if any. Check our web site for the latest co-op
salary data.
Q
What type of work qualifies for co-op?
A You should strive
to be in a position that will give you hands-on experience
that you have never had before. Jobs, which are listed by
the Office of Co-op and Career Services, are "approved"
co-op positions. If you obtain a co-op position on your own
and are not sure if it is acceptable, see your program coordinator,
faculty advisor or department chair before accepting the job.
Keep in mind that if the job meets the criteria it doesn't
matter if a company calls the job an internship or temporary
employment.
Q
Am I guaranteed a co-op job?
A The answer is no.
You are not placed into a co-op position, but rather you apply
and go through the same hiring process you will when you look
for a job after graduation (which is great practice).
The Office of Co-op and Career Services do guarantee we will
help you in any way we can with your search. By being flexible
on your expectations and fully utilizing the resources available
to you, you will become skilled in successfully conducting
your job search.
Q
What is the length of a co-op?
A A single co-op block
is the same length as an academic quarter. This means at least
ten weeks at 35-40 hours per week (total of 350-400 working
hours) in duration. You may, in fact, work longer - as long
as thirteen weeks- depending on your exam schedule the preceding
quarter and on your employer's needs.
A double block is two consecutive quarters of work, without a break in between. Many students are scheduled for double blocks, others may choose to double block. (To be sure co-op will not preclude your taking courses you need check with your academic department before committing to a double block). You and the employer negotiate the start date and the expected end date of the work period.
Q
Can I stay in Rochester?
A Maybe. Some co-op
jobs are located in the Rochester area. Depending upon your
program, there may be many or very few positions in Rochester.
Competition for these positions can be very keen. It is not
advisable to limit your job search to any one specific area.
You will enhance your chances of landing a professionally
rewarding position if you are geographically flexible. You
should seriously consider all co-op opportunities in your
career field for which you qualify, regardless of location.
Q
Where will I live if I leave Rochester?
A Many out-of-town
employers provide some help in finding temporary housing.
The assistance varies: some companies will provide a list
of possible apartments and room rentals; some will pay for
a hotel for a few days while you are looking; some have co-op
housing already arranged. It is a good idea to check with
the colleges in the area because residence hall space is frequently
available, especially in the summer. It is appropriate to
discuss your housing concerns with an employer once an offer
has been made.
Q Can I work overseas?
A Yes, but start early! Visit our Work Abroad page for more information.
Q
Will my employer pay my relocation expenses?
A Maybe. Some employers,
especially those located out of state, will pay for all or
part of your relocation expenses. It is important to have
a clear understanding of your obligation before accepting
a co-op position if extensive travel expenses are anticipated.
Q
Do I have to pay taxes on what I earn?
A Yes. According to
the U.S. Internal Revenue Service salaries/wages paid to co-op
students are fully subject to applicable federal income taxes.
They are also subject to applicable state income taxes. Any
type of personal income should be assumed taxable unless IRS
regulations specifically declare it to be "excludable"
(i.e., tax-exempt). There is no exclusion of co-op wages in
current regulations.
In 1972, a U.S. Tax Court ruled (Revenue 72-607) that work,
which co-op students do, is primarily for their employers'
benefit and is in return for the wages they received, so such
payments represent "compensation for services,"
not educational grants, and thus are taxable in accordance
with Income Tax Regulations (Sec. 117.4.C). These rulings
apply regardless of whether students are required to co-op
by their college or not.
International students are required to pay federal and state
income taxes but not FICA (social security tax).
It should be understood that the above information/advice
is provided only as a convenience for you. The Financial Aid
Office does not intend to act as tax consultants. Such verbal
advice is based on the advisor's well-intended judgment rather
than specific awareness of all regulations/rulings, and is
not legally binding. Students seeking further information
should contact the Internal Revenue Service.
Q
Can I collect unemployment insurance?
A Once your co-op employment
with a company has ended, you are not eligible to collect
unemployment insurance benefits.
Q
What if I don't get a co-op job?
A See your program
coordinator as soon as you feel anxious about your co-op job
search. We can evaluate your search, make suggestions, and
provide additional service that will assist you in meeting
your goal. As a last resort, if co-op is mandatory for your
program, a discussion with your academic department may be
in order. Depending upon circumstances, it is possible that
your co-op will be delayed or waived.