FAQ's

Currently NOT being offered

What is Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE)?
Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE) is a college program that combines on-the-job experience with regular classroom instruction. Credit is awarded for the accomplishment of specific learning experiences. The correlation of the on-the-job learning experiences with classroom instruction, as well academic majors, enhances both the work place and the academic experience.

Do I have to have a job to qualify for CWEE?
Yes. The credit for CO-OP is base on a workplace learning experience combined with classroom instruction.

Do I have to get paid for the job to qualify?
No. Either paid or unpaid work positions may qualify.

How many hours do I have to work to qualify?
If your work is paid, you must work a minimum of 5 hours per week for each unit of CWEE credit you are enrolled for. If your work is unpaid you must work a minimum of 4 hours per week for each unit of CWEE credit you are enrolled for

How many units can I earn each semester?
You may earn up to 4 units each semester if your CWEE relates to your major. If your CWEE is not related to your major, or if you do not have a major declared, you may earn up to 3 units in the semester.

How many units do I enroll in?
This depends on the number of hours on average that you work each week and if your work is related to your major. But most students qualify for 3 or 4 units of college credit. All units earned do qualify for graduation from Pierce College. When the units are earned in your major, then they are also applicable for transfer in your major to any of the California State Universities.

1 Unit of College credit requires 5 to 9 hours on the job each week.
2 Units of College credit requires 10-14 hours on the job each week.
3 Units of College credit requires 15-19 hours on the job each week.
4 Units of College credit requires 20 or more hours on the job each week.

Required working hours accumulated during semester for related credit:

PAID VOLUNTEER (UNPAID)
1 unit(s) 75 hours 1 unit(s) 60 hours
2 150 hours 2 120 hours
3 225 hours 3 180 hours
4 300 hours 4 240 hours

Will CWEE units transfer to universities?
Yes, if your CWEE work experience is related to your declared major. CWEE related to majors has been articulated with California State Universities (CSU's) and is accepted by most universities based on individual evaluation.

How many units will transfer?
You may transfer up to 8 units, depending on the requirements for your major at the university you transfer to.

How many semesters can I take CWEE?
You may take CoOP for 4 semesters if it is related to your major or 2 semesters if it is not related, or you do not have a major declared. You may combine related and unrelated for a maximum of 4 semesters, and a maximum of 16 units in CWEE.

I don't have a job already, how can I get one?
You may seek employment opportunities on your own or through the services of the College's Job Placement Center. You may also seek internship positions through the Cooperative Education Department Office.

How can I find out more about CCWEE or enroll in the program?
You can get additional information from the college's Schedule of Classes and Catalog. You can also get more information by contacting the CWEE Office at: (810) 710-4291.
You may also find out more about the CWEE program by contacting the Office of Academic Affairs.

How Does CWEE Work?
Pierce College has a unique opportunity for students who are working! Pierce College will grant from 1 to 4 units of college credit for work on your Job. These units are granted through our Cooperative work experience Education program. The college recognizes that learning takes place on the job and wants to afford each working student the opportunity to earn this college credit.

The Units Earned in Cooperative Education are applicable towards graduation from Pierce College. They do apply towards your Grade Point Average. The units, when earned in your major, are transferable in the California University System.

For WEEKDAY CLASS the obligation is to come to class one hour per week (10 hours total)hours, and the class times are Monday or Thursday at 5:30 pm., or you can come on Tuesday or Wednesday at 7:00 a.m.
Saturday class have the same total 10 hour obligation of class. For dates and times the Saturday class meets you should reference the Schedule of Classes. You select the time that best fits your schedule each week.

How to register for class?
Register by phone, register on-line through the internet or come to the class you think you want to attend and get an ADD card. For class meetings and times refer to the college schedule of classes.
Go to the class that best fits your schedule. The instructor will give you an ADD card and every thing you need for the class.

What do I have to do for the class?
First you must register for the class, and you can go to Cooperative Work Experience office or Classroom BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 1308 and pick up an ADD card from the instructor to ADD the class. Then the other assignments that you will have to complete are that:

a) You will have to complete an information sheet. This gives us important information about your work site.

b) You will have to complete an information card.

c) You will devise three learning objectives with your supervisor. But, we will explain this to you in the class and it is really easy to do. We will give lots of information on how this is done.

d) You will complete a written assignment as either a jobs report or a resume, and we will show you how these are done in class.

e) And of course you must come to class one hour a week.

Do you have guest speakers?
Yes. Guest speakers come into the class to review work experience. Topics that they discuss are Job Searching, Job Interviewing Strategies, Managerial Performance, Career Changes, Challenges to the Work Site. Their discussions are always timely and important for the workplace.

Missed Classes & Make-ups:
Absence from the class does not relieve the student from the responsibilities of the class.