Niagara University
Commerce and Management Department 

Questions about Business Co-ops: (BUS 495/496) Requirements

I am a student just beginning BUS 495 or BUS 496 and I need to know what the requirements are:
OR
I received an incomplete “I” in BUS 495/496 and need to be sure that I completed the requirements.

The requirements to complete three credits of a business 495/496 co-op:

In order to get a “satisfactory,” at the end of the semester, you must:  a) complete 150 hours of co-op experience/employment,  b) complete a feedback paper assignment and submit it to your faculty advisor by the FIRST day of final exams, and c) receive an overall rating of average or better from your work supervisor and your faculty advisor must have the form in hand at the end of the semester.

Your Faculty Advisor should be listed on your class schedule.  If you are unsure, contact the Dean’s Secretary at x8050.  You should contact your faculty advisor at the beginning of the semester to see if they have any particular requirements or issues relating to your co-op assignment.

The Feedback Paper Assignment: Unless you are a given a different specific assignment from your faculty advisor, you should follow this general Business/Management format.  You may use the first-person form but use proper English grammar and check for errors.

            During the first half of your co-op work experience, write a two-page paper that describes your job/co-op.  What do you do?  Who do you report to?  How does your job fit into the company’s business, etc. Be sure to describe any management responsibilities such as supervision, planning, paperwork processes, computer input, etc.  Also relate any early impressions you have about the value of this experience.  Email this paper to your faculty advisor as Co-op paper #1 from _______________.

            At the completion of the job assignment or the semester end, write a second two-page paper that is more reflective.  What did you learn about management/your area of study from this co-op?  Was it similar/different than what you expected--how?  How did your coursework prepare you for this experience?  Did you see connections between what you studied and what you experienced? Are there things you wish you had studied prior to the experience--areas that you might suggest we include in future curriculum?  Answer these questions for the broad area of business courses and experiences, but in particular your area of concentration.   Conclude with an overall evaluation of this experience and any other learning experiences that you think will be of interest to your faculty advisor.  Email this paper to your faculty advisor as Co-op paper #2 from______________.   Both papers must be received by the FIRST day of final exams for your faculty advisor to give you a satisfactory grade.

You are being evaluated by your workplace supervisor.  Remember that you represent not only yourself but also Niagara University and the College of Business.  Many co-op experiences can lead to full-time jobs or serve as valuable references. As to the evaluation form itself, as a student you do not have any responsibilities.  Your work supervisor will fill out this one page form and either mail or fax it directly to the cooperative education coordinator at NU.  If it is done in a timely manner it should be available for your faculty advisor to review for your final grade. The areas you will be rated on are:

1.      Ability to learn on the job

2.      Initiative and self-reliance on the job

3.      Enthusiasm demonstrated for the job

4.      Problem solving ability

5.      Consistent quality of work

6.      Leadership and team skills

7.      Oral and written communication

8.      Computer skills

9.      Effectiveness in multicultural settings

10.  Integrity

11.  Personal appearance

12.  Punctuality and attendance.

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