Effective immediately, the following three options are available to students participating in the S&T Co-op Work Program.

Option 1: Remote work

Where possible, students who can work remotely to complete their co-op work experience should do so. This may require some adjustments by both students and their supervisors. Will Zwikelmaier, director of career opportunities and employer relations (COER), is available to speak directly to your supervisor about the importance of this option.

Option 2: End the co-op early

In cooperation with their employer, students may end their co-op early. Students who choose this option will retain their full-time status until the end of the original co-op work period. Students who chose to enroll in the co-op for academic credit must coordinate remaining requirements to earn credit with their department chair, as well as the COER office. Supplemental assignments can be provided. Zwikelmaier is available to speak to your supervisor about the importance of this option. For assistance, please email career@mst.edu.

Please note that students are advised to do this following best practices, including proper notice time (two weeks is always preferred, but COVID-19 restrictions may allow students to end their co-ops sooner. Students should work closely with their supervisors.

Option 3: Remain on co-op

Students are encouraged to work with their supervisor as well as the human resources office of their employer to explore options for remote work or suspension of the co-op. If the nature of the work requires an on-site presence and the student feels comfortable with all precautions enacted by the employer concerning COVID-19, and all CDC recommended, state and federally mandated precautions are being respected, the student may remain employed and participating in their co-op work experience.

Students currently on a co-op are required to report their current status (which option they are pursuing) to career@mst.edu. We appreciate your flexibility during this challenging time. Please send questions to career@mst.edu.

For additional updates regarding S&T and the COVID-19, please visit coronavirus.mst.edu.