FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cooperative Education?

Cooperative Education (CoOP Ed), also referred to as Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE) is a college program that combines on-the-job experience with regular classroom instruction. Credit is awarded for the accomplishment of specific learning experiences. The correlation of the on-the-job learning experiences with classroom instruction, as well academic majors, enhances both the work place and the academic experience.

Do I have to have a job to qualify for CoOP?

Yes. The credit for CO-OP is base on a workplace learning experience combined with classroom instruction.

Do I have to get paid for the job to qualify?

No. Either paid or unpaid work positions may qualify.

How many hours do I have to work to qualify?

If your work is paid, you must work a minimum of 5 hours per week for each unit of CO-OP credit you are enrolled for. If your work is unpaid you must work a minimum of 4 hours per week for each unit of CO-OP credit you are enrolled for.

How many units can I earn each semester?

You may earn up to 4 units each semester if your CoOP relates to your major. If your CoOp is not related to your major, or if you do not have a major declared, you may earn up to 3 units in the semester. But you must maintain a minimum of 7 units, including CoOp Ed Units, for the semester.

How many units do I enroll in?

This depends on the number of hours on average that you work each week and if your work is related to your major. But most students qualify for 3 or 4 units of college credit. All units earned do qualify for graduation from Pierce College. When the units are earned in your major, then they are also applicable for transfer in your major to any of the California State Universities.

1 Unit of College credit requires 5 to 9 hours on the job each week.

2 Units of College credit requires 10-14 hours on the job each week.

3 Units of College credit requires 15-19 hours on the job each week.

4 Units of College credit requires 20 or more hours on the job each week.

Required working hours accumulated during semester for related credit:

PAID VOLUNTEER (UNPAID)

1 unit(s) 75 hours 1 unit(s) 60 hours

2 150 hours 2 120 hours

3 225 hours 3 180 hours

4 300 hours 4 240 hours

Can I loose CoOp Ed Units?

Yes. A student must be enrolled in a minimum of 7 units to earn CoOp Ed credit, and this does include the CoOp Ed Class. If you fall below this 7 unit minimum then you may not earn the CoOp Ed Credits you are enrolled in.

Will CoOP units transfer to universities?

Yes, if your CoOP work experience is related to your declared major. CoOP related to majors has been articulated with California State Universities (CSU's) and is accepted by most universities based on individual evaluation.

How many units will transfer?

You may transfer up to 8 units, depending on the requirements for your major at the university you transfer to.

How many semesters can I take CoOP?

You may take CoOP for 4 semesters if it is related to your major or 2 semesters if it is not related, or you do not have a major declared. You may combine related and unrelated for a maximum of 4 semesters, and a maximum of 16 units in CoOP.

I don't have a job already, how can I get one?

You may seek employment opportunities on your own or through the services of the College's Job Placement Center. You may also seek internship positions through the Cooperative Education Department Office.

How can I find out more about CoOP or enroll in the program?

You can get additional information from the college's Schedule of Classes and Catalog. You can also get more information by contacting the CoOp Ed Office at: (810 710-4291.

You may also find out more about the CoOP program by contacting the Office of Academic Affairs, or calling that office at 818-719-6406 or 818-710-4151.

How Does CoOp ED Work?

Pierce College has a unique opportunity for students who are working! Pierce College will grant from 1 to 4 units of college credit for work on your Job. These units are granted through our Cooperative work experience Education program. The college recognizes that learning takes place on the job and wants to afford each working student the opportunity to earn this college credit.

The Units Earned in Cooperative Education are applicable towards graduation from Pierce College. They do apply towards your Grade Point Average. The units, when earned in your major, are transferable in the California University System.

Your obligation is to come to class one hour per week, and the class times are Monday at 5:30 pm., or you can come to Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. or come to class on Thursday at 5:30 p.m., or come to class on Saturday (See Schedule of Classes for dates & times). You select the time that best fits your schedule each week.

Would you like to take sign up for CoOp Ed? (Enroll now.)

How to register for class?

Register by phone, register on-line through the internet or come to the class you think you want to attend and get an ADD card. For class meetings and times refer to the college schedule of classes.

Go to the class that best fits your schedule. The instructor will give you an ADD card and every thing you need for the class.

Would you like to take Sign up for CoOp Ed? (Enroll now.)

What do I have to do for the class?

First you must register for the class, and you can go to Cooperative Work Experience office or Classroom BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 1308 and pick up an ADD card from the instructor to ADD the class. Then the other assignments that you will have to complete are that:

a) You will have to complete an information sheet. This gives us important information about your work site.

b) You will have to complete an information card.

c) You will devise three learning objectives with your supervisor. But, we will explain this to you in the class and it is really easy to do. We will give lots of information on how this is done.

d) You will complete a written assignment as either a jobs report or a resume, and we will show you how these are done in class.

e) And of course you must come to class one hour a week.

Do you have guest speakers?

Yes. Guest speakers come into the class to review work experience. Topics that they discuss are Job Searching, Job Interviewing Strategies, Managerial Performance, Career Changes, Challenges to the Work Site. Their discussions are always timely and important for the workplace.

Can I apply online? Yes! Click here!!

Can I check my grades online? Yes! Click here!!

Need an un-official copy of your transcripts? Yes! Click here!!

Can I check add or drop classes online? Yes! Click here!!

Missed Classes & Make-ups:

Absence from the class does not relieve the student from the responsibilities of the class. Students are encouraged to make up an absence by reviewing a video presentation (to be accomplished within 3 weeks of absence). Schedule video make-ups with the Media Center on campus (Their location is below the Library).

When viewing a video as a make-up for a missed class attendance, you will write a small report on the video viewed. Include your name, date of viewing and that this is a class make-up. The report would include the video title and the major points of the video. Submit this report to the CoOp Ed program in the next class attended or to the CoOp Ed office.