Co-op

Academic Credit and Thesis

Co-op credit based on special circumstances

I worked for my Co-op company either remotely or in-person, but for less than four weeks/160 hours.

If you have worked at your co-op employer, but for less than four weeks, please contact your Co-op Manager to discuss the situation. Determination of credit on these circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. 

I worked for a different employer or volunteered on a regular basis throughout the Spring term.

If you have worked at a non-co-op position throughout the 2020 Spring or Summer term, you may be eligible for co-op credit. If you have worked for more than six weeks, you will be asked to write an Experiential Learning Report using the Experiential Learning Report Web Submission Form.  If you have worked at your position for less than six weeks, please contact your Co-op Manager to discuss this. Determination of credit on these circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. 

I have a special circumstance that is not covered by the options above and might make me a candidate to exempt this co-op term.

Please reach out to your Co-op Manager individually to discuss any special circumstances that might require an exemption request. Appeals made to the Provost require a formal request written by your Co-op Manager. Decisions regarding exemption will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Quick Links

https://my.kettering.edu/page/experiential-learning-report

https://my.kettering.edu/form/experiential-learning-report-submission-form

Thesis after loss of Co-op job

Some of our graduating seniors have experienced interruptions in their thesis projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The interruptions could potentially delay their graduation. To address this, the University has developed an alternative thesis option that will allow them to complete the thesis requirement. The alternative thesis option will allow students to use a faculty-guided “Culminating Reflection Project” in lieu of a traditional thesis. We recognize that there may be a broader impact on those students who plan to graduate in the near future terms. We will continue to assess the situation and will communicate our plans as necessary.

Currently, ONLY graduating students in the 2020 Spring or Summer terms are eligible:

  • Students who have submitted an Application to Graduate and expect to graduate in either the 2020 Spring or Summer terms. These students will be notified by the ASC-Thesis Office that they are eligible and will receive detailed instructions.
  • Students that have not yet applied to graduate but expect to graduate in the 2020 Spring or Summer terms, must complete the Application to Graduate as soon as possible and then contact the ASC -Thesis Office.

For more information, contact thesis@kettering.edu.

Co-op disruption causing a delay in graduation

Each student's situation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your Co-op manager.

  • How do I apply for Co-op credit based on special circumstances in 2020 Spring & Summer Terms?

    Co-op credit based on special circumstances

    I worked for my Co-op company either remotely or in-person, but for less than four weeks/160 hours.

    If you have worked at your co-op employer, but for less than four weeks, please contact your Co-op Manager to discuss the situation. Determination of credit on these circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. 

    I worked for a different employer or volunteered on a regular basis throughout the Spring term.

    If you have worked at a non-co-op position throughout the 2020 Spring or Summer term, you may be eligible for co-op credit. If you have worked for more than six weeks, you will be asked to write an Experiential Learning Report using the Experiential Learning Report Web Submission Form.  If you have worked at your position for less than six weeks, please contact your Co-op Manager to discuss this. Determination of credit on these circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. 

    I have a special circumstance that is not covered by the options above and might make me a candidate to exempt this co-op term.

    Please reach out to your Co-op Manager individually to discuss any special circumstances that might require an exemption request. Appeals made to the Provost require a formal request written by your Co-op Manager. Decisions regarding exemption will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

    Quick Links

    https://my.kettering.edu/page/experiential-learning-report

    https://my.kettering.edu/form/experiential-learning-report-submission-form

  • What do I do about a thesis now that I have lost my Co-op job?

    Thesis after loss of Co-op job

    Some of our graduating seniors have experienced interruptions in their thesis projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The interruptions could potentially delay their graduation. To address this, the University has developed an alternative thesis option that will allow them to complete the thesis requirement. The alternative thesis option will allow students to use a faculty-guided “Culminating Reflection Project” in lieu of a traditional thesis. We recognize that there may be a broader impact on those students who plan to graduate in the near future terms. We will continue to assess the situation and will communicate our plans as necessary.

    Currently, ONLY graduating students in the 2020 Spring or Summer terms are eligible:

    • Students who have submitted an Application to Graduate and expect to graduate in either the 2020 Spring or Summer terms. These students will be notified by the ASC-Thesis Office that they are eligible and will receive detailed instructions.
    • Students that have not yet applied to graduate but expect to graduate in the 2020 Spring or Summer terms, must complete the Application to Graduate as soon as possible and then contact the ASC -Thesis Office.

    For more information, contact thesis@kettering.edu.

  • What if Co-op disruption causes a delay in graduation?

    Co-op disruption causing a delay in graduation

    Each student's situation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your Co-op manager.

Loss or Delay of Co-op Term

Loss of Co-op

Each organization’s response has been different, and we continue to encourage our students to engage actively with both your Co-op employer and with your Kettering Co-op manager (contact information for the Co-op team is located here).

The Admissions and cooperative education teams have been reaching out to admitted students, current students and active Co-op partners to gather insight, information and guidance. The number of impacted students so far has been fairly limited, however, there are students whose Co-ops have been delayed, canceled or otherwise impacted. 

In addition to Kettering University Student Emergency Fund which provides direct financial assistance to current undergraduate and graduate students who apply, the Keep Me Kettering Fund proves Bulldogs back Bulldogs – as alumni, employees and others are generously donating money for scholarship opportunities for students. 

The University is also looking into options for students who have lost their Co-ops to take courses during that time and is assisting with finding other opportunities and employment.

Filing Unemployment

Those participating in a Co-op are encouraged to contact their company's Human Resources department with any questions or concerns about employment status or unemployment eligibility.

Help for students facing financial difficulties

The Kettering University Student Emergency Fund has been established to provide financial assistance to current undergraduate and graduate students impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Those facing hardships including basic needs (housing, food and academic materials or technology), loss of Co-op wages, tuition expenses and other situations can request assistance through an online request form at my.kettering.edu (login/password required). Applicants must provide documentation to support the need. Questions can be addressed to  finaid@kettering.edu or through a virtual meeting with a team member through the application form.

Continuing to apply for Co-op positions

Yes. Students will continue to have support from their Co-op Managers.  Kettering Connect provides helpful resources and job postings.

International students unable to return to the U.S. for a Co-op assignment

Students should contact Kettering University’s Office of International Programs office for any questions related to work or travel visas. Co-op managers will work with students, employers and academic departments to determine how to best proceed based on their unique circumstances. 

Current or Future Co-op Terms

Continuing with Co-op

Yes, if your Co-op employer can allow you to work onsite or to work remotely, students should continue their assignments and follow guidance from their employers about workplace policies. Many of our employer partners have shared their return to work plans: “Ford: Return to Work Manufacturing Playbook”, “Lear: Safe Work Playbook”,  and “Tesla: Return to Work Playbook”. 

Beginning Co-op

​Students should report for their Co-op position and follow guidance from their employers about work policies. We strongly advise you to reach out to your employer as soon as possible to ask if there have been any changes and to confirm employment details.

Taking classes rather than Co-op 

You can enroll in an academic term for summer, please contact the Academic Success Center. If you are currently employed at a co-op site that expects you to report next term, you will need to consult your employer before this decision is made.

Health concerns

The health of our students is a priority. Please talk with your co-op manager and employer to discuss your concerns.

Ask your employer about the possibility of working remotely. If remote work is not possible with your employer, ask if your co-op position could be postponed until your next co-op term. If you feel you need additional assistance, your co-op manager is happy to reach out to your employer as well. Email your co-op manager ad we will be in touch to gather additional information and discuss the next steps.

Information for Employers

Remote Co-op work remotely

Yes, students on Co-op are full-time employees of your organization during Co-op terms and should follow the required procedures and policies of your organization. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, we will support whatever works best for you and your student to have a safe work environment. We will happily work with you to make this transition.  Ideally, job responsibilities should remain almost the same, except that communication and supervision would happen remotely.

Student unable or unwilling to start their Co-op

We encourage Kettering University students to honor their commitments unless it puts their health at risk. Understandably, some students may be nervous about travel or relocation. We are available to provide them with support and guidance. Your Kettering University Co-op Manager will work with you to determine how to best proceed.

Changing student's responsibilities

Yes, if you are able to provide a work assignment for a student that may be different than expected and the student will gain some work experience, exceptions can be made.  Please contact your Kettering University Co-op manager to discuss.

Unemployment eligibility

Those participating in a Co-op are encouraged to contact your company's Human Resources Department with any questions or concerns about employment status or unemployment eligibility.

Hiring for the current and upcoming work term

Yes, we are still moving forward with work term, with some adjustments.

All interviews have been requested to be conducted via phone and webcam. Shorter work terms have been approved for students, so later start date is no problem. Students need a minimum of four weeks to earn Co-op credit.

As this situation evolves we will work with students on a case-by-case basis.

  • Can my company allow Co-op students to work remotely?

    Remote Co-op work remotely

    Yes, students on Co-op are full-time employees of your organization during Co-op terms and should follow the required procedures and policies of your organization. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, we will support whatever works best for you and your student to have a safe work environment. We will happily work with you to make this transition.  Ideally, job responsibilities should remain almost the same, except that communication and supervision would happen remotely.

  • What if our student informs us they are unable or unwilling to start their Co-op at our company location?

    Student unable or unwilling to start their Co-op

    We encourage Kettering University students to honor their commitments unless it puts their health at risk. Understandably, some students may be nervous about travel or relocation. We are available to provide them with support and guidance. Your Kettering University Co-op Manager will work with you to determine how to best proceed.

  • Can a student's responsibilities change based on significant changes within the company, due to emergency business situations?

    Changing student's responsibilities

    Yes, if you are able to provide a work assignment for a student that may be different than expected and the student will gain some work experience, exceptions can be made.  Please contact your Kettering University Co-op manager to discuss.

  • Are Co-op students eligible for unemployment benefits?

    Unemployment eligibility

    Those participating in a Co-op are encouraged to contact your company's Human Resources Department with any questions or concerns about employment status or unemployment eligibility.

  • Can I still hire for the current and upcoming work term?

    Hiring for the current and upcoming work term

    Yes, we are still moving forward with work term, with some adjustments.

    All interviews have been requested to be conducted via phone and webcam. Shorter work terms have been approved for students, so later start date is no problem. Students need a minimum of four weeks to earn Co-op credit.

    As this situation evolves we will work with students on a case-by-case basis.