Fact Sheet 2006

Engineering Co-op Program
University of Kentucky
R.G. Anderson Bldg.
STUDENT FACT SHEET
Spring 2006

Please come to the Co-op Office as soon as possible to begin the process. Many employers will be on campus this spring in conjunction with the March 1st Fall Career Fair.

What is engineering cooperative education?
An accredited academic option that incorporates practical work experience into the curriculum, and is highly valued by recruiters nationwide. The work experience is acquired by alternating semesters of academic study with salaried, full-time career related employment for a minimum of three work tours (NOTE: It is neither a summer work program nor a part-time work program). Full-time, continuing student status is retained through registration in the co-op course, EGR 399.

Tuition (for EGR 399 - 1 credit hour):
                                                RESIDENT:    NON-RESIDENT:
   59 total hours or less:         232.25             523.25
   60 total hours or more:       239.25             530.25

This fee does not include any student services, but does provide you with FULL-TIME STATUS. You may elect to pay tuition plus the $325 activity fee (which includes student health services, ball games, use of campus facilities, etc.) OR tuition plus $130 for the student health services only. We must be notified to assess your account should you opt for one of these.

• Full-time status assures:
  continued insurance coverage by parents
  retention of scholarships and financial aid
  continued exemption of student loan pay-back status
  

How does EGR 399 count toward the degree program?Three semesters of co-op assignments will earn 3 hours of EGR 399 which may be used as an upper division supportive elective, except for the computer science department which counts the three hours as a CS elective. Three tours will also provide you with a co-op certificate upon graduation, and if you plan to take the PE exam, the three tours will provide you with six month's work experience toward the four years required.

• major in engineering, computer science, math sciences, physics or chemistry
• complete first two semesters of degree program
• maintain a 2.5 GPA or above (progress toward engineering standing and academic performance in the most recently completed semester are also considered)
• work a minimum of three semesters, alternating between school and work

• come by either 379 or 381 R.G. Anderson Bldg. to complete an information form and discuss co-op opportunities with the director or coordinator
• complete resume with the assistance of the co-op staff
• have rotation schedule reviewed by advisor and return it to the co-op office
• to be considered for the spring '06 semester, the application process should be completed by early February.

• application packet is forwarded, by co-op office, to companies with positions available (based on your major and geographic preference)
• company representatives screen applications and select students to interview (you will be competing with students from several universities)
• interviews are conducted on-campus, at work sites, and/or by telephone, generally in October. However, there will be interviews throughout the semester.
• If you are planning to start rotation fall '06, you need to register for a full load of classes during pre-registration (March) unless you have a job offer in writing. You will be able to add/drop later.

• attend a mandatory interview workshop conducted by the co-op staff (to be scheduled)
• review company literature and co-op reports in the co-op office
• notify the co-op office of changes in address and phone number
• update resume at the end of each semester (your resume will not be forwarded to companies unless it has been updated!)
• if applicable, contact the Student Financial Aid Office to determine how co-op employment will affect amount of financial aid rewarded
• consult with the co-op staff before all interviews and before accepting any job offers

• notify the co-op office
• notify the company of your acceptance either by letter, e-mail or phone.
• attend mandatory “Going to Work" workshop - in December (dead week)
• pre-register for classes or the co-op course every semester; we notify you and send registration materials to you during work semesters. However, during school semesters this is entirely your responsibility.
• if living in university housing, request the a memo from us to be taken by you to Dean of Students office.
• if receiving financial assistance from the university, contact Sandy Copher for academic scholarships at 257-4198, Jane Riggs at 257-1021, and Robin Gray for grants and loans at 257-3172, x-230.
• complete full-time hours each semester and maintain GPA (dropping classes or letting GPA fall may lead to termination of co-op status.)

Median Co-op Starting Salaries: (salaries will increase with progressive work sessions)

Agricultural Engineering $14.00 per hour
Chemical Engineering $18.00 per hour (range is $14.75 to $22.00+)
Civil Engineering $11.00 per hour (range is $10.00 to $17.00)
Computer Science $15.00 per hour (range is $12.75 to $19.00)
Electrical Engineering $15.85 per hour (range is $11.00 to $20.00)
Materials Engineering $15.00 per hour (range is $12.00 TO $19.00)
Mechanical Engineering $15.00 per hour (range is $12.00 to $20.00+)

The largest reward for co-op students is at graduation time. Our senior questionnaires have shown that the factor with the highest correlation to success in the job market is - previous related work experience, particularly co-op experience. Starting salaries are 5 to 10% higher for co-op graduates.