53H-13-405. Cooperative education program -- Requirements -- Administration and oversight.
(1) The following entities shall collaborate to create and implement the co-op: the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education; an engineering focused trade association that the Talent, Education, and Industry Alignment Board created in Sectionselects; 53H-13-302 Weber State University; University of Utah; Utah State University; Utah Tech University; Southern Utah University; Utah Valley University; and Talent Ready Utah established in Section. 53H-13-303
(2) The entities listed in Subsectionshall collaborate to: (1) establish program requirements and standards for cooperative education experiences that: occur during a student's third or fourth academic year; are equivalent to two continuous academic terms; and align with degree requirements and career pathways; develop the policies for academic credit recognition; create program evaluation metrics; maintain oversight of program implementation; and focus the program's initial efforts on high-demand jobs in fields that require an engineering degree, including the life-sciences sector.
(3) In accordance with the program components described under Subsection, a participating institution shall: (2) establish admission criteria for the cooperative education program; create preparatory workshops that address: career development; professional skill building; workplace communication; and employment preparation; develop procedures for: program orientation; academic progress monitoring; experience documentation; and performance evaluation; assign a cooperative education advisor who will: provide regular guidance; monitor academic alignment; coordinate with workplace mentors; and assess learning outcomes; and maintain records of: placement details; student progress; completed evaluations; and program outcomes.
(4) The engineering focused trade association described in Subsectionshall: (1) identify and recruit qualified employers from the engineering focused trade association's membership; communicate industry needs to participating institutions; facilitate employer participation in co-op development; and promote co-op opportunities within engineering sectors, including the life sciences sector.
(5) The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education shall establish employment standards that require participating employers to: provide compensation that: meets or exceeds minimum wage requirements; and reflects industry standards for the position; schedule work hours that: total at least 32 hours per week; and accommodate academic requirements; and maintain compliance with: federal employment laws; state employment laws; and program participation requirements.
(6) A cooperative education employer shall: submit to the relevant participating institution: detailed position descriptions; work location information; scheduling requirements; and supervisor contact details; provide structured workplace experiences for a cooperative education employee that: align with academic programs; develop professional skills; include regular supervision; and offer meaningful work assignments; assign qualified workplace mentors for a cooperative education employee who will: provide professional guidance; monitor work performance; coordinate with academic advisors; and complete required evaluations; and conduct regular evaluations and monitoring as directed by the participating institution in consultation with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.