Co-Op Handbook 2
Table of
Contents
General Information
Introduction to Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services..………………………….…...Page 3
Benefits of Co-ops/Internships……..……………………………………………………………………...........Page 4
Co-Op Services Location and Office Faculty/Staff Contact Information……………………………………Page 5
Students
STEP 1: Learn About Co-ops/Internships
Student Eligibility Requirements…………………………………………………….………………………….Page 7
Course Information…………………………..………………………………….….…………………………....Page 8-9
STEP 2: Search For Co-ops/Internships
Co-op and Internship Opportunities……………………………..……………………………………………..Page 11
Search Resources……………………………………………………………………………………….….……Page 12-13
STEP 3: Interview For Co-ops/Internships
Employer Interviews…………………………..…………………..……..……………………………….….…..Page 15
STEP 4: Register For Co-ops/Internships
Course Registration…………..……………………………………………………………….…………………Page 17
College 125-37: Release of Information Form ………………………………………….………..………......Page 18-19
College 125-38: Employer Sponsorship Form ………………….…………………...…….….........….........Page 20
College 125-152: Assumption of Risk Form……………………….……………….………..……..................Page 21
College 125-41: Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services Contract ……………..........Page 22
College 125-40: Course Authorization Form….………..…………………………………………….........….Page 23-25
STEP 5: Succeed In Co-ops/Internships
Beginning Co-ops or Internships…………………..………………………..…………...……………………..Page 27
Student Responsibilities…..….………………...……….……………………..…………….....…….…….…...Page 28
Course Syllabus Sample……………………………………………………………………………………...…Page 29-38
Performance Evaluations..………...……………………………………………………………………….…...Page 39
Performance Evaluation: Midterm……………………………………………………………………………...Page 40-43
Performance Evaluation: Final…………………………………………………………………………….……Page 44-47
Faculty & Staff
Academic Departments, Faculty, and Staff Support………………………………………………………….Page 49
Qualifications and Notification to Instruct………….…….……………………………………….…………….Page 50
Compensation for Course Instruction………………………………..…………………………….…………...Page 51
Instructor Responsibilities……………………….………….…………………….……………………………...Page 52
Employers & Partners
Employer Support…………………..…...…………………………………………..………………..………...….Page 53
Supervisor Responsibilities….......................................................................................................................Page 54
Co-Op Handbook 3
Introduction to
Co-Op Services
Mission Statement
The mission of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services, an extension of Academic Services, is
to support all NOVA comprehensive campuses in providing students work-based experiential learning
opportunities by supporting the collaboration between the academic departments and community employers
through Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship courses that bolster workforce pipelines to meet
community labor needs, enhance the programs of study curricula at the College, and enrich the academic
learning as well as career development of students.
Co-Op Services in the College Catalog
Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services, also known as Co-Op, provides students work-based
experiential learning opportunities referred to as “co-ops” and “internships” that apply the knowledge and skills
learned in the classroom to an employment situation with a sponsoring community employer. Importantly, most
sponsoring employers require students to be affiliated with an institution of higher education such as NOVA and
registered for specific courses in order to participate in co-op and internship opportunities under guidelines
established by the U.S Department of Labor.
Co-op and internship opportunities extend the education of the students into the workforce to provide a
comprehensive curriculum that combines both theory and practice. These opportunities are viewed as an entry
level means of acquiring practical job training and valuable resume building experience. Ultimately, the goal for
students is individual career development with an emphasis on both supervision and self-direction.
Students may be eligible to receive a salary, stipend, or tuition assistance from employers in addition to receiving
academic credit from the College. Full-time employment in permanent job positions is often offered by the
employers afterwards, thus easing entry into the workforce. Additionally, students can earn up to 10 academic
credits though coursework which may be used to complete general elective credit, earned as additive credit, or
substituted for required coursework in degrees or programs of study with the approval of academic advisors.
Students interested in work-based experiential learning through NOVA must register for the required
“Cooperative Education” or “Coordinated Internship” course. The Academic Departments for each academic
discipline offer Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship courses as listed under general usage courses
in the College Catalog. However, these courses are often not listed in the Schedule of Classes since the
registration process is unique requiring a “Co-op/Internship Registration Packet” to be authorized by the
corresponding Academic Department. To register for these courses, students must complete the steps in the
Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships Handbook.
Co-Op Handbook 4
Benefits of
Co-ops and Internships
Student Benefits
Apply academic knowledge to build career skills and professionalism
Develop occupational experience requisite for employment on resumes and
transcripts
Provide job opportunities as applicable to earn money or pay for tuition while
studying and working
Find increased relevance of academic learning and motivation to study
Practice communication, decision making, and collaborative human relation skills
Network with potential employers and career mentors
Develop professional skills through constructive performance assessments and
projects
Clarify career goals and expectations of specific occupations
Enhance self-reliance and self-confidence as well as social responsibility
Observe the practices of career mentors and professional role models working in
the desired career fields
Earn college credits as applicable towards the completion of select degree and
program of study requirements
Employer Benefits
Invest in the future workforce without the risk or expense of full-time new hires
Develop direct pipelines from the college to hire talented workers
Screening new potential employees as if a trial run period
Recruit and selecting educated and experienced workers
Hire employees with realistic expectations and experience with the employer
Decrease training costs and recruitment costs
Increase access to minorities and enhancing cultural diversity
Build strong relationships with the educational system
Influence the college curriculum and content design of courses through
partnerships
Employer Benefits
Investing in the future workforce without the risk or expense of full-time new hires
Developing direct pipelines from the college to hire talented workers
Screening new potential employees as if a trial run period
Recruiting and selecting educated and experienced workers
Hiring employees with realistic expectations and experience with the employer
Decreasing training costs and recruitment costs
Increasing access to minorities and enhancing cultural diversity
Building strong relationships with the educational system
Influencing the college curriculum and content design of courses through
partnerships
Faculty & Staff Benefits
Improve relationships with the community and business partners
Increase opportunities to locate and secure new faculty from community employers
Enhance student retention and graduation rates through meaningful and applicable experiential learning
Develop new student admissions pipelines from community employers’ staff
Test curriculums in the workplace and curriculum redevelopment as necessary
Fundraising sources
Engage instructors through supporting students in alternative programs to the classroom experience
Increase student enrollment in academic programs of study
Co-Op Handbook 5
Co-Op Services
Office Information
Office Location
The Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships Office is located on the Annandale Campus of Northern
Virginia Community College in the new CA Student Services Building on the ground floor within the Career &
Transfer Center.
Additional Information
Information is also available in the NOVA College Catalog, Student Handbook, Cooperative Education and
Coordinated Internships Handbook, and Academic Departments as well as on the Cooperative Education &
Coordinated Internship Services website at: www.nvcc.edu/academics/co-op/
Office Faculty & Staff
Cooperative Internship Coordinator
Jacquelyn Peterson
Woodbridge Campus
703.878.4642
Co-Op Handbook 6
Students
STEP 1
Learn About
Co-ops/Internships
Co-Op Handbook 7
Student Eligibility
Requirements
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to register for a Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course at NOVA that supports
work-based learning in a co-op or internship job, students must have:
1. Declared a major (degree or program of study) at NOVA
2. Completed 15 college credits or the equivalent, transfer credits may
be included
3. Completed 2 courses at NOVA directly related to the major’s
academic discipline and the co-op/ internship opportunity, 6 credit
minimum
4. Earned a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.0
5. Identified an employer sponsor and a co-op or internship opportunity
6. Completed any additional requirements of the corresponding Academic Department and Employer
* Afterwards, students must request an intake appointment with the Coordinator of Cooperative
Education & Coordinated Internship Services to complete a “Co-op/Internship Registration Packet”
to receive authorization for course registration from the corresponding Academic Department.
International Students Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to register while under an F-1 international status, students must additionally have:
1. Classified as current F-1 status
2. Completed 1 academic year of full time study consisting of 2 semesters; not including summers
3. Completed at least 1 semester of degree studies at NOVA
* Received the authorized “Curricular Practical Training Request Form” also known as the C.P.T. from
the Coordinator of the Office of International Student Services
To be eligible to register while under a J-1 international status, students must additionally have:
1. Received authorization from the Community College Initiative Program.
Ineligibility Standards
Students are ineligible to register for Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internships courses at the discretion
of the college, if students have:
1. Completed the maximum of 10 total credits for any combination of the courses
2. Received unsatisfactory performance evaluations and/or grades below a “C” for
3. Classified as a status of Academic Warning, Probation, or Suspension; until removed
4. Classified as a status that does not permit work in the United States of America; until removed
Co-Op Handbook 8
Course
Information
Co-op and Internship Opportunities
Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship courses at NOVA
facilitate work-based experiential learning situations in which a student
learns to apply academic knowledge and professional skills to an on-site
co-op or internship opportunity with an employer.
Most employers require students to be affiliated with an institution of
higher education such as NOVA in order to participate in co-op and
internship opportunities under guidelines established by the U.S Department of Labor.
Course Facilitation
These courses facilitate both the academic instructional supervision and professional employment supervision of
the student during a co-op and internship work-based learning experience. Therefore, the student is paired with
an Instructor for instructional supervision and an Employer Supervisor for employment supervision in the course.
The format for these courses may be individual on a 1-on-1 basis or as a part of a group cohort classroom setting.
Additionally, the course may be delivered in the traditional face-to-face on campus or virtual/telecommunications
based methods. Furthermore, these courses may be facilitated over 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 week sessions
provided that the course start and end dates align within a single academic semester.
The student and Instructor participate in course meetings 6 times as scheduled throughout the semester to
discuss relevant academic topics and submit course assignments. The student also participates in regular weekly
employment supervision meetings with Employer Supervisor at the worksite to discuss duties, projects,
responsibilities, and performance evaluations. The student, Instructors, and Employer Supervisors communicate
and collaborate to assist students in achieving the student learning outcome objectives in the course syllabus.
Course Descriptions (Under General Usage Courses for all Academic Disciplines)
Cooperative Education 197 & 297 (1-5 credits) Supervised on-the-job training for pay in approved business and government organizations. Applicable to all curricula at the discretion of the College. Credit/work ratio not to exceed 1:5 hrs. May be repeated for credit; 10 credit maximum. Variable work hours. The 197 course level determined by work-based learning experiences that reflect significant observation and limited productivity. The 297 course level determined by work-based learning experiences that reflect limited observation and significant productivity.
Coordinated Internship 190 & 290 (1-5 credits) Supervised on-the-job training in selected business, industrial, or service firms coordinated by the College. Credit/work ratio maximum 1:5 hrs. May be repeated for credit; 10 credit maximum. Variable work hours. The 190 course level determined by work-based learning experiences that reflect significant observation and limited productivity. The 290 course level determined by work-based learning experiences that reflect limited observation and significant productivity.
“These courses provide students opportunities to complete degree
requirements in addition to gaining practical work experience…”
“Co-Op courses provide students unique opportunities to complete degree
requirements in addition to gaining work experience…”
Co-Op Handbook 9
Course Differences and Similarities
Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship course descriptions in the College Catalog appear similar but
are differentiated as well at NOVA. Similarly, both courses include the facilitation of work-based experiential
learning and require academic coursework. However, differences may be found with the compensation,
employment environment, responsibilities, structure of the employment experience, and hiring goals.
Cooperative Education courses reflect ongoing partnerships for establishing robust workforce pipelines with select
government or business organizations pre-approved by the College that provide collaborative education in paid
positions; higher emphasis is placed on student productivity versus observation and learning.
Coordinated Internship courses reflect opportunities with individual business, industrial, or service firms that may
be paid or unpaid positions with less emphasis on collaborative education and workforce pipelines; higher
emphasis is placed on student observation and learning versus versus productivity.
Course Credits and Employment Work Hours
The student must register and pay tuition for the corresponding amount of college academic credits for the
Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course that correspond to the number of total work hours for the
co-op or internship as determined by the corresponding chart:
CONVERSION CHART
Co-op/Internship Total Work Hours Credits
16 Hours - 80 Hours (Minimum) 1 Credit (Minimum)
81 Hours - 160 Hours 2 Credits
161 Hours - 240 Hours 3 Credits
241 Hours - 320 Hours 4 Credits
321 Hours - 400 Hours (Maximum) 5 Credits (Maximum)
Course Student Learning Outcome Objectives
Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services based on the original scholarly work of Jared E. Moffett,
developed the student learning outcome objectives as linked to the NOVA General Education College Goals to
facilitate Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship courses to include:
1. Students will learn the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential to professionalism in the career field. 2. Students will learn to analyze academic and career information. 3. Students will learn to synthesize the relationship between the career information and academic curriculum
for the student’s degree major/program of study. 4. Students will learn to evaluate academic and career development with emphasis on the establishment of
professional career goals throughout the co-op/internship. 5. Students will learn the duties and responsibilities for the co-op/internship with emphasis on expansion of
the duties and responsibilities. 6. Students will learn the requirements to complete the duties and responsibilities for the co-op/internship. 7. Students will learn to demonstrate the completion of the duties and responsibilities for the co-
op/internship. 8. Students will learn to evaluate the completion of the duties and responsibilities for the co-op/internship.
Co-Op Handbook 10
Students
STEP 2
Search for
Co-ops/Internships
Co-Op Handbook 11
Co-op and Internship
Opportunities
Announcements for Co-ops and Internships
Announcements for co-ops and internships with employers may refer to these opportunities as “cooperative
education,” “co-ops,” “internships,” “coordinated internships,” “service learning,” “work-study,” “work-
based learning opportunities,” and etc.
Most employers require students to be affiliated with an institution of higher education such as NOVA in order to
participate in co-op and internship opportunities under guidelines established by the U.S Department of Labor.
Self-Searches for Co-ops and Internships
Prior to registration for Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship courses at NOVA, the student must find
an employer willing to sponsor a co-op or internship opportunity that supports work-based experiential learning.
The student is solely responsible for finding his/her own placement for a co-op or internship. NOVA and the
community have various search resources to assist the student in conducting self-searches for co-op and
internship announcements.
Students must utilize caution when applying for co-op and internship opportunities as NOVA disclaims any liability
related to the employment of students as well as the unlawful actions of employers.
Suggestions for Finding Co-op and Internships
If directly contacting Employers, the student must:
Visit employers on-site especially the human resources offices
Telephone employers especially human resources offices
Research employer websites for contact information
Ask about cooperative education and internship programs
If utilizing electronic resources, the student must:
Search web-based search engines and databases
Look for advanced search options
Try keywords such as occupation titles, job duties, qualifications, degree major, and etc.
Print job announcements for future reference
Identify hiring manager contact information
Research employer websites for established cooperative education or internship programs.
If working with NOVA Faculty/Staff, the student must:
Ask about employment sectors for the degree major or program of study
Ask about employers in the community
Ask about cooperative education or coordinated internship opportunities
Co-Op Handbook 12
Search
Resources
NOVA Search Resources
Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services has identified the following search resources to assist
the student with finding co-op and internship announcements to include:
Special Opportunities List
The Special Opportunities List is a listing of flyer announcements for co-op and
internship opportunities sponsored by community employers for students at NOVA
forwarded to and compiled by Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship
Services.
NOVA WORKS: Student Employment Database
The NOVA WORKS: Student Jobs Database is a new electronic resource available
for students to search for co-op and internship opportunities submitted to NOVA by
employers in the community. Registration for Cooperative Education or Coordinated
Internship courses is required for students by all employers posting co-op and
internship announcements. Students must utilize caution when applying for co-op
and internship opportunities as NOVA disclaims any liability related to the
employment of students as well as the unlawful actions of employers.
NOVA External Off-Campus Employment & Job Announcement Database
A new internet-based resource known as the NOVA External Off-Campus Employment & Job Announcement Database is now available for students to search and find cooperative education and coordinated internships jobs/employment positions that have been forwarded to Northern Virginia Community College by employers in the community.
The resource can found on the NOVA Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships Office website and at the following web address:
https://nvcc.studentemployment.ngwebsolutions.com/Cmx_Content.aspx?cpid=8&sm=1
Campus Academic Departments and Academic Advisors
Academic Divisions and Academic Departments are available for students to
speak with Academic/Faculty Advisors about employer networking opportunities
and discuss the employment sectors related to the corresponding program of
studies offered at NOVA.
Campus Academic Departments
Students can visit and speak to academic advisors in the Academic
Departments and Academic Divisions about networking opportunities and
potential community employers as well the different areas/sectors for
employment related to the program of studies at NOVA.
The resource can found on the NOVA Cooperative Education & Internships Website and at the following web address:
http://www.nvcc.edu/campuses-and-centers/index.html
Co-Op Handbook 13
Community Search Resources
Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services has identified the following community based search
resources to assist the student with finding co-op and internship announcements to include:
Nation-Wide in the U.S.A.
American Red Cross: www.redcross.org/en/volunteertime
Career Builder: www.careerbuilder.com
College Grad: www.collegegrad.com
College Recruiter: http://www.collegerecruiter.com/
Interns Org: www.interns.org
Internship Programs: www.internshipprograms.com
Intern Web: www.internweb.com
Monster: www.monster.com
Monster College: http://college.monster.com/education
Yahoo Jobs: www.hotjobs.yahoo.com
Virginia, District of Columbia, and Maryland
DC Internships: www.dcinternships.org
Fairfax County Internships: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hr/interns.htm
Internship Virginia: www.internshipvirginia.org
Virginia Jobs: http://jobs.virginia.gov/
Volunteer Fairfax: www.volunteerfairfax.org
Washington Post: www.washingtonpost.com/wl/jobs/home
Government
F.B.I. Internships: www.fbijobs.gov/23.asp
USA Government Jobs: www.usajobs.gov/studentjobs
White House Internships: www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships
SCEP - Student Career Experience Program:
http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Students#icc
STEP – Student Educational Employment:
http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Students#icc
Government
USA Government Jobs: www.usajobs.gov/studentjobs/
F.B.I. Internships: www.fbijobs.gov/23.asp
Co-Op Handbook 14
Students
STEP 3
Apply for
Co-ops/Internships
Co-Op Handbook 15
Employer
Interviews
Interview for a Co-op or Internship
Before registration for a Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course, the student must successfully
complete an interview or employment screening with an employer to secure a sponsorship commitment for a co-
op or internship opportunity.
The student must directly contact the employer to schedule an interview or employment screening as well to
inquire about specific information related to the application materials.
Interview Skills, Resumes, and Goals Setting
To successfully complete interviews for a co-op and internship opportunity, the student must develop a resume
and interviewing skills in addition to setting career goals. Employers usually before committing to a hiring decision
require the students to submit a resume and/or visit for an on-site interview.
Career Services are available at each NOVA campus as part of the comprehensive students services offered at
the College. Career Services assist the student with exploring, developing and setting goals for his/her unique
educational and academic needs. These services include career assessments, occupational information, goal
setting, planning, resume critiques, interview skill building, and job employment resources.
Interview Suggestions
The student must investigate the employer and review the co-op or internship opportunity in the announcement
before the interview.
The student must dress professionally for the interview.
The student must bring the required application materials and forms of personal identification to the interview.
The student must respond to questions with appropriate answers and ask questions during the job interview.
The student must represent NOVA in a way that promotes the integrity and diverse culture of the College.
“NOVA is well respected in the community and employers respond to academically
prepared students…
Co-Op Handbook 16
Students
STEP 4
Register for
Co-ops/Internships
Co-Op Handbook 17
Course
Registration
Prior to Registration
The student must complete Step 1: Learn About Co-ops/Internships, Step 2: Search For Co-ops/Internships,
Step 3: Interview for Co-ops/Internships in the Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships Handbook.
The student must receive all academic advising from Academic Advisors, transfer advising from transfer
institutions, and financial aid advising from the Financial Aid Office.
Registration Details
Students interested in work-based experiential learning through NOVA must register for the required
“Cooperative Education” or “Coordinated Internship” courses. The Academic Departments for each academic
discipline offer Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship courses as listed under general usage courses
in the College Catalog. However, these courses are often not listed in the Schedule of Classes as the registration
process is unique requiring a “Co-op/Internship Registration Packet” to be authorized by the corresponding
Academic Department. Most students typically begin the registration process for Cooperative Education or
Coordinated Internships courses at least 30 days prior to the start date of the co-op or internship opportunity.
Additionally, course registration may be flexible allowing the student to register for 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 week
sessions provided that the course start and end dates align within a single academic semester.
Registration Procedures
To register for a Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course, the student must first request an intake
appointment with the Coordinator of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services.
The Coordinator of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services will explain the registration process,
and the student must submit the completed “Co-op/Internship Registration Packet” to include:
1. “College 125-37: Release of Information Form”
2. “College 125-38: Employer Sponsorship Form” with attached “Co-Op or Internship Description”
3. “College 125-152: Assumption of Risk Form”
4. “College 125-41: Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services Contract”
5. “College 125-40: Course Authorization Form”
After submission of the “Co-op/Internship Registration Packet,” the Coordinator of Cooperative Education and
Coordinated Internship Services will forward the packet to the corresponding Academic Department for
authorization. After authorization, the Coordinator of Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship Services
will register the student for the course as well as forward a course syllabus to the student and Instructor.
Co-Op Handbook 18
Co-Op Handbook 19
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Co-Op Handbook 22
Co-Op Handbook 23
Co-Op Handbook 24
Co-Op Handbook 25
Co-Op Handbook 26
Students
STEP 5
Succeed in
Co-ops/Internships
Co-Op Handbook 27
Beginning Co-op or
Internship Courses
Contract
After registration for a Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship
course, the student must review and abide by the agreement of
responsibilities in the NOVA Cooperative Education & Coordinated
Internship Services Contract.
Coursework
The Coordinator of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services will provide a customized course
syllabus to the Student, Instructor, and Student Employer to facilitate the Cooperative Education or Coordinated
Internship course.
The course syllabus outlines the contact information, course description, course learning outcomes and objectives,
course policies, grading policies, course assignments, course calendar, and etc.
The student must review and abide by the course syllabus in addition to any other course materials provided by
the Instructor.
To begin the Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course, the student must contact the Instructor
immediately after the course registration to schedule the 1st course meeting; the 1
st course meeting must occur
during the first week of the course in accordance with the session and semester schedule.
Employment
After registration for the Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course, the student must review the
appropriate employment materials for the co-op or internship provided by the Employer Supervisor.
To begin the co-op or internship, the student must contact the Employer Supervisor immediately after the course
registration to schedule the 1st employment meeting; the 1
st employment meeting must occur during the first week
of the course in accordance with the session and semester schedule.
Representing NOVA
The students must behave in a manner that promotes the academic integrity and diverse culture of NOVA during
the co-op or internship that support work-based experiential learning.
“Students represent NOVA in the community in addition to
networking with employers…
“NOVA is well respected in the community and employers respond to
students who educationally prepared to start their careers…”
Co-Op Handbook 28
Student
Responsibilities
Best Practices for Students
Student employed in a co-op or internship that supports worked based experiential learning and
registered for the Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course must:
Abide by the NOVA Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services Contract, NOVA College
Catalog, Student Handbook, Schedule of Classes, Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships
Handbook, Employer Sponsorship Form, Co-op Description or Internship Description, and Cooperative
Education or Coordinated Internship Course Syllabus.
Complete the required Co-op/Internship Registration Packet to register for the Cooperative Education or
Coordinated Internship course.
Review and pay the NOVA tuition bill.
Contact the Instructor immediately after the course registration to schedule the 1st course meeting for
instructional supervision; the 1st meeting must occur during the first week of the course.
Contact the Employer Supervisor immediately after the course registration to schedule the 1st onsite
meeting for employment supervision; the 1st meeting must occur during the first week of the course
corresponding with the session and semester schedule.
Review with the Instructor and Employer Supervisor the course syllabus.
Attend scheduled course meetings with the Instructor to receive instructional supervision and to submit
course assignments; bring the Journal course assignment.
Attend weekly scheduled onsite meetings with the Employment Supervisor to receive employment
supervision; bring the Journal course assignment.
Abide by the approved co-op or internship work weeks, days, and hours.
Plan absences in advance and report leave time with the Instructor and/or Employment Supervisor.
Complete all related training required by the Employer.
Report concerns in a timely manner to the Instructor and/or Employer Supervisor.
Report decisions to withdraw from the course to the Employer Supervisor, Instructor, and Coordinator of
Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services.
Fulfill all requirements for employment in the U.S.A. with the International Student Office and/or other
appropriate offices.
Report an offer for permanent employment to Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services.
Report immediately any concerns that cannot be collaboratively handled between the Instructor, Student,
and/or Employer Supervisor to the Coordinator of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship
Services.
Co-Op Handbook 29
Course Syllabus
Sample
A sample of a common course syllabus for a Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course:
COURSE SYLLABUS
Academic Department: (ie: Business)
Course Name: (ie: Coordinated Internship)
Prefix and Course: (ie: BUS: 290)
Credits: (ie: 1 - 5)
Course Section: (ie: 001N)
Semester: (ie: Fall)
Session & Weeks: (ie: Regular, 16 weeks)
Employment Work Hours: (ie: 5-25 hours)
COORDINATOR OF COOPERATIVE EDUCATION &
COORDINATED INTERNSHIP SERVICES
Name: Jared E. Moffett - M.Ed., B.S., C.
Telephone: 703-323-3719
Email: [email protected]
Office: Annandale Campus, Career & Transfer Center, 105-B
Review the Contract and contact the Coordinator for concerns or questions that cannot be resolved through collaboration between the Instructor, Student, and/or the Employer Supervisor.
INSTRUCTOR
CONTACT INFORMATION
Name:
Telephone:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours (ask Instructor):
EMPLOYER SUPERVISOR
CONTACT INFORMATION
Name:
Title:
Telephone:
Email:
Address:
STUDENT
CONTACT INFORMATION
Name:
ID #:
Telephone:
Email:
REQUIRED COURSE TEXTBOOKS & ADDITIONAL TEXT MATERIALS
College Catalog. Northern Virginia Community College. (2011-2012). NOVA (digital copy acceptable)
Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships Handbook. Moffett, J. E. (2011-2012). Cooperative Education &
Coordinated Internships Services-Northern Virginia Community College; NOVA (digital copy acceptable)
Student Handbook. Northern Virginia Community College. (2011). NOVA (digital copy acceptable)
Co-Op Handbook 30
COURSE DESCRIPTION
If Cooperative Education:
Supervised on-the-job training for pay in approved business and government organizations. Applicable to all curricula at the discretion of the College. Credit/work ratio not to exceed 1:5 hrs. May be repeated for credit. (Variable Hours; 1-5 Credits).
Students, Employer Supervisors, and NOVA must abide by the responsibilities of the “NOVA Cooperative
Education & Coordinated Internship Services Contract.”
If Coordinated Internship:
Supervised on-the-job training in selected business, industrial, or service firms coordinated by the College. Credit/work ratio maximum 1:5 hrs. May be repeated for credit. Variable hrs. (Variable Hours; 1-5 Credits).
Students, Employer Supervisors, and NOVA must abide by the responsibilities of the “NOVA Cooperative
Education & Coordinated Internship Services Contract.”
COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services based on the original scholarly work of Jared E. Moffett, developed the following student learning outcome objectives as linked to the NOVA General Education College Goals to facilitate Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship courses for students participating in co-op and internships with employers that support work-based experiential learning to include:
Objective # 1: Students will learn the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential to professionalism in
the co-op/internship career field.
Assessment # 1: Identify the knowledge and dispositions essential to professionalism.
o Course Assignments: Article Reviews, Journal, Performance Evaluations,
Work-Based Experiential Learning Evaluation Essay Paper
Job Project(s)
Assessment # 2: Observe the skills essential to professionalism.
o Course Assignments: Article Reviews, Journal, Performance Evaluations,
Work-Based Experiential Learning Evaluation Paper,
Job Project(s)
Objective # 2: Students will learn to analyze career field information relevant to the co-op/internship.
Assessment # 1: Investigate the career field through occupational research.
o Course Assignments: Article Reviews, Co-op Description or Internship
Description, Job Project(s)
Assessment # 2: Investigate the career field through a job interview.
o Course Assignments: Co-op or Internship Description, Resume
Objective # 3: Students will learn to synthesize the relationship between the academic curriculum and
career field.
Assessment # 1: Develop a job description for the coop/internship that supports work-
based experiential learning in the student’s degree major/program of
study.
o Course Assignments: Co-op Description or Internship Description
Assessment # 2: Identify the job project(s) for the student developed learning outcome
objectives for course.
o Course Assignments: Job Project(s)
o
Co-Op Handbook 31
Objective # 4: Students will learn to evaluate academic and career development with emphasis on the
establishment of professional career goals throughout the co-op/internship.
Assessment # 1: Assess the completion of the student learning outcome objectives for the
course.
Course Assignments: Performance Evaluations, Work-Based Experiential
Learning Evaluation Paper, Job Project(s)
Assessment # 2: Identify academic and career professional development strengths.
o Course Assignments: Performance Evaluations, Work-Based Experiential
Learning Evaluation Paper
Assessment # 3: Identify academic and career professional development areas for
improvement as well as recommend an action plan .
Course Assignments: Article Reviews, Performance Evaluations, Work-Based
Experiential Learning Evaluation Paper
Assessment # 4: Decide upon career goals.
o Course Assignments: Resume, Work-Based Experiential Learning Evaluation
Paper
Objective # 5 Students will learn the duties and responsibilities for the co-op/internship with emphasis
on expansion of the duties and responsibilities.
Assessment # 1: Identify the job duties and responsibilities as defined by the
Co-op Description or Internship Description from the Human Resources
Office and expanded upon by the Employer Supervisor.
o Course Assignments: Co-op or Internship Description, Job Project(s)
Assessment # 2: Observe the job duties and responsibilities modeled by the Employer
Supervisor and professional colleagues.
o Course Assignments: Job Projects Job Project(s), Journal
Objective # 6: Students will learn the requirements to complete the duties and responsibilities for the
co-op/internship.
Assessment # 1: Describe the required knowledge for the job duties and responsibilities.
o Course Assignments: Journal
o Job Project(s): (Student Developed)
Assessment # 2: Reproduce the required skills for the job duties and responsibilities.
o Course Assignments: Job Project(s)
Assessment # 3: Distinguish between the standards of knowledge and skills to complete
the job duties and responsibilities.
o Course Assignments: Job Project(s)
Objective # 7: Students will learn to demonstrate the completion of the duties and responsibilities for the
co-op/internship.
Assessment # 1: Demonstrate the completion of the job duties and responsibilities.
o Course Assignments: Job Project(s)
o Job Project(s): (Student Developed)
Assessment # 2: Produce the required outcomes for the job duties and responsibilities.
o Course Assignments: Job Project(s)
Objective # 8: Students will learn to evaluate the completion of the duties and responsibilities for the
co-op/internship.
Assessment # 1: Analyze the completion of the job duties and responsibilities.
o Course Assignments: Journal, Performance Evaluations, Work-Based Experiential
Co-Op Handbook 32
Learning Evaluation Paper
Assessment # 2: Adapt to improve the completion of the job duties and responsibilities with
an emphasis on change.
o Course Assignments: Job Projects Job Project(s), Journal, Performance
Evaluations, Work-Based Experiential Learning Evaluation
Paper
NOVA SEMESTER AND SESSION CALENDAR (Students and Instructor Fill-In Together)
Students must be informed and mindful of the critical dates indicated in the current semester college academic calendar. The following instructor and student identified critical dates for the semester will include:
Session Begins:
Holidays and Non-Instructional Days:
Last Day To Drop With Tuition Refund:
Last Day To Withdraw Without Grade Penalty:
Session Ends:
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION POLICY
Effective learning is facilitated by interaction between the Instructor and Students regarding course content; generally, the classroom is the principle arena for such interaction, however with Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship courses student learning is facilitated through experiential learning in the employment setting and individual meetings with the an instructor.
Students must attend course meetings with the Instructor at the designated course meeting times in accordance with the course schedule to receive instructional supervision as well as to submit course assignments.
Students must attend employment supervision meeting the Employment Supervisor at least once a week to receive employment supervision.
Students must abide by the approved co-op or internship work weeks and hours to be worked per week; the work schedule must be within 5-25 work hours per week as the credit to work hour ratio may not exceed 1:5.
Students may be administratively deregistered and/or withdrawn from the course for non-attendance, inappropriate conduct, or unsatisfactory performance issues at the discretion of the College.
Students who do not attend co-ops/internships for work and/or meetings with the Instructor may be administratively withdrawn from the course at the discretion of the College.
INCLEMENT WEATHER AND EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
Students must reference the NOVA website at www.nvcc.edu/emergency/ or contact the NOVA Call Center at 703-323-3000 to inquire to inquire about inclement weather or emergency campus closings. Messages will be posted as soon as a decision to close is made. Students are encouraged to register for NOVA Alert.
Students may contact the Instructor and/or Employer Supervisor for concerns or questions related to inclement weather and emergency closings.
Co-Op Handbook 33
INSTRUCTIONAL POLICY & CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Instructor has the responsibility of maintaining the progress and learning of the course with students.
Faculty Instructors and students have the right to a positive learning environment, one that promotes the free exchange of ideas and cultivates mutual tolerance.
The Instructor will not jeopardize the progress of the class by permitting the continued presence of any student whose behavior in any way adversely affects the class or course integrity.
The Instructor may utilize online and telecommunication instructional methods for the course. Therefore at the discretion of the Instructor, students must access “My NOVA” Student Accounts each week for email, Blackboard, Library, and etc; instructions for access to NOVA Student Accounts and resources are available on the NOVA website at www.nvcc.edu. Students as necessary may request assistance from the Instructor with accessing My NOVA Student Accounts.
The Instructor must develop the course syllabus and teach the respective course in accordance to the Northern Virginia Community College policies in the current Catalog and Faculty Handbook.
Students must abide by and follow the prescribed NOVA policies indicated in the Student Handbook and College Catalog.
Students must review the following referenced policies and procedures of NOVA outlined in the current edition of the Student Handbook under Student Conduct Rights and Responsibilities to include:
Section II: Student Conduct
Section VI: Academic Dishonesty
Section VII: Information Technology, Student/Patron Ethics Agreement and NOVA Computer
Use Agreement
Academic Standing Policy (Warning, Probation, and Dismissal)
ACCOMODATIONS AND STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES POLICY
The College is committed to the goal of providing each qualified student an equal opportunity to pursue a college education regardless of disability. Efforts will be made toward meeting reasonable requests for services to students with disabilities eligible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.). Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact a counselor for disability services in the student services or the counseling center of any campus to discuss possible accommodations.
Students with disabilities who desire accommodations must timely inform the instructor through the submission of the Memorandum of Accommodations Form for documented disabilities requiring accommodations that are coordinated with Disability Services. Instructors must provide accommodations to students who have submitted the Memorandum of Accommodations Form; Disability Services may be contacted directly for support.
Students will be provided accommodations with an initial start date corresponding to the submission date of the Memorandum of Accommodations Form to the instructor; retroactive accommodations will be not be provided.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Students have the responsibility to maintain the highest standard of honor in scholastic work. The instructor assumes the absolute integrity of the both the academic and employment work completed by students. Academic dishonesty cannot be condoned. When such misconduct is established as having occurred, the respective students have subjected themselves to possible disciplinary actions ranging from admonition to dismissal, along with any final grade evaluation penalty the instructor might appropriately impose. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, falsifying information to the college/college faculty, plagiarism, soliciting materials for a course, substituting for another student during an examination or allowing such substitution for one’s self, or unapproved student collaboration.
Co-Op Handbook 34
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ETHICS POLICY
The Virginia Community College System or V.C.C.S. has established an information security policy to protect the investments made in computer resources and related assets, and to guard against unauthorized or improper use of such resources. Included in this policy is the requirement that all currently enrolled students and patrons who use computer resources will acknowledge their acceptance of the Information Technology Student/Patron Ethics Agreement. Students who deviate from the college prescribed Information Technology Student/Patron Ethics Agreement will be subject to judicial or administrative action as well as any final grade evaluation penalty the instructor might appropriately impose.
SYLLABUS MODIFICATION POLICY
The instructor may reserve the right to correct and/or modify the syllabus at any time throughout semester for the course. However, the instructor acknowledges that frequently changing or modifying course syllabi is not responsible or ethical practice in Higher Education. Therefore, the instructor should make corrections and/or modifications to the syllabus should be completed only in emergency or extraordinary circumstances.
The instructor must communicate the corrections and/or modifications to the students.
Students must abide by the corrections and/or modifications of the syllabus.
GRADING POLICY
Final Letter Grade Evaluation
The quality of the performance of students in any academic course is reported by a final course letter grade evaluation, the assignment of which is the responsibility of the Instructor.
The Instructor must assign all students a final course letter grade for the course.
Final course letter grades correspond to the completion of course assignments and total value of pointed earned by individual students for the course assignments.
Course assignments are assigned an earned point value as evaluated based on the following grading rubric, grading system, and grading scale in addition to the course assignments’ descriptions and criteria. Students will periodically receive faculty instructor feedback on course assignments and students have the responsibility to ask questions about the related feedback.
Students may request current course grades throughout the semester.
Final course letter grade evaluations will be assigned at the end of the semester for each individual student.
Students must contact the Instructor in a timely manner regarding concerns and/or questions about earned grades for course assignments as well as the final course letter grade evaluation. Student requests for grade changes in the circumstances of valid concerns and/or disputes may be honored at the discretion of the instructor.
The final letter grade evaluation grading rubric, grading system, and grading scale to include
the following:
Grading Rubric
Course assignments will be graded based on the following four grading rubric areas to include:
Completion - evidence of full completion as indicated by the criteria for the course assignment
Content - evidence of mastery, utilization of course materials, and reference to appropriate career field resources or publications
Editing - evidence of correct utilization of mechanics, grammar, citations, and an editorial style
Evaluation - evidence of self-assessment, self-exploration, and self-growth
Co-Op Handbook 35
Grading System
The final letter grade evaluations for students completing the course will be calculated in the following way:
The “Course Assignments Total Points Possible” is equal to 1,000; the maximum value of points that may be earned by students for the submission of course assignments.
The instructor must assign an earned point value as a grade for course assignments submitted by individual students.
The instructor must calculate the total point values earned for all submitted course assignments by individual students, known as the “Course Assignments Total Earned Points”.
The instructor must calculate the final letter grade percentage for individual students by dividing the “Course Assignments Total Points” by the “Course Assignments Total Possible Point,” known as the “Final Grade Percentage.”
The “Course Assignments Total Earned Points” equals the “Final Grade Percentage” which equals the “Final Course Letter Grade.”
(Course Assignments Total Earned Point Value ÷ Course Assignments Total Possible Point Value) x 100% = Percentage Grade = Final Course Letter Grade Evaluation)
Grading Scale
Final course letter grade evaluations will be assigned to individual students according to the following grading scale based on total 1,000 total points possible for all course assignments:
Final Course Letter Grade Final Grade Percentage Course Assignments Total Earned Point
A (excellent) = 100% - 90% = 1000 Points - 900 Points
B (good) = 89% - 80% = 899 Points - 800 Points
C (average) = 79% - 70% = 799 Points - 700 Points
D (poor) = 69% - 60% = 699 Points - 600 Points
F (failure) = 59% - 0% = 599 Points - 0 Points
I (incomplete) = Incomplete, instructor verified unavoidable or valid circumstances
W (withdraw) = Withdrawl by Administration, Coordinator, Instructor, or Student
Co-Op Handbook 36
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS (1,000 Total Points Possible)
Students must submit course assignments according to the course calendar and scheduled submission due dates. Late submissions of course assignments will not be accepted or calculated in the final course letter grade evaluation unless at the discretion of the Instructor.
Students must submit course assignments in a typed format in an Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman font with a front size of 12 unless; otherwise specified.
Students must submit course assignments in the proper A.P.A. or M.L.A. editorial style as well as with the respective student full name, course name, course number, course section number, and submission date.
Students must submit course assignments as completed according to the indicated descriptions and criteria.
The course assignments with descriptions and criteria to include the following:
Article Reviews (200 total points; 50 points each)
Students must identify 4 separate scholarly journal articles related to the co-op/internship that supports work-based experiential learning and then write a 1 - 2 page article review summary of each of the articles. The article reviews must be completed in an A.P.A. or M.L.A. editorial style, and students must answer the following questions to include:
o What are the key points and/or major findings of the article?
o What are the strengths and limitations of the information of the article?
o What is the relationship between the co-op/internship and academic discipline for the article?
o How does the article contribute to your future career development?
Co-op Description or Internship Description (50 total points)
Students must review the work-based learning experience information on the “College 125-38: Employer Sponsorship Form” and letterhead “Co-op Description” or “Internship Description” with both the Instructor and Employer Supervise during a teleconference to include:
o Brief description of the employer, work environment, mission of the organization, and etc.
o Detailed description of co-op/internship duties and responsibilities
o Number of weeks to be worked and the number hours to be worked each week
o The name and contact information of the qualified Employer Supervisor
Job Project(s) (125 total points)
Students must develop a job project(s) to be completed at the co-op/internship employment site that is appropriate for the academic field in collaboration with the Instructor and Employer Supervisor that demonstrates the completion of the student learning outcome objectives # 5, #6, #7, and #8. The course Instructor will formalize in writing to the student the requirements for the Job Project(s) course assignment. Typical job projects examples include:
o Business: designing a marketing campaign or contributing to an accounting database
o Computer Science: developing applications, software, or website
o Engineering: management of construction work or completing electrical wiring in a building
o Psychology: facilitating a psychoeducational group or conducting survey research
o Teacher Education: developing a lesson plan or teaching a unit to a classroom of students
Students must consider the following during the development of a job project(s):
o “Co-op Description” or “Internship Description” on letterhead from the sponsoring Employer
o Job Information from the Occupational Outlook Handbook developed by the Department of Labor at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Journal (100 total points)
Students must record the work hours, day-to-day activities, experiences, responsibilities, duties, projects, co-worker interactions, questions, concerns, and etc. each day during the co-op/internship in a handwritten or typed journal while reflecting on the following questions:
o What resources and collaboration are necessary to complete the student learning objectives?
o What are your co-op/internship duties and responsibilities?
o What preparatory coursework and training did you complete for the co-op/internship?
o What progress have you made toward the completion of the Job Projects course assignment?
o What are your concerns and/or questions about the co-op/internship?
Co-Op Handbook 37
Performance Evaluations (350 total points; 175 points each)
Students must submit the “Performance Evaluation – Midterm” and “Performance Evaluation – Final” to the co-op/internship Employer Supervisor to be completed; provide adequate time to the Employer Supervisor to complete these evaluations. After completion, review the performance evaluation with the Employer Supervisor. Then, submit the completed performance evaluations to the Instructor and review the performance evaluations with the Instructor. At the discretion of the Instructor, the Performance Evaluation course assignments may be directly forwarded from the Employer Supervisor via email to the Instructor. At the discretion of the Instructor, students must schedule an on-site visitation from the Instructor with the Employer Supervisor.
Resume (50 total points)
Students must develop a professional resume for future career development to include the knowledge, skills, dispositions, training, experiences, and etc. acquired before and during the co-op/internship; if necessary Microsoft Word has developed pre-designed templates and wizards to assist students.
Work-Based Experiential Learning Evaluation Essay Paper (125 total points)
Students must write a 4 - 5 page paper that documents the completion of each of the Student Learning Outcome Objectives at the end of the co-op/internship that supports work-based experiential learning in a Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course. The paper must be completed in an A.P.A. or M.L.A. editorial style, and answer the following questions to include:
o What were the student learning outcome objectives for the course?
What student learning outcome objectives did you complete?
How did you complete each of the student learning outcome objectives with emphasis on the linked assessments and assignments?
What could you have been done differently to better achieve the student learning outcome objectives?
What student learning outcome objectives did you not complete?
What happened that you did not complete the student learning outcome objectives with emphasis on the linked assessments and assignments?
What could you have been done differently to complete the student learning outcome objectives?
o What problems did you encounter during co-op/internship and how were these problems addressed in collaboration with the Instructor and/or Employer Supervisor?
o What are your strengths as professional in the co-op/internship career field as well as your related academic field?
o What are your areas for improvement as a career professional after completing the job that supports work-based learning in a Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course?
o What are your career development goals after the completion of the co-op/internship that supports work-based learning in a Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course?
What have your occupational research and article reviews indicated?
Were there any experiences that have changed or solidified your career goals?
What have been some of the steps in your career decision making process?
What decision(s) have you made about an occupation or career field?
What work experience will you need?
What education in terms of a degree or program of study will you need?
What training or licensure will you need?
What knowledge, skills, and dispositions will you need?
What else will you as an individual need to be successful in your career future?
o Were you offered a permanent employment position at the end of the job? If so, did you inform Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships Services?
o What are your suggestions to future students in co-op/internship opportunities that support work-based learning in a Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course as well as suggestions to Instructors, Employer Superiors, and Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services?
Co-Op Handbook 38
COURSE CALENDAR OF SCHEDULED STUDENT-INSTRUCTOR COURSE MEETINGS
The course calendar outlines the required student(s) and instructor course meetings, required text readings, and required course assignments submission due dates to include:
MEETING # 1
Date: _______________
Time: _______________
Meeting Must Be In-Person on Campus
TEXT READINGS
Review Course Syllabus
Review “Cooperative
Education /Coordinated
Internships Contract”
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS DUE DATE
Co-op Description or Internship Description
and Employer Sponsorship Form
Job Project(s) (Review Only)
MEETING # 2
Date: _______________
Time: _______________
Meeting May Be In-Person on Campus or Teleconferenced
TEXT READINGS
Additional text readings may
be assigned by the Instructor
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS DUE DATE
Article Review # 1
Journal (Review Only)
MEETING # 3
Date: _______________
Time: _______________
Meeting May Be In-Person on Campus or Teleconferenced
TEXT READINGS
Additional text readings may
be assigned by the Instructor
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS DUE DATE
Article Review # 2
Article Review # 3
Journal (Review Only)
MEETING # 4
Date: _______________
Time: _______________
Meeting Must Be In-Person on Campus
TEXT READINGS
Additional text readings may
be assigned by the Instructor
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS DUE DATE
Article Review # 4
Journal (Review Only)
Performance Evaluation - Midterm
MEETING # 5
Date: _______________
Time: _______________
Meeting May Be In-Person on Campus or Teleconferenced
TEXT READINGS
Additional text readings may
be assigned by the Instructor
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS DUE DATE
Journal (Review Only)
Job Project(s)
Resume
MEETING # 6
Date: _______________
Time: _______________
Meeting Must Be In-Person on Campus
TEXT READINGS
Additional text readings may
be assigned by the Instructor
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS DUE DATE
Journal
Performance Evaluation - Final
Work-Based Experiential Learning
Evaluation Essay Paper
Co-Op Handbook 39
Performance
Evaluations
Midterm and Final Performance Evaluations The student participating in the co-op or internship that supports work-based experiential learning in the
Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course must develop as a professional through the achievement
of basic work and professional habits as well as the NOVA General Education Goals as evaluated by the
Employer Supervisor in the “Performance Evaluations - Midterm and Final” course assignments.
Basic Work and Professional Habits Report to work as scheduled and on time
Dress appearance is appropriate for the work environment and organization
Complete activities, tasks, and work as assigned
Demonstrate ability to set appropriate priorities and goals
Break down complex tasks and problems into manageable pieces
Manage and resolve conflict in an effective manner
Behave in an ethical manner
Exhibit positive attitude and constructive behaviors
Support and contribute to a team atmosphere
Respect the diversity of others and co-workers
Comprehend and follow verbal as well as written instructions
Work within the norms and expectations of the organization
Work within the appropriate authority and decision-making channels
Exhibits self-motivated approaches to work and tasks
Seeks out and uses appropriate resources
Accept responsibility for mistakes and learn from experiences
Requests assistance and help from co-workers and supervisors as necessary
NOVA’s General Education Goals
The College has established goals for each degree program to enhance student learning experiences beyond the
major area of study known as the NOVA’s General Education Goals:
Communication
Critical Thinking
Cultural and Social Understanding
Information Literacy
Personal Development
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Reasoning
Co-Op Handbook 40
Co-Op: Performance Evaluation -
Midterm
The student must submit the “Performance Evaluation - Final” to the Employer Supervisor to be completed,
and review the “Performance Evaluation - Midterm” with the Employer Supervisor. Afterwards according to the
course calendar in the course syllabus, the student must submit the completed “Performance Evaluation -
Midterm” for grading and review to the Instructor.
Student Contact Information
First Name:
Last Name:
I.D. Number: ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Employer Supervisor Instructions
Complete the “Performance Evaluation - Midterm” and “Performance Evaluation - Final” as related to the course
assignments to provide candid performance evaluations and constructive criticism of the Student Employee that will
impact the final letter grade for the course.
Review with the Student Employee both the “Performance Evaluation - Midterm” and “Performance Evaluation - Final”
course assignments.
Forward the “Performance Evaluation - Midterm” and “Performance Evaluation - Final” course assignments directly to
the Instructor.
Employment Professional Skills Evaluation(Ratings: 1–Unsatisfactory, 2–Satisfactory, 3–Above Satisfactory, 4–Exceptional or 4-N/A)
Basic Work and Professional Habits (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. report to work as scheduled and on time
b. dress appropriate for the work environment and organization to include appearance
c. complete activities, tasks, and work as assigned
d. demonstrate ability to set appropriate priorities and goals
e. break down complex tasks and problems into manageable pieces
f. manage and resolve conflict in an effective manner
g. behave in an ethical manner
h. exhibit positive attitude and constructive behaviors
i. support and contribute to a team atmosphere
j. respect the diversity of others and co-workers
k. comprehend and follow verbal as well as written instructions
l. work within the norms and expectations of the organization
m. work within the appropriate authority and decision-making channels
n. exhibit self-motivated approaches to work and tasks
o. seeks out and uses appropriate resources
p. accept responsibility for mistakes and learn from experiences
q. request assistance and help from co-workers and supervisors as necessary
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Co-Op Handbook 41
Employment Academic Skills Evaluation (Ratings: 1–Unsatisfactory, 2–Satisfactory, 3–Above Satisfactory, 4–Exceptional or 4- N/A)
Communication (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. understand and interpret complex materials
b. assimilate, organize, develop, and present an idea formally and informally
c. use standard English
d. use appropriate verbal and non-verbal responses in interpersonal relations and group discussion
e. recognize the role of culture in communication
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Critical Thinking (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. discriminate among degrees of credibility, accuracy, and reliability of inferences drawn from
given data
b. recognize parallels, assumptions, or presuppositions in any given source of information
c. evaluate the strengths and relevance of arguments on a particular question or issue
d. weigh evidence and decide if generalization or conclusions based on the given data are
warranted
e. determine whether certain conclusions or consequences are supported by the information
provided
f. use problem solving skills
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Cultural and Social Understanding (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. assess the impact that social institutions have on individual and culture-past, present, and future
b. describe their own as well as others’ personal ethnical systems and values within social
institutions
c. recognize the impact that arts and humanities have upon individuals and cultures
d. recognize the role of language in social and cultural contexts
e. recognize the interdependence of distinctive world-wide social, economic, geopolitical, and
cultural systems
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Information Literacy (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. determine the nature and extent of the information needed
b. access needed information effectively and efficiently
c. evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into his or
her knowledge base
d. use information effectively, individually or as member of a group, to accomplish a specific
purpose
e. understand many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information
access and use information ethnically and legally
f. show computer competency in discipline-specific skills necessary for successful transfer or
employment
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Personal Development (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. develop and/or refine personal wellness goals and career goals
b. develop and/or enhance the knowledge, skills, and understanding to make informed academic,
social, personal, career, and interpersonal decisions
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
________ Total
Co-Op Handbook 42
Quantitative Reasoning (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. use logical and mathematical reasoning within the context of various disciplines
b. interpret use mathematical formulas
c. interpret mathematical models such as graphs, tables, and schematics and draw inferences from
them
d. use graphical, symbolic, and numerical methods to analyze, organize, and interpret data
e. represent mathematical information numerically, symbolically, and visually, using graphs and
charts
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Scientific Reasoning (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. generate an empirically evidenced and logical argument
b. distinguish a scientific argument from a non-scientific argument
c. reason by deduction, indication, and analogy
d. recognize methods of inquiry that lead to scientific knowledge
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Learning Objectives Evaluation (Performance Ratings: 2 – Unsatisfactory, 4 – Satisfactory, 6 – Above Satisfactory, 8 – Exceptional or 8 - N/A)
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 1
Students will learn the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential to professionalism in co-op or internship career field related to the College major.
1 2 3 4
________ Total
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 2
Students will learn to analyze career field information. 1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 3
Students will learn to synthesize the relationship between the academic curriculum and career field.
1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 4
Students will learn to evaluate academic and career development with emphasis on the establishment of professional career goals.
1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 5
Students will learn the co-op/internship job duties and responsibilities with emphasis on expanded job duties and responsibilities.
1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 6
Students will learn the requirements to complete the co-op/internship job duties and responsibilities for the job.
1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 7
Students will learn to demonstrate the completion of the co-op/internship job duties and responsibilities for the job.
1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 8
Students will learn to evaluate the completion of the job duties and responsibilities for the job.
1 2 3 4
Co-Op Handbook 43
Review of Performance with Student Employee (Please write a descriptive summary for each section with student collaboration)
Student Employee’s Strengths:
Student Employee’s Areas for Improvement:
Student Employee’s Highlights of Activities,
Projects, or Experiences:
Student Employee’s Challenges:
Student Employee’s Concerns or Questions:
Additional Employer Supervisor Comments:
Performance Evaluation Course Assignment Grading
Employment Professional Skills Evaluation (68 points possible) _________ Total
Employment Academic Skills Evaluation (96 points possible) _________ Total
÷ 2 = _________ Total
Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives Evaluation (32 points possible) _________ Total
Review of Performance Evaluation (27 points possible) Completed: Yes or No
Yes = 27 points No = 0 points _________
Total
Performance Evaluation grand total to include: Employment Professional Skills, Employment
Academic Skills, Student Learning Objectives, and Review of Performance of Evaluation
_________ Grand Total
The Performance Evaluation course assignment points earned by the student is equal to the grand total.
Acknowledgment of Performance Evaluation
Student Employee
Printed Name
Signature Date
Employer Supervisor
Printed Name
Signature Date
Co-Op Handbook 44
Co-Op: Performance Evaluation -
Final
The student must submit the “Performance Evaluation - Final” to the Employer Supervisor to be completed,
and review both the “Performance Evaluation - Midterm” and “Performance Evaluation - Final” with the
Employer Supervisor. Afterwards according to the course calendar in the course syllabus, the student must
submit the completed “Performance Evaluation - Midterm” and “Performance Evaluation - Final” for grading
and review to the Instructor.
Student Contact Information
First Name:
Last Name:
I.D. Number: ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Employer Supervisor Instructions
Complete the “Performance Evaluation - Midterm” and “Performance Evaluation - Final” as related to the course
assignments to provide candid performance evaluations and constructive criticism of the Student Employee that will
impact the final letter grade for the course.
Review with the Student Employee both the “Performance Evaluation - Midterm” and “Performance Evaluation - Final”
course assignments.
Forward the “Performance Evaluation - Midterm” and “Performance Evaluation - Final” course assignments directly to
the Instructor.
Employment Professional Skills Evaluation(Ratings: 1–Unsatisfactory, 2–Satisfactory, 3–Above Satisfactory, 4–Exceptional or 4-N/A)
Basic Work and Professional Habits (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. report to work as scheduled and on time
b. dress appropriate for the work environment and organization to include appearance
c. complete activities, tasks, and work as assigned
d. demonstrate ability to set appropriate priorities and goals
e. break down complex tasks and problems into manageable pieces
f. manage and resolve conflict in an effective manner
g. behave in an ethical manner
h. exhibit positive attitude and constructive behaviors
i. support and contribute to a team atmosphere
j. respect the diversity of others and co-workers
k. comprehend and follow verbal as well as written instructions
l. work within the norms and expectations of the organization
m. work within the appropriate authority and decision-making channels
n. exhibit self-motivated approaches to work and tasks
o. seeks out and uses appropriate resources
p. accept responsibility for mistakes and learn from experiences
q. request assistance and help from co-workers and supervisors as necessary
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Co-Op Handbook 45
Employment Academic Skills Evaluation (Ratings: 1–Unsatisfactory, 2–Satisfactory, 3–Above Satisfactory, 4–Exceptional or 4- N/A)
Communication (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. understand and interpret complex materials
b. assimilate, organize, develop, and present an idea formally and informally
c. use standard English
d. use appropriate verbal and non-verbal responses in interpersonal relations and group discussion
e. recognize the role of culture in communication
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Critical Thinking (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. discriminate among degrees of credibility, accuracy, and reliability of inferences drawn from
given data
b. recognize parallels, assumptions, or presuppositions in any given source of information
c. evaluate the strengths and relevance of arguments on a particular question or issue
d. weigh evidence and decide if generalization or conclusions based on the given data are
warranted
e. determine whether certain conclusions or consequences are supported by the information
provided
f. use problem solving skills
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Cultural and Social Understanding (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. assess the impact that social institutions have on individual and culture-past, present, and future
b. describe their own as well as others’ personal ethnical systems and values within social
institutions
c. recognize the impact that arts and humanities have upon individuals and cultures
d. recognize the role of language in social and cultural contexts
e. recognize the interdependence of distinctive world-wide social, economic, geopolitical, and
cultural systems
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Information Literacy (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. determine the nature and extent of the information needed
b. access needed information effectively and efficiently
c. evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into his or
her knowledge base
d. use information effectively, individually or as member of a group, to accomplish a specific
purpose
e. understand many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information
access and use information ethnically and legally
f. show computer competency in discipline-specific skills necessary for successful transfer or
employment
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Personal Development (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. develop and/or refine personal wellness goals and career goals
b. develop and/or enhance the knowledge, skills, and understanding to make informed academic,
social, personal, career, and interpersonal decisions
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
________ Total
Co-Op Handbook 46
Quantitative Reasoning (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. use logical and mathematical reasoning within the context of various disciplines
b. interpret use mathematical formulas
c. interpret mathematical models such as graphs, tables, and schematics and draw inferences from
them
d. use graphical, symbolic, and numerical methods to analyze, organize, and interpret data
e. represent mathematical information numerically, symbolically, and visually, using graphs and
charts
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Scientific Reasoning (circle ratings and total)
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. generate an empirically evidenced and logical argument
b. distinguish a scientific argument from a non-scientific argument
c. reason by deduction, indication, and analogy
d. recognize methods of inquiry that lead to scientific knowledge
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
________ Total
Learning Objectives Evaluation (Performance Ratings: 2 – Unsatisfactory, 4 – Satisfactory, 6 – Above Satisfactory, 8 – Exceptional or 8 - N/A)
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 1
Students will learn the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential to professionalism in co-op or internship career field related to the College major.
1 2 3 4
________ Total
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 2
Students will learn to analyze career field information. 1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 3
Students will learn to synthesize the relationship between the academic curriculum and career field.
1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 4
Students will learn to evaluate academic and career development with emphasis on the establishment of professional career goals.
1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 5
Students will learn the co-op/internship job duties and responsibilities with emphasis on expanded job duties and responsibilities.
1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 6
Students will learn the requirements to complete the co-op/internship job duties and responsibilities for the job.
1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 7
Students will learn to demonstrate the completion of the co-op/internship job duties and responsibilities for the job.
1 2 3 4
Student Learning Outcome Objective # 8
Students will learn to evaluate the completion of the job duties and responsibilities for the job.
1 2 3 4
Co-Op Handbook 47
Review of Performance with Student Employee (Please write a descriptive summary for each section with student collaboration)
Student Employee’s Strengths:
Student Employee’s Areas for Improvement:
Student Employee’s Highlights of Activities,
Projects, or Experiences:
Student Employee’s Challenges:
Student Employee’s Concerns or Questions:
Additional Employer Supervisor Comments:
Performance Evaluation Course Assignment Grading
Employment Professional Skills Evaluation (68 points possible) _________ Total
Employment Academic Skills Evaluation (96 points possible) _________ Total
÷ 2 = _________ Total
Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives Evaluation (32 points possible) _________ Total
Review of Performance Evaluation (27 points possible) Completed: Yes or No
Yes = 27 points No = 0 points _________
Total
Performance Evaluation grand total to include: Employment Professional Skills, Employment
Academic Skills, Student Learning Objectives, and Review of Performance of Evaluation
_________ Grand Total
The Performance Evaluation course assignment points earned by the student is equal to the grand total.
Acknowledgment of Performance Evaluation
Student Employee
Printed Name
Signature Date
Employer Supervisor
Printed Name
Signature Date
Co-Op Handbook 48
NOVA
Faculty &
Staff
Co-Op Handbook 49
Academic Depts, Faculty,
and Staff Support
Welcome Faculty and Staff
Thank you for inquiring about supporting NOVA students for cooperative education or internship opportunities
with Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services, also known as Co-Op.
Faculty and staff are welcomed to visit the Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services Website and
review the Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships Handbook.
Registration Procedures
To register for a Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course, the student must first request an intake
appointment with the Coordinator of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services. The Coordinator
of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services will explain the registration process, and the student
must submit the completed “Co-op/Internship Registration Packet” to include: After submission of the “Co-
op/Internship Registration Packet,” the Coordinator of Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship
Services will forward the packet to the corresponding Academic Department for authorization. After authorization,
the Coordinator of Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship Services will register the student for the
course as well as forward a course syllabus to the student and Instructor.
Co-op and Internship Announcements
The NOVA WORKS: Student Jobs Database is a new electronic resource available for students to search for co-
op and internship opportunities submitted to NOVA by employers in the community. Registration for Cooperative
Education or Coordinated Internship courses is required for students by all employers posting co-op and
internship announcements.
Curriculum Development and Collaboration
Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services as well as Academic Services encourages all academic
divisions, departments, faculty, and staff to collaborate with the respective offices to develop work-based
experiential learning components in all programs of study curricula at NOVA.
Co-Op Handbook 50
Qualifications and
Notification to Instruct
Qualifications to Instruct Courses
If interested in instructing Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship courses for students participating in
co-op or internship opportunities supporting work-based experiential learning, faculty must have:
1. Minimum requirements established by the Human Resources Office to instruct courses in the related
Academic Department/Discipline for the Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course
2. Authorization from the corresponding Assistant Dean, Division Dean, or Program Head.
Notification of Interest to Instruct
Courses
If interested in instructing Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship courses for students participating in
co-op or internship opportunities supporting work-based experiential learning, faculty must complete one of the
following steps:
1. Notify in person, in writing, or by email the respective academic department Assistant Dean of your
interest to instruct Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internship courses. As opportunities to
instruct courses arise, the Assistant Dean, Program Head, or Division Dean may access the names of
faculty to approach about instructing the courses for the corresponding Academic Department.
2. Notify the Coordinator of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services in person, in
writing, or by email of interest to instruct Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship courses.
As opportunities to instruct courses arise, the Coordinator of Cooperative Education & Coordinated
Internship Services may suggest the names of faculty to the Assistant Dean of the corresponding
Academic Department.
“Becoming involved with the instruction of Cooperative Education and
Coordinated Internship courses is easy, and rewarding to instructors…”
Co-Op Handbook 51
Compensation for
Course Instruction
Compensation Pay Chart
In accordance with the NOVA Faculty Handbook, the following provisions are made for special circumstances:
Faculty Instructors Pay Scale Equation
The following equation may be used to calculate lower student credit hours for faculty instructor compensation
(best estimation until the faculty pay scale is revised in the future by Human Resources):
0.0833 x Student(s) x Course Credit Hours = Compensation
“In addition to the benefits of helping students achieve their career goals, monetary incentives are available for faculty who instruct courses in Cooperative Education and Coordinated Internships…”
Co-Op Handbook 52
Instructor
Responsibilities
Best Practices for Course Instructors
NOVA and Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services facilitating the Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course responsibilities include:
Abide by the NOVA Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services Contract, NOVA College Catalog, Student Handbook, Schedule of Classes, Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships Handbook, Employer Sponsorship Form, Co-op Description or Internship Description, and Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship Course Syllabus.
Complete the required Co-op/Internship Registration Packet forms. Provide an office of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services for general support to the
Student, Instructor and Employer Supervisor as well as the Employer. Provide a course syllabus to the Student, Instructor, and Employer Supervisor. Provide an Instructor from the corresponding academic department related to the co-op or internship to
facilitate the course and assign a course final letter grade. Reserve the right to administratively deregister and/or withdraw the Student from the course for non-
attendance, inappropriate conduct, unsatisfactory performance issues, and etc. at the discretion of the College.
Reserve the right to approve or deny the Student future registration for Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internships courses based upon performance.
Abide strictly by the directive that as a public institution the college is forbidden to sign hold harmless agreements.
Report concerns to the Student, Instructor, Employer Supervisor, and Employer.
Academic Departments and Faculty Instructors instructing the Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course responsibilities include:
Abide by the NOVA Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services Contract, NOVA College Catalog, Student Handbook, Schedule of Classes, Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships Handbook, Employer Sponsorship Form, Co-op Description or Internship Description, and Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship Course Syllabus.
Complete the required Co-op/Internship Registration Packet forms. Contact the Student immediately after the course registration to schedule the 1
st course meeting for
instructional supervision; the 1st meeting must occur during the first week of the course corresponding
with the session and semester schedule. Contact the Employer Supervisor immediately after the course registration to discuss the co-op or
internship; the conversation must occur during the first week of the course. Facilitate course meetings at least 6 times evenly spaced throughout the semester with times being as
mutually agreeable as possible; the 1st, 4
th, and 6
th course meeting must be facilitated in person face-to-
face on campus; the 2nd
, 3rd
, and 5th meetings must be facilitated in person face-to-face on campus or
facilitated through telecommunication ie: telephone, Skype, and/or Blackboard. Review with the Student the course syllabus. Review with the Student the co-op or internship duties and responsibilities. Attend scheduled course meetings with the Student to provide instructional supervision; engage in
conversations about the co-op/internship experiences through the “Journal” course assignment that not only address concerns, but facilitate deeper connections between the academic major content and professional career development.
Review and grade all course assignments. Conduct onsite visits at the discretion of the Instructor. Assign a course final letter grade. Report decisions to withdraw from the course to the Instructor and Coordinator of Cooperative Education
& Coordinated Internship Services. Report an offer for permanent employment to Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services. Report concerns to the Student and/or Instructor. Report immediately any concerns that cannot be collaboratively handled between the Instructor, Student,
and/or Employer Supervisor to the Coordinator of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services.
Co-Op Handbook 53
Employers
&
Partners
Co-Op Handbook 54
Employer
Support
Welcome Employers
Thank you for the inquiry about recruiting and supporting NOVA students for cooperative education or internship
opportunities with Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services, also known as Co-Op.
Employers are welcomed to visit the Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services Website and
review the Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships Handbook.
Sponsorship Requirements
To be eligible to sponsor and post co-op or internship opportunities through NOVA, employers must:
1. Be a licensed business, non-profit organization, or government agency
2. Offer a co-op or internship opportunity directly related to an academic discipline at NOVA
3. Provide a qualified supervisor capable of completing the duties relevant to the co-op or internship
4. Not be supplementing student interns for contractual or rifted full-time job positions
Announcements and Recruitment
To post employment opportunities including cooperative education or internship positions, employers may visit the
NOVA WORKS: Student Jobs Database.
Students conduct self-searches for these announcements when academically ready to pursue work-based
experiential learning in co-op and internship opportunities with sponsoring community employers.
Partnerships
Employers who would like to build partnerships beyond intermittent recruitment of 1 - 3 students per semester
should contact the Special Assistant for Career & Technical Education to discuss recruitment needs and to
develop a contractual “Memorandum of Understanding” for a customized partnership with NOVA.
Course Registration and Credits
Most employers require students to be affiliated with an institution of higher education such as NOVA to complete
cooperative education or coordinated internships under guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Employers who require students to be affiliated with NOVA should direct students to Cooperative Education &
Coordinated Internship Services to register for “Cooperative Education” or “Coordinated Internship” courses.
Co-Op Handbook 55
Supervision
Responsibilities
Best Practices for Employer Supervisors
The Employer and Employer Supervisor(s) sponsoring a co-op or internship opportunity for a student
registered in a Cooperative Education or Coordinated Internship course responsibilities include:
Abide by the NOVA Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services Contract, NOVA College
Catalog, Student Handbook, Schedule of Classes, Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internships
Handbook, Employer Sponsorship Form, Co-op Description or Internship Description, and Cooperative
Education or Coordinated Internship Course Syllabus.
Complete the required Co-op/Internship Registration Packet forms.
Contact the Student immediately after the course registration to schedule the 1st onsite meeting for
employment supervision; the 1st meeting must occur during the first week of the course corresponding
with the session and semester schedule.
Contact the Instructor immediately after the course registration to discuss the co-op or internship; the
conversation must occur during the first week of the course.
Review with the Student the course syllabus.
Review with the Student the co-op or internship duties and responsibilities.
Attend weekly scheduled onsite meetings with the Student to provide employment supervision; engage in
conversations about the co-op/internship experiences through the “Journal” course assignment that not
only address concerns, but facilitate deeper connections between the academic major content and
professional career development.
Review and complete the “Performance Evaluation - Midterm” and “Performance Evaluation - Final” as
related to the course assignments that contribute to the course final letter grade; forward the
“Performance Evaluation - Midterm” and “Performance Evaluation - Final” course assignments directly to
the Instructor.
Monitor the approved co-op or internship work weeks, days, and hours; permit the student leave time to
meet with the Instructor; report attendance issues to the Instructor.
Review necessary information regarding employment policies, procedures, manuals, handbooks, and
etc.; provide copies as available.
Assist with all required training.
Report decisions to withdraw from the course to the Instructor and Coordinator of Cooperative Education
& Coordinated Internship Services.
Report an offer for permanent employment to Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship Services.
Permit site visits by the Instructor and/or Coordinator of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship
Services.
Report concerns to the Student and/or Instructor.
Report immediately any concerns that cannot be collaboratively handled between the Instructor, Student,
and/or Employer Supervisor to the Coordinator of Cooperative Education & Coordinated Internship
Services.
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