Co-op Information for Faculty and Staff

What is the Co-op program?

Co-op is a graded course offered for credit. Students work in a paid job related to their current field of study. The co-op program is conducted in the School of Business and the School of Science and Computer Engineering.

Student Requirements

Academic Approval

1. Read about The Co-op Program.
   All necessary forms including the Co-op Application Stage 1 and 2 and Co-op Agreement are available online.
   
   
2. Complete Forms
   • Co-op Application Stage 1
   • Co-op Agreement
   • Candidate Plan of Study to the Co-op Coordinator
     Note: The co-op course hours must fit within the student’s course requirements listed on the Candidate Plan of Study (CPS).
     
     
3. Satisfy Academic Requirements
   

   Undergraduate	12 completed UHCL hours (not including transfer credits) 2.5 GPA or above All freshman and sophomore level classes completed.
   Graduate	9 completed UHCL hours (not including transfer credits) 3.0 GPA or above All foundation courses completed.

Employment Requirements

Employers are not required to have a formal co-op program to employ co-op students. While employers may have additional requirements, the following are required by UHCL:

• Job duties must relate directly to student’s major.
• Must be a paid position.
• Minimum 3-month commitment
• Minimum 16 hours of work per week.

Students may gain a co-op position through the employment database managed by Career Services, CareerLink, or their own referral source.

F-1 Employment Regulations

F-1 students are permitted to work off campus under any of the following conditions:

1. Obtaining a hardship work permit from Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
2. Acceptance in Curricular Practical Training through Career Services which is the co-op Program at UHCL.
3. Acceptance in Curricular Practical Training with the School of Human Science and Humanities in a degree required or optional internship.
4. Applying for Optional Practical Training before graduation.

An F-1 student must have one academic school year of consecutive full-time enrollment before applying to the co-op program.

In order to maintain legal status while working, there are specific course guidelines that must be followed. Please have students consult with a international student advisor in the Office of Enrollment Services or the Career Services Co-op Coordinator for details.