· Web viewIt is the official policy of Northeast Alabama Community College as well as the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees and entities under its direction

Cooperative Education Student Handbook

Northeast Alabama Community CollegeRainsville, Alabama

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Table of Contents

Cooperative Education Contacts................................................................................................2

Purpose of Cooperative Education............................................................................................4

Cooperative Education Course Policy........................................................................................5

Section 1........................................................................................................................................ 7

Cooperative Education Application............................................................................................8

Cooperative Education Agreement............................................................................................9

Section 2...................................................................................................................................... 10

Orientation Certification..........................................................................................................11

Placed Student Information.....................................................................................................12

Cooperative Education Agreement..........................................................................................13

Section 3...................................................................................................................................... 17

Student Evaluation Form.........................................................................................................18

Grade Sheet............................................................................................................................. 20

Student Evaluation of Cooperative Education Experience.......................................................21

Time Report............................................................................................................................. 22

Nondiscrimination StatementIt is the official policy of Northeast Alabama Community College as well as the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees and entities under its direction and control that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, but not limited to, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, gender, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law. (Sources: ACCS Board of Trustees Policies 601.02 – 4/13/16 and 800.00 – 5/10/17)

Equal Employment Opportunity Northeast Alabama Community College is an equal opportunity employer. It is imperative that employers participating in the Cooperative Education program adhere to and embrace this culture of non-discrimination and employment opportunity.

Revised: December 20, 2017

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Cooperative Education Contacts

Kerry WrightWork Experience Coordinator(256) 228-6001, ext. 2217 or (256) 638-4418, ext. [email protected]

Program ContactsAll program contacts may be reached at either of the following numbers:

(256) 228-6001(256) 638-4418

Name Program Telephone Extension EmailDeni Adkins Engineering

Technician 2277 [email protected]

Barry Wigley Industrial Electronics 2812 [email protected] Lester Industrial Systems 2409 [email protected] DeAngelis Machine Tool Tech. 2813 [email protected] John Fowler Welding 2811 f owlerj @nacc.edu Kelly Black Drafting & Design 2286 [email protected] Casey Pearson HVAC 2348 [email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]








Purpose of Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an educational opportunity based upon a cooperative arrangement by the college and employers to provide practical work experiences for students. Co-op combines classroom study with related employment and is based on the principle that learning does not confine itself to the classroom and lab but is equally dependent upon practical experience.

Through the Cooperative Education Program, we expect to achieve the highest quality of training, a close connection with related industries, and opportunities for students to excel in their chosen fields.

A successful cooperative education program depends upon the degree of understanding between participating students, employers, and members of the college community. The three-way partnership, shown below, indicates the significant role each partner plays in contributing to the growth and development of the cooperative education program.

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Cooperative Education Course Policy

Entry Requirements: The student must meet all requirements for the cooperative education course for which he/she is registered. In addition, he/she must:

Be enrolled in an approved program with a cooperative education requirement or option

Successfully meet the eligibility requirements for the student’s program of study Maintain an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 while participating in the

cooperative education work experience Be within one semester of graduation in the student’s AAS degree program Meet the eligibility requirements for the cooperative education work experience in the

student’s curriculum area and be approved by the program’s faculty coordinator and Cooperative Education Coordinator

Be covered by adequate accident and health insurance or sign a waiver refusing insurance

Participation Requirements: Complete and return the Cooperative Education Application at least 60 days prior to the

beginning of the term in which the student will participate in cooperative education Attend all required orientations and meetings Inform worksite supervisor and instructor of change in contact information Inform cooperative education instructor of acceptance of work experience position,

change in worksite, worksite supervisor, withdrawal from cooperative education course, withdrawal from college and/or any problems which may arise

Agrees to report any perceived safety hazards to their immediate supervisor in a discrete manner. If unresolved, their concerns should be reported in writing to the work experience coordinator, who will address the issue with an appropriate manager

Remain in the work experience for the entire semester Complete and submit all required paperwork within stated time frames Establish Measurable Learning Outcomes in conjunction with the employer and the

Cooperative Education Coordinator Submit time reports to the Cooperative Education Coordinator monthly or more

frequently as required by the employer Assure that work times do not conflict with class times

Outcomes:Measurable Learning Outcomes (MLOs) will be developed by the student, with assistance from the Cooperative Education Coordinator, the employer, and the Instructor, relevant to the student’s program of study. MLOs are statements that clearly and concisely describe specific knowledge, skills or abilities to be obtained during the term. Cooperative Education credit is granted for the learning that takes place during the work experience, not just for the hours logged on the job.

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Grading Policy: Course grades are issued by the instructor after having received input from the Cooperative Education Coordinator and the supervisor. The final grade for the course will be based upon:

Completion of all required paperwork by the designated due dates Employer evaluation of the student On-site visitation by instructor Completion of the Measurable Learning Outcomes by the student Completion of the required hours for the number of credits earned

Attendance Policy: The absence policy for this course has been determined by the needs of the employer for a 15-16- week period. The maximum number of days that a student can be absent from their job site during the semester is three. The employer has every right to release themselves from the student work experience and terminate the arrangement if the student accumulates more than three absences during the term. Additionally, it is grounds for release of a student from the internship experience if a student is repetitively tardy in arriving at the job site. Cooperative education students are subject to the policies and regulations as stated in the employer’s employee handbook.

Disability Statement : Any individual who qualifies for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) should notify their supervisor and the cooperative educational program coordinator immediately.

Harassment: As an institution under the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) is committed to providing both employment and educational environments free of harassment/physical assault or discrimination related to an individual’s race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, gender, age, or other protected class as defined by federal and state law. Such harassment and physical assault is a violation of NACC and the Alabama Community College System policies. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment or discrimination shall not be tolerated on campus or at any off-campus site, or in any division or department by any employee, student, agent, or non-employee on the institution’s property and while engaged in any institutionally sponsored activities.

Academic Integrity: Students who violate College rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the College. Dishonesty harms all students and the integrity of the College, so policies on scholastic honesty will be strictly enforced. For more information on academic integrity and student discipline, consult the Northeast Alabama Community College Student Handbook, accessible at www.nacc.edu.

Withdrawal Policy: Any student withdrawing from a cooperative education course should first visit with his/her cooperative education instructor and the Cooperative Education Coordinator. When possible, the student should also speak to his/her supervisor before withdrawing. In programs in which the cooperative education course is required, withdrawal from the course will result in a delay in program completion.

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Cooperative Education Handbook

Section 1Due at least 60 days prior to the start of the term in

which you wish to register for a cooperative education class.

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Northeast Alabama Community CollegeCooperative Education Application

Please complete this form, have it signed by your advisor, and submit it to Kerry Wright, Work Experience Coordinator, in WD 259 at least 60 days prior to the start of the term.

Student NameStudent IDAddressCity State Zip Phone Text on this Number? __ Yes __ No Email College MajorGPASemester Hours CompletedExpected Graduation Date

Advisor Certification:The student named in this application is ready to participate in the cooperative education course listed below for the term indicated below.

____________________________________Advisor Date

Co-op CourseSemester/Term Preferred Job

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Northeast Alabama Community CollegeCooperative Education Agreement

I, _________________________________, affirm that I have applied for a Cooperative Education work assignment involving Northeast Alabama Community College (college) and an employer to be identified later.

I acknowledge that: This work experience is part of an organized educational program at Northeast Alabama

Community College. Assignment to a particular employer is at the discretion of the employer, based upon their immediate needs and the suitability of the student to fulfill those needs.

Some cooperative education experiences are paid and some are unpaid. Any arrangements regarding pay are between the cooperative education employer and the student and shall be disclosed prior to the student starting work.

Cooperative education work experience has a set start date and a planned end date, which mirrors the college semester.

While participating in a work experience with the employer, the student may be exposed to confidential information. For the purposes of this agreement, "confidential information" shall mean and include samples and prototypes, all information disclosed in any form or medium that has been identified by the company as "confidential", "proprietary", or other appropriate terminology indicating the confidential nature of the information, or any information that would reasonably be understood to be confidential. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, information regarding pricing, customers and prospective customers, vendors and vendor lists, costed bills of materials, processes (including but not limited to manufacturing processes), industry know-how, designs, formulae, computer programs, databases, methods of operations, sales techniques, personnel issues, business methods or plans, marketing plans or strategies, management, plant and equipment, finances, and any other business information relating to the company. If in doubt, the student must err on the side of the information being confidential.

I will be expected to work 16 hours per week at the work site for 15 to 16 weeks. My work schedule cannot conflict with my school schedule. Whether paid or unpaid, I am expected to be at work on time every day.

I agree to report any perceived safety hazards to my immediate supervisor in a discrete manner. If unresolved, my concerns should be reported in writing to the work experience coordinator, who will address the issue with an appropriate manager.

________________________________________Student Signature Date

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Section 2Due no later than the first week of class.

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Northeast Alabama Community College Orientation Certification

Student Name _________________________________________________________________

Student Number ________________________________________________________________

My signature below certifies that I participated in an orientation to Cooperative Education which included the following topics:

Purpose of Cooperative Education Explanation of the Cooperative Education enrollment process Cooperative Education Handbook and deadlines Participation Requirements Cooperative Education Agreement Requirements for successfully completing a Cooperative Education Work Experience Benefits of work experience in securing employment upon graduation Policies regarding sexual harassment and discrimination


Acknowledgement of Handbook Completion Requirements I acknowledge that unless my handbook is turned in with all necessary documentation and signatures, I will receive a course grade of Incomplete until the completed forms are turned in, or until the end of the next term, when my grade will change to an F if not completed by that time.


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Northeast Alabama Community CollegePlaced Student Information

Student Information

Student Name ___________________________________ Student Number ________________

Mailing Address ________________________________________________________________

Program of Study _______________________________________________________________

Co-op Instructor ________________________________________________________________

Placement Information

Company Name ________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address ________________________________________________________________

Supervisor Name _________________________________ Phone ________________________

Start Date ___________________ End Date _____________________

Rate of Pay (if applicable) _________________________________________________________

Insurance CertificationStudents are strongly encouraged to be covered by adequate health and accident insurance during a work experience. Northeast Alabama Community College will not be responsible for any accident/injuries which occur as part of the cooperative education program. Students may not file for worker’s compensation claims while participating in the co-op program. Further, students may not apply for unemployment compensation at the close of the co-op program

Insurance Company _____________________________________________________________

Policy Number _________________________________________________________________Attach a copy of your insurance card to this form.

If you choose NOT to be protected by medical insurance, your signature acknowledges your understanding that neither Northeast Alabama Community College nor your work experience employer/job site will be responsible for any accident or injuries which occur as part of participation in the cooperative education program.

____________________________________Student Signature Date

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Cooperative Education AgreementThe following statements constitute the agreement on which participation in the Cooperative Education program at Northeast Alabama Community College is based:

Placement and Employment Procedures Northeast Alabama Community College and the cooperating employer agree to observe placement procedures and employment practices which conform to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations (including nondiscrimination toward any participant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, veteran’s status, handicap, or national origin).

College Responsibilities Assess the student’s skills, capabilities, and career objectives Refer the student to an employer of interest Provide consultation and coordination between the student, the employer, and the

college Approve and evaluate the student’s Measurable Learning Outcomes Make arrangements for and conduct on-site visits with the co-op student and the

supervisor Determine a grade for the co-op experience and award college credit based on the

student’s performance and completion of required documentation

Employer Responsibilities Provide a minimum of 5 hours per week per semester hour to be awarded. For most

students, that equates to 15 hours per week. Students typically need to work two 8-hour co-op shifts per week or a total of 16 hours per week and attend school 2-3 days per week.

Identify a qualified employee to serve as the supervisor who will assist the student in developing and evaluating Measurable Learning Outcomes that will be related to the student’s studies

Permit on-site visits by college representatives Notify the instructor at the college at least one (1) week before any action that might

result in the termination or change of employment status of the student If possible, compensate co-op student at a level consistent with regular employees in a

similar training situation For paid co-op work experiences, provide Workmen’s Compensation Liability Insurance

for the co-op student during the period of the work experience Evaluate the student’s performance during on-site visits and at the end of the semester Adhere to the Fair Labor Standards Act and all applicable federal, state and local laws Give permission to use the employer’s name in co-op marketing/promotional materials Provide the student with a supervised, progressive, and meaningful work experience Assure a safe and healthy work environment

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Student Responsibilities Prior to the start of the work experience, develop three Measurable Learning Outcomes

in conjunction with the supervisor and instructor Provide a current resume’ to your instructor Report punctually and regularly for work; notify the employer promptly if unable to

work for any reason Adhere to the employer’s work rules and regulations Agrees to report any perceived safety hazards to their immediate supervisor in a

discrete manner. If unresolved, their concerns should be reported in writing to the work experience coordinator, who will address the issue with an appropriate manager

Inform the college’s Financial Aid Office of co-op employment and report wages earned during the co-op work experience, if appropriate.

Note: It is suggested the student seek adequate health and accident insurance during their co-op.

Cooperative Education for the Employed Student: A student may earn college credit while working for his or her current employer. This is permitted only in limited situations where there are assurances that the student’s experience will complement the classroom experience, and that the co-op experience will be different from those the student/employee has already experienced. The college will follow all procedures for establishing an existing job as a cooperative education experience so that the position meets all requirements for an effective cooperative education learning experience. In this instance the college must verify that:

The work activity and the level of learning is relative to the requirements of the curriculum; and

Measurable Learning Outcomes, through which the student’s performance will be evaluated, have been established.

The Measurable Learning Outcomes for currently employed students must be written to increase the student’s skill level from their current job description.

Statement of Cooperation: I fully understand the responsibilities of all parties involved in this Cooperative Education Agreement and shall strive to make this a successful learning experience.


________________________________________Employer Signature Date

________________________________________Instructor Signature Date

________________________________________Co-op Coordinator Signature Date

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Measurable Learning Outcomes

What are Measurable Learning Outcomes? Measurable learning outcomes (MLOs) refer to a set of statements which clearly and precisely describe that which the student intends to accomplish during the cooperative education experience and how that performance will be measured.

Why are Measurable Learning Outcomes needed in a Cooperative Education program? The Cooperative education program is an extension of the classroom, and is designed to allow students to learn in a real-world setting. By establishing Measurable Learning Outcomes, the student and supervisor will have a clear understanding of that which the student is expected to learn and instructors may use this information to assess and evaluate the extent to which the student met established learning outcomes.

How do I develop my own Measurable Learning Outcomes?An MLO combines four major components to form a single sentence. The components are:

Activity – that which you plan to accomplish Forecast – the level you plan to achieve Time Frame – the time period in which you plan to accomplish your outcome Evaluation – how the results will be measured

The key to preparing MLOs is the action word. The action word is usually a verb in which action can be observed and measured. The following is a list of general action words often used for measurable learning outcomes.

Analyze Answer Apply Appraise AssembleChange Chart Choose Collect CommunicateCompile Compute Construct Define DemonstrateDesign Develop Diagram Discuss DistinguishDraw Edit Explain Graph IdentifyIllustrate Improve Interpret Itemize LabelList Mark Map Match MeasureModify Operate Organize Perform PlanPrepare Print Read Recognize RecordReproduce Revise Select Separate SketchSummarize Transfer Translate Verify write

However, action words may also be specific to a field of study. Here are a few examples: Align Build Cut Grind MachineMaintain Mill Paint Weld Wire

In conjunction with your cooperative education coordinator, instructor, and supervisor, carefully review the job to which you will be assigned and start to develop MLOs to fit the job.

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While you will likely do more than is listed in your MLOs, the MLO should be at the heart of your cooperative education assignment. Be sure that your MLOs are specific and measurable.

Examples of Measurable Learning Outcomes are provided for your consideration 1. During the semester, the student will align all shafts in the premold end of the S2 line, to

the industry specifications as determined by the cooperative education supervisor. 2. Within two weeks from the start of the semester, the student will use welding, grinding

and cutting skills to build a materials cart, to the specifications provided. 3. During the term of employment, the student will produce parts to specifications using a

Haas VF-4 Machining Center.

Evaluation/GradingAt the end of the semester, your supervisor will evaluate how well you accomplished each of your MLOs via scoring rubric. The scoring rubric will be developed using your MLOs and will assist the supervisor and instructor in assigning a grade. An example of a scoring rubric is shown below.

Excellent AcceptableAction item: Verbal warning

Needs ImprovementAction item: Written warning

MLO 1 During the term of employment, the student will produce parts to specifications using a Haas VF-4 Machining Center.

___ The student consistently produces parts to specifications and at the level of production and efficiency expected by the employer.

___ The student produces parts but does so at a level of production or efficiency below that which is expected by the employer.

___ The student has, more than once, received a verbal warning regarding production and efficiency.

MLO 2During the term of employment, the student will conduct preventative maintenance on the Haas VF-4 Machining Center to manufacturer’s specifications.

___ The student always conducts preventative maintenance per manufacturer’s specifications.

___ The student neglected preventive maintenance at least once during the term of employment.

___ The student neglected preventative maintenance more than once during the term of employment.

MLO 3During the term of employment, the student will leave his work area clean, organized, and free from hazards, per 5S standards.

___ The student always leaves his work area clean, organized and free from hazards.

___ The student has left his work area dirty, unorganized, or in hazardous condition 1-3 times during the term of employment.

___ The student has, more than 3 times, left his work area dirty, unorganized, or in hazardous condition.

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Section 3To be used during the term

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Northeast Alabama Community CollegeCooperative Education Program

Student Evaluation Form

This form should be completed at least twice during the term (once at mid-term and at the end of the term) and given to the Work Experience Coordinator or Instructor.

Student ___________________________________________ Student # ___________________

Cooperative Education Work Site __________________________________________________

Supervisor _____________________________________________________________________

Mid-Term or Final (Please circle one)

General Work Performance

Please rate the student’s general work performance by checking the appropriate spaces below. Excellent Acceptable

Action item: Verbal warning

Needs ImprovementAction item: Written warning

Appearance ___ Always arrives ready to work in appropriate apparel

___ Arrived without appropriate apparel once

___ Arrived without appropriate apparel more than once

Punctuality ___ Always arrives on time

___ Arrived late 1-2 times ___ Arrived late more than twice

Dependability ___ Always works on assigned days

___ Missed 1 day ___ Missed more than 1 day

Attitude ___ Always displays positive attitude

___ Sometimes displays negative attitude

____ Sometimes displays negative attitude

Safety ___ Always demonstrates safe behaviors

___ Demonstrated unsafe behaviors 1 time

___ Demonstrated unsafe behaviors more than 1 time

Notes Regarding General Work Performance

________________________________________Supervisor Signature Date

(continued on next page)

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Evaluation of Measurable Learning Outcomes (MLOs)

Mid-Term or Final (Please circle one)

Please rate the student’s performance to date by checking the appropriate spaces below. Excellent Acceptable

Action item: Verbal warningNeeds ImprovementAction item: Written warning

MLO 1 During the term of employment, the student will _______ __________________________________

The student consistently ______________________________________________________________ __________________ __________________

___ The student _______________ but does so at a level of production or efficiency below that which is expected by the employer.

___ The student has, more than once, received a verbal warning regarding ________________________________________________

MLO 2During the term of employment, the student will ______ ________________________________

The student always conducts ______________________________________________________________ __________________ __________________

___ The student neglected _________ _________________ at least once during the term of employment.

___ The student neglected _______ ______________________________more than once during the term of employment.

MLO 3During the term of employment, the student will ______ ________________________________

The student always ________________________________________________________________________ __________________ __________________ .

___ The student has ________________ ________________ _________1-3 times during the term of employment.

___ The student has, more than 3 times, ________________ ________________________________ ________________

Notes Regarding Attainment of Measurable Student Outcomes:

Assessment Completed by: __________________________________________

Supervisor Signature Date

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Grade Sheet Completed at End of Co-op Experience

Student ___________________________________________ Student # ___________________


Supervisor _____________________________________________________________________

Completion of Co-op Education Requirements – (10 points – provided by Co-op Coordinator) Item Possible Score Student ScoreApplication complete and on time 4Met with Co-op supervisor 2Development of MLOs 2Submitted final materials on time 2

General Work Performance (30 points – provided by Supervisor) Excellent = 6; Acceptable = 3; Needs Improvement = 0

Item Possible Score Student ScoreAppearance 6Punctuality 6Dependability 6Attitude 6Safety 6

Evaluation of Measurable Learning Outcomes (MLOs) (60 points – provided by Supervisor)Excellent = 20; Acceptable = 15; Needs Improvement = 0

Item Possible Score Student ScoreMLO 1 20MLO 2 20MLO 3 20

Total Score

________________________________________Supervisor Signature Date

________________________________________Co-op Coordinator Signature Date

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Student Evaluation of Cooperative Education Experience

Student ___________________________________________ Student # ___________________


Please evaluate your experience in the Cooperative Education Program by answering the following questions.

1. Describe your duties as a cooperative education student.

2. How well did you meet your MLOs? Be specific. a. MLO 1:

b. MLO 2:

c. MLO 3:

3. ___ Yes ___ No Do you feel that you received a quality learning experience?

4. ___ Yes ___ No Would you recommend this work site to other students?

5. ___ Yes ___ No Do you feel these services were provided in a non-discriminatory manner?

6. ___ Yes ___ No Do you feel you were treated fairly and equitably without regard to the race, color, national origin, sex, or disability status?

Please rate the following on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being excellent, 3 average, and 1 poor.

5 4 3 2 1 Co-op supervisor: Insert name here: _________________________

5 4 3 2 1 Co-op coordinator: Insert name here: ________________________

5 4 3 2 1 Co-op instructor: Insert name here: _________________________

5 4 3 2 1 Overall quality of the cooperative education learning experience


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Time ReportTo be completed by student and supervisor at the end of each month.

Student Name: Month:Worksite: Supervisor:Dates Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Total

Hours

Total for this month

Summary of tasks performed: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________ __________________________________Student Signature Date Supervisor Signature Date

Time ReportTo be completed by student and supervisor at the end of each month.

Student Name: Month:Worksite: Supervisor:Dates Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Total

Hours

Total for this month

Summary of tasks performed: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________ __________________________________Student Signature Date Supervisor Signature Date

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Documents

· Web viewIt is the official policy of Northeast Alabama Community College as well as the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees and entities under its direction