How are students admitted to the Cooperative Education program?
You will complete an application and interview process. Top candidates will be selected through this holistic approach.
Is participation in co-op required?
No. All of Lakeland's programs can be completed without enrolling in the co-op program.
What if I don't have transportation? Will the shuttle service be able to get me to and from my job?
Transportation can be arranged.
Am I able to work different places throughout the four years to get other experience?
You may stay at one employer or change employers during your time at Lakeland. Your faculty advisor will work closely with you to identify opportunities that best support your career goals.
If I opt into this, am I required to do it all four years?
No, you are not required to participate in cooperative education for all four years.
Can I opt-in later in my college career if this works for me?
Maybe. It will depend on whether there are open spots in the program and how far you have matriculated in your program.
What if I change my major?
We will work with you to identify co-op opportunities that support your new major.
Am I able to do this even if my major isn't business or if I am undecided?
We will work with all interested students to determine if a co-op track can be established regardless of major. Lakeland offers a co-op minor to any student in any major.
Does my co-op job have to be at one of the partner companies?
No. In fact, co-op opportunities can even be arranged at employers in the community you call home.
What type of work will I be doing?
We’ll work with you and your employer to determine the type of work. Your work will progress in responsibility as you build your education and skills within your major. The goal is to develop the professional skills valued by employers.
What companies have Lakeland partnered with?
Lakeland is in the process of building co-op opportunities with Wisconsin's premier employers. Our founding partners include: Johnsonville, Kohler, Sargento, Masters Gallery Foods, The Osthoff Resort, Blue Harbor Resort, Schenck, CliftonLarsonAllen, Bemis, Vollrath, Sun Graphics Media, Aurora Health Care, United Way and Inspire Sheboygan. Additional partnerships are being established to accommodate students from all academic programs.
Is there a possibility that I would be dropped from the program?
You must maintain acceptable academic performance to remain at Lakeland and to stay in the program.
How will I balance both classwork and working?
The co-op program is designed to provide students the opportunity to work full time in alternating semesters with their course work. For example, students may work full time during the summer and fall following their second year at Lakeland and then return to the classroom full time in the spring term. Of course, if students are interested in earning extra income in support of their tuition and expenses during the semesters they are in school they may work part-time. Studies show that students who work 10-15 hours per week while their studies actually perform better academically than those who don't work at all.
Am I able to do this while being an athlete?
Athletes have many demands on their time, but Lakeland is committed to helping all students achieve their career goals. Your faculty advisor will assist you in investigating how a co-op opportunity can work for an LU athlete. Most of our co-op partners have said they are willing to work around athletic schedules.
Will I ever have vacation time to go and visit my family back home (holidays, fall and spring breaks)?
Lakeland's co-op programs support a summer break after your first year if you desire. Fall break, winter break, and spring break are all possibilities depending on the work schedule you choose.
Can I start employment in the summer before I start my first year of classes?
Yes, we’ll work with you to being your co-op work as soon as you would like.
What is the best way to minimize my student loan borrowing?
You will be assigned a financial aid advisor who can assist you with that task.
Can I live on campus over the summer? What will it cost me?
Yes. $75 per week double; $110 per week for single.
Would the money I earned over the summer cover my room and board for the summer?
Yes, if you choose for your wages to offset these expenses.
Does this money all go directly towards tuition, or am I able to split a percentage?
Students can choose a financial plan – with the option for all or some of the wages earned to be put directly toward tuition.
Am I able to work overtime?
Overtime is an option with off-campus employers unless you are an international student.
Can I only work over the summer to partially offset the cost of tuition while getting credits?
Yes, but limiting your work to summer hours will not maximize the earning and professional development potential of the program.
How much will I be paid per hour?
Your hourly pay will vary depending on employment opportunity.
If I earn more than the cost of tuition and room and board, can I keep the extra money?
Yes. That is your money to use toward personal or other educational expenses, like books.