Xavier offers an experiential learning program (Cooperative Education) as a means of providing students with exposure to the business and professional world as part of their academic preparation.

Co-ops

Two forms of Cooperative Education (Co-op) are offered. The first, called Alternating Co-op, involves alternating semesters of full-time on-campus study with semesters of full-time employment. Students successfully completing one semester of Alternating Co-op receive three semester hours of academic credit. Under the alternative plan, called Parallel Co-op, students may work part time while attending formal classes. Students successfully completing two semesters of Parallel Co-op receive three semester hours of academic credit. Under both plans, the student's work is monitored by the Xavier Career Services Office. Students who wish to participate must obtain approval from their departmental faculty advisor and the Career Services Office.

To be accepted into the program the student must:

• have attained sophomore standing,
• have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better, and
• be able to demonstrate that he or she will profit from participating in cooperative assignments.

In most cases, participation in a Co-op assignment will lengthen the student's stay in school and students should anticipate this extension of the usual time for completion of degree requirements.

Internships

In addition to Cooperative Education, the Career Services Office also coordinates formalized summer internships in conjunction with the Business and Computer Science Departments. If students desire, academic credit may be earned for a paid summer work assignment. Students who wish to participate must obtain approval from their departmental chairpersons and the Career Services Office prior to the experience. Internships are also available through the GradStar Office and other academic departments.