Work College

This is an optional Innovation & Leadership credit. These credits recognize exemplary practices and performance above and beyond what is recognized in standard credits and may not be relevant to every institution. Scoring in the Innovation and Leadership section is capped at 4 bonus points total.


Credit Language

IN 45: Work College – version 2.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Do college work study programs qualify under this credit?

Simply offering student employment through a college work study program is not sufficient under this credit in the absence of formal designation as a Work College. To count, the institution must require at least one-half of all students who are enrolled on a full-time basis to participate in a comprehensive work-learning-service program.

Example Responses

  • University of Waterloo – Through membership in the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada network, two-thirds of all undergraduate students are engaged in meaningful employment. Good reporting example of an equivalent program for institutions outside of the U.S.
  • Warren Wilson College – The institution is formally recognized as a work college by the U.S. Department of Education. A link to the Work College Consortium institution profile is provided.

Common Issues Identified During Review

  • To count, the institution must be formally recognized as a work college by the U.S. Department of Education (or local equivalent for institutions outside the U.S.) The institution must require at least one-half of all students who are enrolled on a full-time basis to participate in a comprehensive work-learning-service program. Documentation affirming the recognition is required.

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