GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET

							                                             CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
                                               GUIDELINES FOR ENTRE 481


Purpose: This document is to clarify the policies and procedures for pursuing
experiential learning for credit in the Entrepreneurship major. Following are the
guidelines for the student and the faculty advisor to follow. Situations may dictate
some refinement to these standards when the student and faculty advisor agree.
Generally, students are limited to one experiential elective totaling three credit hours.

Entrepreneurship 481: Cooperative Education (1-3). Offered Cr/NCr only.
Prerequisites: 1 hr – sophomore standing and 2.25 GPA; 2-3 hrs - junior standing and a
2.25 GPA. Maximum enrollment – 3 credit hours.

General Information
This is a course of study undertaken by an entrepreneurship student which meets
WSU’s Cooperative Education requirements (see the attached sheet). Prior to placement
by the office of Cooperative Education, the student must be assigned a faculty advisor
by the Director of Student Services, Center for Entrepreneurship.

Motivation
The student’s motivation for a Cooperative Education experience is to gain viable and
specific job-related, “value added” learning while earning a salary. As a general rule,
the student should not pursue credit for this course from an existing employer.
Exceptions may be made if demonstrable “value added” experiences can be
incorporated into the student’s present position.

Faculty Advisor
A faculty advisor is assigned by the Director of Student Services, Center for Entrepre-
neurship.

Methodology
For an entrepreneurship student, a learning experience with an entrepreneurially
oriented firm is preferred. This does not necessarily mean a “start-up” firm. For
example, a firm which was launched some time ago but is still entrepreneurial and
“growth oriented” in its culture may also provide an excellent experience.
Learning experiences are the focus of an experiential exercise. Listed below are a
number of activities which should be considered to fulfill the requirements of the
learning experience beyond the day-to-day tasks assigned to the student.

             • Write a short history of the founding entrepreneur or existing CEO/COO/
             President.
             • Write a short documentation of the key decisions/circumstances which
             resulted in significant growth for the organization.
             • Attend a meeting with the firm’s banker.
             • Attend one of the firm’s Board of Directors meetings.
Wichita State University does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual
orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a veteran or disability. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding
nondiscrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita KS 67260-0205;
telephone (316) 978-6791. (05/26/10)
             • Attend one of the firm’s “planning” meetings.
             • Attend a trade association, sales/distribution or civic meeting with the
              firm’s leader.
             • Access and be briefed on the firm’s financial statements.
             • Visit with one of the firm’s key customers or vendors.
             • Observe the selection, hiring, termination or performance appraisal of an
             employee of the organization.
             • Write a history of the key decisions/circumstances which resulted in increased
             growth for the organization.
             • Develop and execute an analysis of a customer satisfaction survey, an
             employee satisfaction survey or employee compensation benefits.
             • Provide a “Training Needs” assessment.
             • Assist in the development of feasibility studies involving new products,
             services, new plant location/expansion decisions.

In addition to the Cooperative Education’s monitoring of the learning experience, a
minimum of three meetings between the student and faculty advisor is expected.

Expectations1
Guidelines and standards for this course are enumerated below:
       • One credit hour: A minimum work experience of 15 hours per week for 12-15
       weeks and a 5 page paper relating to learning/work experiences due at course
       conclusion.
       • Two credit hours: A work experience of 15-20 hours per week for 12-15 weeks
       and an 8-10 page paper relating to learning/work experiences due at course
       conclusion.
       • Three credit hours: A work experience of 15-40 hours per week for 12-15
       weeks and a 10-15 page paper relating to learning/work experiences due at
       course conclusion.

Evaluation
Specific standards or evaluation criteria and monitoring dates are to be established and
recorded on the agreement document. Upon successful completion of the learning
experience, the faculty advisor is responsible for all grading documentation and
the forwarding of all support documents required by Cooperative Education.




1Not all situations and contingencies can be covered in this policy statement; therefore
common sense and logic are to govern course expectations.

5/26/10
Wichita State University does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual
orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a veteran or disability. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding
nondiscrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita KS 67260-0205;
telephone (316) 978-6791. (05/26/10)