i.            Reporting

A DSO is required to terminate a student’s SEVIS record if the student:

Ø  is working without approved work authorization.

Ø  fails to report to the University by their program start date

Ø  fails to enroll after the term’s registration deadline

Ø  fails to register for a full-course load

Ø  has been suspended from the University

Ø  has been expelled from the University

Ø  withdraws from his or her course of study

Ø  fails to otherwise maintain his or her F-1 status A student whose SEVIS record has been terminated MUST     immediately leave the U.S.

A DSO must report the following on a student’s SEVIS record:

Ø  Name changes associated with student or dependents.

Ø  Students graduating in advance of their program end date.

Ø  Address changes associated with student or dependents.

Ø  Other SEVIS directed requests such as student status.

*  Any questions associated with your student status or maintenance of that status should be directed to the DSO.

                  ii.        Discrimination

The University of North America is an academic community built on respect for all persons.  The university adheres to a strict policy of dignity, equality, and nondiscrimination regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students.  In accord with federal law and applicable Commonwealth of Virginia statutes, the university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the university. 

For those Co-op students experiencing discrimination in their work placement, contact the Director of Co-op program immediately.

The university maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against.  Inquiries concerning the grievance procedure or compliance with federal and commonwealth laws and guidelines should be addressed to the President.

                  iii.       Sexual harassment

Regardless of the form, sexual harassment in the workplace setting is neither condoned nor accepted by the University and the Cooperative Education Department.. 

For those Co-op students experiencing sexual harassment in their work placement, contact the Director of Co-op program immediately.For those Co-op students experiencing sexual harassment in their work placement, contact the Director of Co-op program immediately.

                  iv.       Layoffs & Discharges

In the event that the work placement is concluded, the following applies:

Ø  Layoffs – unfortunately, economic circumstances may dictate layoffs in the work placement. If this       occurs, contact the Director of Co-op for assistance in securing another job immediately.

Ø  Discharges – can occur for a number of reasons. Contact the Director of Co-op to review in detail the       circumstances that led to the discharge which will determine the necessary course of action required.

                  v.        Obtaining a Social Security card

As previously noted, cooperative education students require a formal and detailed offer letter from a prospective employer prior to starting their work placement.

Once the offer letter is received by the Co-op Department and the information is confirmed & relevant to the course of studies, the DSO will issue a CPT I-20.

When the CPT I-20 is issued, the student can then go to the nearest US Social Security Administration office (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp) to apply for a card that be used by the employer to deduct the appropriate FICA, Federal and State withholding taxes.

                  vi.       Student Records

Documents - Copies of all the documents related to Cooperative Education are maintained for 2 years after the student has graduated. Records are securely stored in a locked filing cabinet in the Cooperative Education Department office. Students are allowed access to their files – in the presence of the Director or Cooperative Education Coordinator - for viewing purposes only. No files are to leave the offices.  No information may be removed from the file.

Confidentiality Policy – The University is committed to the maintenance of confidentiality of all student information.  Except as required by law, no student records or information other than dates of attendance will be released to any person or entity without the express, written, signed consent of the student.

Note that by applying to the Cooperative Education Department, students grant the Co-op Office permission to access their academic record held by the Registrar’s Office. Students also grant permission to the Co-op Office to release their resume and / or cover letters to prospective work placement employers.

Student Right to Know – The University of North America will be pleased to publish information regarding its graduation and completion rates.  The Student Right to Know Act requires that institutions that receive federal Title IV funds provide information regarding institutional graduation rates, athlete graduates, financial assistance awarded, and crime statistics.  While the university does not yet award Title IV financial assistance, it will none-the-less provide such information to students and the public.  Finally, as a new institution, the university has yet to have had a graduating class, and data are not available at the time of the publication of this document.

Student Files –

Each Cooperative Education Program student file will consist of:Each Cooperative Education Program student file will consist of:

Ø  Initial documentation:

o   Completed application form

o   Copy of Passport     

o   Copy of Visa

o   Proof of registration for COOP 500 and thereafter, proof of registration for COOP 510 for each      term while on work placement

Ø  For each work placement:

o   Job offer

o   Copy of CPT I-20

o   Learning contract – each term

o   Performance evaluation – each term

o   Final reflective report – each term

Ø  Additional documentation – if needed:

o   Copy of resume

o   Co-op Cancellation form

o   Co-op Leave of Absence form

Note that by applying to the Cooperative Education Department, students grant the Co-op Office permission to access their academic record held by the Registrar’s Office. Students also grant permission to the Co-op Office to release their resume and / or cover letters to prospective work placement employers.

                  vii.      Coop Forms

All Cooperative Education Forms including the program application form are downloadable [here]