Description of the Curriculum

The UNVA Graduate Co-Op program requires the completion of a standard master's or doctorate level program, including all required courses and projects.

Students in the co-op program must register and attend a special seminar (ORTN500) exclusively for co-op students. The purpose of the seminar is to familiarize students with the processes and policies that apply to workers in the U.S. A more detailed description is found later in the catalog. This course does not substitute ORTN001, the new student orientation, which is required of all students.

Students must register for a one credit practicum course (ORTN590) for every term in which they are actively employed (full or part-time). Enrollment in this course involves completing assignments and work evaluations. Completion of the co-op program requires a minimum of three (3) quadmesters of employment, as indicated by the presence of ORTN590 on the transcript.

Co-Op Practicum (ORTN590)

Provides structure and establishes clear expectations for students and employers;

Provides evidence that the internship is a university sanctioned experience (transcript notation) whether or not the student receives academic credit;

Requires that students and supervisors set realistic learning objectives for each semester of placement;

Allows for evaluation of performance and placement;

Can be linked to upper-level academic credit when appropriate;

Summary of Costs for the Co-Op Program

Before a student may enter the co-op program, an administrative fee of $3050 will be charged onto the account upon initial registration.

In order to be considered full time students, those enrolled in the co-op program and are employed must be registered for at least two (2) academic courses and ORTN590 (or ORTN500, if it is the first term of co-op).

Students who are not employed while in this program are required to enroll in at least two (2) courses. If the student finds employment later in the quadmester, ORTN590 must be registered in addition to the courses already registered.

Student Work Authorization

USCIS regulations allow international graduate students who are enrolled in an "internship" or "CPT" program to work in an internship positions for as many months as the duration of the program will allow. Through the CPT program, international students may work up to 40 hours per week.

Students may work the entire duration of their study in a full time job related to their program; however, if full-time CPT employment lasts more than eleven months, the student may lose the right to the Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is allowed to students after graduation. (OPT is a one year work authorization students may get after completing their degree).

F-1 students must first obtain work authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) before working off-campus. The work authorization will be given only for jobs that are considered to be "an integral part of an established curriculum".

F-1 students wishing to participate in an off-campus training program that is "an integral part of an established curriculum" must first obtain work authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The training, which must be directly related to the student�s major field of study, is defined as "alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum, which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school" (Title 8, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 214.2 (f)(10).

Benefits to Students

The work experience that the students will receive while enrolled in this program directly relates to their field of study and gives them practical skills and training that cannot be obtained through a traditional educational format.

After graduation, students who were enrolled in this program have a more comprehensive resume and work experience history, in addition to the completion of a graduate level degree.

Graduates in this program, often times, have already established a professional relationship and rapport with their employers, co-workers, and fellow students which makes the transition from full time student to full time employee seamless and unobtrusive.

All employees, in this case specifically co-op students, are entitled by U.S. federal wage law to earn the same wages as all other employees of equal skill and job class. Additionally, some students qualify for tax exemptions which allow them to keep more of their net earnings after filing taxes. Net earnings are retained by the student worker and may be used to help alleviate the burden of personal expenses or educational needs.

Part-time or full-time employments are defined as twenty (20) hours or less per week or exceeds twenty hours per week, respectively. Employment will be authorized as long as students are enrolled in a full course load. This allows for a flexible work and school schedule.

Students enrolled in the co-op program are in good academic standing because they must demonstrate that they are enrolled in a full course load and adhering to all academic policies.

Where possible, class schedules will be arranged as to facilitate this program. UNVA offers daytime, evening and weekend courses which results in more productive usage of the students' time.

Upon completion of the program Graduate Co-Op Certification will be awarded to those who participated and successfully completed the program.

Requirements for Entrance

1. Acceptance and admittance into a master's or doctorate level program is the first requirement.

2. Must have demonstrated sufficient proficiency in written and oral English skills as determined in the admissions process. UNVA offers additional classes for improving English skills for those who require additional proficiency.

3. Receipt of all fees applicable to the program. Itemization of fees are found in a later section.

Elements of Co-Op Employment

Length: Employment may be authorized for as long as a student is enrolled and pursuing a the completion of their graduate degree. However, for international students, exceeding twelve (12) months of full-time CPT results in ineligibility for post graduate work authorization (OPT). Part-time CPT employment is counted at half the rate of full-time, therefore, exceeding a total of 24 months will result in OPT denial as well.

Obtaining Employment: As part of the experience, each student is responsible for searching for prospective employers, going through the interview process, and satisfactorily completing the duties of their job. UNVA will guide students through the entire experience through advising, processing of documents, and, when available, posting of local job openings.

Once a job has been procured by the student, an application must be filed at the career center of the University. If the job and application meet requirements and has been approved, the employment may be applied to the program for credit and other benefits of the co-op program.

Maintenance of Employment: In order for the employment to be approved for every quadmester, students must maintain good standing within the university. This includes enrolling in courses and abiding by university policies. Students must also complete assignments and forms as given by their advisors. This is to ensure that students are benefiting from the program and that academic value of the program is preserved.

Types of Employment Applicable to the Program: UNVA will only approve employment that is determined to be directly related to the student's proposed major program of study. This is a requirement of the regulations guiding CPT and university requirement, as well.

Location of Employment: Students may work at any site that does not interfere with their academic program. All students are subject to UNVA's attendance policies at all times.

Probable Wages: Federal wage law requires that people working in the U.S. receive a minimum of $6.55 per hour. However, because of the degree requirement to enter the co-op program, students are often paid at least $8.00 per hour. Those students that continually improve their employee repertoires and are vigorous in the employment process often earn above average wages and salaries.