UConn Career Center Co-op Process, Policies, & Procedures

What is Co-op? 

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an opportunity for undergraduates to immerse themselves in a full-time, paid, professional experienceduring the fall or spring semester instead of taking classes, to develop essential skills and become highly competitive in the ever-changing job market. 

Co-op Benefits 

  • Explore potential career fields  
  • Earn money 
  • Develop transferable skills outside of the classroom 
  • Gain networking opportunities 
  • Prepare for your career  
  • Strengthen your resume and stand out in the job market 

Student Eligibility 

  • Attend any UConn campus  
  • Good academic standing, minimum overall GPA of 2.0 
  • Completed at least one full semester at UConn 

Co-op criteria 

  • Full-time: Minimum 35 hours per week   
  • Timeframe: 4-12 months per co-op rotation, lasts entire fall or spring semester 
  • Paid, stipends may apply 
  • Career-related: Designed for someone earning a degree, in industry that aligns with career goals or interest area 
  • Students remain enrolled at UConn while on co-op, enrolled as Full-Time Equivalent  
  • Credit eligibility: 
  • Co-op experiences don’t count for credit  
  • Students may be able to take up to six credits (Tuition and additional fees would apply) 
  • Registration fee: $45 (no tuition, still enrolled at university) 
  • Located in the US 

 

UConn PACE (Post Academic Cooperative Experience) 

UConn PACE allows students who are close to completing their degree to remain enrolled while gaining full-time professional experience. 

  • The student has completed most or all of coursework (6 credits or less), but not yet graduated  
  • Excellent option for students looking to extend college career and gain practical experience  
  • Students may be able to delay student loan repayment start date 
  • Seamless transition to full-time once co-op ends 

Finding a Co-op Position 

  • Locate and secure an opportunity (on own or with assistance from the Career Center)  
  • Use 12twenty or other job boards 
  • Discuss opportunities with the Career Center staff, faculty, advisors and others in your personal network 

Co-op Impact on Financial Aid 

Students enrolled in a co-op may only be considered for some forms of financial aid if enrolled in six billable credits. 

Though co-op students are in the system as FTE: Full-Time Equivalent, for financial aid purposes, students enrolled in six credits are considered half-time and are not eligible for University Grant funds. 

Students should contact One Stop for questions regarding financial aid eligibility.