Cooperative Education & Work-Based Learning

Tips for Supervising Students

1. Host New Employee Orientation

• Introduce students to management and co-workers
• Provide opportunities for students and co-workers to get acquainted with one another by hosting breakfast, lunch or other networking venues
• Establish training process for students
• Match student with mentor
• Communicate organizational expectations and procedures

2. Provide Balanced Performance Feedback and Evaluations

• Establish realistic expectations for student performance. Guide supervisors to ensure that they balance positive feedback with feedback to improve a student’s performance
• Use the completion of necessary forms from the university as opportunities to discuss with students their learning goals, performance and expectations
• Participate in a mid-term visit with university coordinator
• Complete supervisor and student evaluations as required by university/organization

3. Assign Mentors to Students

• Select individuals who are energetic and enthusiastic about the organization and the presence of students
• Mentors can:
  • Meet with students when they first arrive to show them around and introduce them to people in the department
  • Listen to students’ concerns and offer practical advice
  • Provide insight about the industry to students
  • Serve as a sounding board for students when they have concerns or questions