Process
In order to certify a co-op/internship experience, students must have an approved experience on file. Here’s a roadmap to successfully navigate the process:
Orientation
To request access to the Co-op / Internship Canvas Orientation Course, e-mail: coop@nmsu.edu While completing the orientation course you will:- Know if you meet the minimum requirements to enroll in a co-op/internship experience
- Learn the documentation requirements, program timeline, and the role of Handshake in the co-op/internship process
- Sign a Learning Agreement
- Sign a Code of Conduct
- you will gain Co-op Active Status in Handshake for the corresponding academic year (you will be required to take this course once per academic year to learn of any updates in the co-op/internship program)
- you will have completed the 1st phase of the co-op/internship program
Approval
After you are selected for a co-op/internship position, you are responsible for gathering the following documentation and submitting it to the Co-op / Internship Program via e-mail (coop@nmsu.edu):Job Offer Letter
The employer provides this document. The job offer letter should be on company letterhead and include:- Dates of employment (start date and end date)
- Compensation
- Number of hours expected to work each week
- Supervisor’s contact information – (title, address, phone, email)
Job Description
The employer provides this document. The job description should be posted on the company's website and include:- Job location
- Job qualifications
- Job requirements
- Type of employment (i.e. full-time, part-time)
Request an Experience Form
The student completes this document. The request an experience form should be filled out:- Completely
- Accurately
International Students Only:
In addition to the requirements previously mentioned, International Students MUST:- Contact the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS) to complete a Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) Request Form.
- Once the CPT form has been completed and approved by ISSS, ISSS will submit the form to NMSU ACS.
- Questions about CPT? Contact the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS) (isss@nmsu.edu, 575-646-2834), located in the Educational Services Building, Suite 850.
The NMSU ACS reviews your Co-op / Internship Experience documentation in order to:
- Ensure you meet program eligibility requirements
- Certify that the co-op/internship experience aligns with your academic major
- Assess that you have a learning/working environment and not just a part-time job
- Confirm that your employer-provided accurate contact information and a verifiable work location
- Demonstrate that your co-op/internship work environment is safe and meets program guidelines
- Check if the co-op/internship experience may negatively affect your academic progress toward graduation
Completion
During the completion phase, you are actively participating in your co-op/internship experience, as you perform your job duties, you are representing New Mexico State University, your employer, and most importantly, you're representing YOURSELF! Make it count! As you are completing your co-op/internship experience, remember to:- Observe and ask questions
- Work hard and learn a lot
- Leave a good impression and earn a good evaluation
Co-op / Internship Evaluations
During your Co-op/ Internship experiences, you will be required to complete two evaluation requests via Handshake:Mid-term Evaluation
- NMSU ACS checks on your progress by sending a mid-term evaluation
- Mid-term evaluation should be completed within two weeks of receipt
Performance Evaluation
- The direct supervisor will evaluate the student's work performance
Experience Evaluation
- The student will evaluate the co-op/internship experience