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 handbook.

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.

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 How does co-op affect financial aid?
A Any earnings, whether from co-op or other types of employment, are considered when your financial aid package is developed each year. According to federal guidelines, RIT expects you will be able to save some amount of your co-op earnings to contribute towards your educational costs.

Inform the Office of Financial Aid of your plans for the next year when you complete the RIT Financial Aid Application. That will allow your financial aid counselor to schedule your financial aid for the quarters you will be enrolled in classes. Please also remember to notify the Office of Financial Aid if your enrollment (and co-op) plans change.
With the exception of Pell Grant, you do not receive financial aid while you are on co-op. If you are eligible for Pell Grant, the Office of Financial Aid will be able to credit the Pell Grant to your student account while you are on co-op. The Pell Grant can be credited to your student account only after the Office of Financial Aid confirms that you are registered for and working on a co-op job.

Earnings from your co-op job must be reported on the following year's federal aid application (FAFSA).

If your income changes dramatically from year-to-year because of co-op earnings, you should request a financial aid evaluation. It may be important to keep all documentation of your job such as tax returns and pay stubs because you may have to submit them to the Financial Aid Office as part of any appeal. Your financial aid counselor can provide additional information about this process.

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.

I n 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.