Co-op Supervisor Responsibilities 

Thank you for hiring a Wentworth student for co-op! We appreciate your partnership. Below is a list of responsibilities to help ensure a smooth and successful co-op experience for both you and the student. 

Before the Student Begins 

1. Confirm Start and End Dates with the Student 
   Wentworth’s official co-op semester dates are listed below. However, start and end dates can be adjusted in coordination with the student. 

2. Assign a Qualified Supervisor 
   The student should be supervised by a subject matter expert who can offer mentorship, guidance, and appropriate training. 

3. Approve the Report of Hire in WITworks 
   You’ll receive a direct link to review and approve your student’s report of hire once they submit it. This can also be accessed through your WITworks account. 

4. Provide Required Paperwork 
   Ensure your student receives any necessary onboarding documents and understands what is required for their first day. 

5. Complete Pre-employment Requirements 
   If applicable, arrange any necessary background checks, drug screenings, or other pre-employment steps required by your organization. 

6. Provide Necessary Technology, Resources and Workspace 
   Ensure the student has access to the tools and technology needed to succeed, including an appropriate workspace. Please note: Wentworth-issued software may not be used for co-op responsibilities. 

On the Job 

1. Onboard the Student Thoroughly 
   Provide your company’s policies, expectations, and HR contact information. Students must be classified as W2 employees and cannot be hired as independent contractors (1099 status) or be paid via commission. 

2. Review the Job Description and Learning Objectives 
   Go over the student’s job duties and learning goals which are documented in the Report of Hire in WITworks. Be clear about training plans, work assignments, deadlines, and expectations for professionalism. 

3. Hold Regular Check-ins 
   Consistent communication and feedback help students stay on track and feel supported. 

4. Establish Clear Expectations Early  
   Many students are in the early stages of building professional experience. Please review our Guide to Hiring & Supervising Co-ops, which offers detailed guidance on how to support their success. During onboarding, be sure to cover key topics such as: 
   • Work Schedule & Attendance: Clarify expected work hours, break policies, and procedures for reporting absences. 
   • Workplace Policies: Review policies on harassment, discrimination, and workplace conduct. 
   • Dress Code: Outline your expectations for appropriate attire. 
   • Communication Standards: Provide guidance on using email and other communication tools professionally. 
   • Technology Use: Clarify expectations regarding personal phone use, internet browsing, and email use during work hours. 
   • Feedback & Accountability: Share how you plan to give feedback and address performance issues. 
   • Safety & Emergency Procedures: Review relevant protocols and who to contact in case of an emergency or concern. 

If Issues Arise 

Address Concerns Promptly 
If any challenges emerge, start by speaking directly with the student. If the issue persists, contact our Employer Relations Specialist or the student’s Co-op Advisor. 

Toward the End of the Semester 

Complete the Required Employer Evaluation 
You will receive an email reminder to submit an end-of-term evaluation for each student. This is a required component of the student’s co-op grade. We recommend reviewing the evaluation with the student in a final meeting to support reflection, growth, and continued development. 

Co-op Deadlines 

• Click on our Employer webpage for current co-op dates and deadlines by selecting the “Important Upcoming Co-op Dates” option on the left-hand side of the page. 

• Start and end dates can be adjusted in coordination with the student. Students living on-campus housing are unable to move in early or out later than the semester terms. Therefore, they may not be able to start earlier or end later due to housing agreements. 

Ongoing Support 

Wentworth continues to support students and employer partners during co-op. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your co-op student(s), please do not hesitate to reach out. Find contact information for our advising team here and our employer relations team here. 

Looking Ahead 

As your co-op student’s experience wraps up, we encourage you to stay connected and continue engaging with our team. Here are a few simple ways to stay involved: 

• Post Your Next Co-op or Full-time Opportunity in WITworks: 
  Our students begin searching for their next co-op well in advance. Posting early ensures your opportunity gets maximum visibility. Log in to WITworks to share your next role. 

• Join Us at our next Event: 
  We host career fairs, recruiting receptions, and other events throughout the year to help you connect with our students. Visit our Employer page to see what’s coming up and sign up to attend. 

We’re here to support your continued success with our students. Thank you again for being a valued co-op partner!