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The Cal Poly Construction Management Department's Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Program is a collaborative effort between students and construction industry businesses. The Co-Op program allows students to work in a full time paid position while receiving credit towards completion of a Construction Management Degree.
Partial Funding for the Cooperative Education Program is provided by: The Construction Employer's Association, www.cea-ca.org
Students interested in participating in the program should contact:
Mike Montoya, Co-Op Director
Email: mmontoya@calpoly.edu
Phone: 805.756.5399
Co-Op Procedures
Follow these instructions to fulfill University administrative and academic requirements before you leave for your Co-Op assignment. If you are on academic probation, you may not be eligible to participate in the Co-Op program. Check with the CM Department for approval.
Step 1: Find a Co-Op
Co-Op opportunities are posted on the Cal Poly Career Services web site. Contact the Construction Management Department's Co-Op Director for additional opportunities at the Construction Management Department's Main Office, Bldg. 21, Room 116.
Once you find a Co-Op, fill out a Student Agreement Form including employer information (employer name, address, telephone, contact name).
Step 2: Notify the Co-Op Director
Take the Student Agreement Form (original copy) to the Co-Op Director. The Co-Op Director will give you all required registration information including course number, number of units, and the call number for CPREG.
Make sure you understand all Co-Op academic requirements before you leave campus.
Step 3: Pay Tuition and Register
Pay your tuition and register through CPREG just as you would for any other Cal Poly course. This is required for each Co-Op quarter (including Summer Quarter). All holds must be cleared before access to CPREG is permitted. If you are unable to register via CPREG, contact the University Cashier to determine an alternate method.
Step 4: Notify University Offices
Inform Academic Records, Financial Aid Office, Housing Office or other university offices as needed that you will be accepting a Co-Op position.
Roles of Co-Op Members
Co-Op Director
- Supervise and evaluate your overall Co-Op experience.
- Monitor your progress during your work assignment.
- Provide technical assistance and support as needed.
- Respond to work related problems or student concerns.
- Grade your Co-Op work assignment.
Co-Op Supervisor
- Provide an initial orientation and assign work projects.
- Provide training and resources needed to complete the job.
- Oversee and/or supervise your work assignments.
- Respond to work related questions.
- Evaluate your overall work performance.
Co-Op Student
- Complete all academic requirements for the Co-Op program.
- Actively communicate with the Co-Op Faculty Advisor through progress reporting.
- Provide feedback to ensure the quality and meaningfulness of the work assignment.
- Gain professional skills and knowledge.
- Develop professional contacts and establish supportive working relationships.
- Represent Cal Poly in a professional manner.
Resources
Cooperative Education Program: Transition to the Workplace (pdf)
Progress Report Guidelines (coming soon)
Professional Report Guidelines (pdf)
Evaluation Form (coming soon)