CWE Guidelines

Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) 

Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) is a credit-bearing course approved under requirements set by the Community College Workforce Development-Educational Improvement and Innovation (CCWD-EII). CWE follows the same approval process as other career and technical education courses and is a required part of some certificate and associate degree programs at Rogue Community College. 

CWE is designed as an advanced learning experience, not a way to explore a new career. It gives you the chance to build skills connected to your program of study while gaining real-world work experience.  

How CWE Credits Work 

CWE credit is earned based on work and learning hours. 

  • CWE is structured as a lab-style class, with about 30–36 work hours for each credit. 
  • You can earn up to 12 CWE credits per year that count toward full-time equivalent (FTE) reporting. 
  • Up to 24 CWE credits may apply toward an Associate of Applied Science degree, or up to 12 credits toward a one-year certificate of completion. 

These guidelines align with statewide standards for Cooperative Work Experience. 
 
CWE and Your Program of Study 

CWE is directly connected to your degree or certificate program. 

  • Your CWE goals are also tied to your specific program of study. 
  • Your individual CWE plan includes learning outcomes, measurable goals and opportunities to reflect on what you are learning. 
  • Reflection may take place through a CWE Seminar or other structured activities described in the Work-Based Learning Handbook and the Oregon Work-Based Learning Manual. 
  • You, your instructor and your employer work together to set and review your learning goals.  

How Your CWE Is Monitored and Assessed 

Support and feedback are built into your CWE experience. 

  • Your instructor checks in through job site visits or regular contact with you and your supervisor or employer. 
  • Progress is assessed based on how well you are meeting your learning goals. 
  • You take part in the assessment process along with your instructor and employer. 
  • You will also have the opportunity to evaluate your supervisor or employer, which is an important part of CWE. 
     

The College’s Role in Your CWE 

RCC helps make sure your CWE experience is structured, supported and aligned with accreditation standards. 

  • Roles and expectations are clearly defined for you, your instructor and your employer. 
  • CWE courses follow approved course outlines through the college curriculum process. 
  • CWE instructors are qualified and approved by the College. 
  • RCC follows guidelines from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities related to accreditation and oversight. 
  • CWE agreements include required legal details, such as worker’s compensation coverage. 

CWE Seminar Option 

  • If you enroll in a CWE Seminar, it is a lecture-style course. 
  • Seminar credits are based on 10–12 class hours per credit. 
     

Additional Information 

The full text of CWE Guidelines is available upon request. Guidance in the Oregon Work-Based Learning Manual and related resources is expected to align with the Handbook, which serves as the primary source. 

CWE is one way RCC helps you turn hands-on experience into college credit and prepare to enter the workforce more quickly.