To better satisfy the largest number of students and employers, the co-op program must run efficiently and fairly. Consequently, a number of rules and procedures have been developed. Knowing these rules will prevent misunderstandings and avoid problems.

The student must realize that a great deal of time and effort goes into establishing cordial relations between the University and employers participating in the program. Conscientious effort on the part of the students has, in the past, enhanced this relationship, resulting in better jobs for other students who follow in their steps. Unwarranted acts on the part of students would jeopardize these relationships to the detriment of other students involved in the program, and therefore, cannot be tolerated.

The rules and regulations of the cooperative Education Program are as follows:

1. Students must complete and maintain the eligibility admission, frequency, and scheduling requirements described in this handbook.

2. Students on a co-op assignment must be conscientious and work to the best of their ability. Employers are expected to retain students only if their work relationship is satisfactory.

3. Any employment difficulty, lay-off, or serious misunderstanding must be reported immediately to the student's co-op coordinator at the University.

4. Cooperative students are required to comply with all conditions and rules of employment, as well as federal, state, and local regulations.

5. The employer must be notified immediately if the student is unable to report for work. If the absence from work extends more than one week, the Co-op Office must also be informed.

6. Once the student is placed with an employer, he or she is expected to return each succeeding work period. Exceptions may be made only for compelling reasons. Only under unusual circumstances will a change be considered. If a student desires to petition to change his/her engineering co-op assignment, the student must submit in formal business style the request within four weeks upon returning to the University and then the Co-op Director/Coordinator and the Cooperative Program Academic Committee will determine the decision. If the petition is not accepted, and a student fails to return to his/her assignment, the student understands he/she will face necessary disciplinary actions.

7. A student may not abandon a job. If a change is necessary or desirable, it must be made only after consultation with both the Co-op Office and the employer.

8. If a student receives multiple co-op offers, then the student should consider which position best meets his/her needs. The student may not accept a job and then withdraw the acceptance for another offer. Once an acceptance has been made, the student is COMMITTED.

9. Upon leaving a co-op job, a student may not apply for Unemployment Compensation. If a student does file - he/she will immediately be terminated from the Program, since students are not eligible.

10. Students must submit a Work Report including a Technical Section for each Cooperative Education work assignment.
    
    Students may be permanently dismissed from the program for violation of the above rules, or for the following reasons:

1. Failing to report for work without having formally notified their employer co-op office six weeks prior to the beginning of the schedule work period.

2. Leaving the job before the end of the scheduled work period, without prior approval of the co-op office.

3. Discharge by the employer for misconduct or poor work performance. A student who is not wanted back by his employer for the subsequent work period due to poor work performance constitutes discharge.

4. Failing to submit required co-op Work Reports and summary sheets.

5. Failing to register for each Co-op work Period.

6. Failing to meet with the co-op coordinator as required.
   
   When a co-op student is dismissed for the program, it is expected that they will not continue employment with their co-op employer.