Registering for Co-op Status

• Co-op: As defined by UMass, a full-time paid work experience that is at least 30 hours per week directly for an employer where the work is clearly related to the student’s major. For a full definition, review the Field Experience Definitions page.

• Co-op Status: A special status for a student on a co-op. Being on co-op status means that you are still considered a full-time student, but will not pay tuition for the semester as you will not be enrolled in classes. You cannot be enrolled in any classes, except for up to two UWW courses.

• Full-Time Job: A job where you work more than 20 hours a week (if you are an international student) or more than 30 hours a week (if you are a domestic student). In order to be on co-op status, the job must be full-time.

• Handshake: the place where you will submit your Handshake Experience Contract, and where all information about your co-op is entered and stored (e.g. contracts, evaluations). Information you provide on Handshake is used to determine if your co-op will be approved or not.

• Handshake Experience Contract: The form you will fill out to initiate the co-op process.

• Site Supervisor: an employee at your co-op site who agrees to directly supervise you at their place of business. Your supervisor cannot be another student or a family member.

Employer Information:

• Employer name, address, and website

• Supervisor’s name, phone, and e-mail address

• Start and end date, work schedule, working hours per week

• Brief description of job duties

• If you'll be working on-site, remotely, or a hybrid of both

International Students:

• International students completing a paid co-op will need to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) if they are on an F-1 visa, or Academic Training (AT) if they are on a J-1 visa.

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Process at UMass

  • Academic Training (AT) Process at UMass

• A copy of a complete offer letter (see process page for details)

The process for registering for co-op status is the same for international students, but has a few additional steps. Note that these additional steps can add up to 15 business days to your application process, and should be completed before the beginning of your co-op.

International students looking to complete a co-op must apply for either CPT (Curricular Practical Training) for students on an F-1 visa or AT (Academic Training) for students on a J-1 visa. 

In order to apply for CPT or AT, you must do the following: 

1. Obtain an offer letter from your co-op site on company letter that includes all the required information

2. Verify that the co-op is integral to your course of study. It is recommended you consult with an academic advisor to ensure that your internship experience meets these requirements.

3. Complete the Handshake Experience Contract, and wait for approval (this may take up to 5 business days)

4. Submit your CPT or AT request through IPO.

Note that you cannot begin your co-op without CPT or AT approval from IPO.

The steps outlined above are meant to be a quick guide for you to process your co-op experience. If you are looking for a more in-depth guide, you can follow the steps below.

1. Obtain a co-op

   • International Students: Familiarize yourself with the CPT process (F-1 visa) or AT process (J-1 visa) 

2. Fill out the Handshake Experience Contract

3. The Field Experience Office will review your contract to make sure it is complete and accurate, then process your co-op within 5 business days

4. The Field Experience Office will help register you for co-op status

   • International Students: The Field Experience Office will provide you with the materials needed to apply for CPT or AT. Approval of CPT or AT takes 10-15 business days, so apply as soon as you receive your information.

Choose the Correct Template

The Handshake Experience Contract has three templates to choose from depending on your situation. Students registering a co-op will always choose Undergraduate Co-op.

Term

Students completing a co-op will choose the terms in which they are completing the co-op. While co-op status may encompass multiple semesters, at least one of those semesters must always be in the fall or spring semesters. You do not need to be on co-op status if you co-op is only in the winter or summer.

Employer Information

Enter all the information about your employer and job details. Note that your Employer is the company name, not the name of your supervisor.

Note: If you are missing any information when filling out this form, enter "TBD" into the field. You will be required to provide this information - once you have obtained the relevant details, contact @email to update your form.

Forms

Going on co-op status requires several key approvals in order to be processed, most of which are managed through attaching forms to your experience. All forms can be found on the Co-op Forms and Guides page.

• Undergraduate Internships and Co-ops Placement: For students not on campus for a semester
• Department Permission: For students not enrolled in classes for a semester
• Field Experience Risk Acknowledgement: For students working at an employer's location
• Academic Dean's Approval: For students with a GPA below 2.0 or credits under 45
• Co-op Approval: For students working outside of the United States

Once you submit your Contract and it is reviewed by the Field Experience Office, they will help you get registered for co-op status. 

Note that a Handshake Experience Contract may take 5 business days to approve, and if you are seeking CPT or AT as an international student, it will take between 10 and 15 business days to process those forms. As a result, you should submit your Handshake Experience Contract as soon as you have your information ready.