Student Elections


STUDENT APPLICATION APPLY HERE


The COOP's Bold Vision for the Future


The Harvard/MIT COOP is more than just a bookstore—it is a historic cooperative that has served the Harvard and MIT communities for over 140 years. As a member-owned organization, we exist to serve our members, the broader academic community, and the millions of visitors who visit each year. With eight retail locations, we provide course materials, essential resources and merchandise, but our mission goes far beyond retail. 

The COOP of the future will build on its storied history and will continue to evolve, enhancing the value we provide and reimagining what it means to be a member. The vision is dedicated to curating experiences that captivate and unite — a new model of modern retail and community engagement, leveraging innovative collaborations, products, and spaces, all designed to spark new ideas, forge meaningful connections, and strengthen our community.

As a student director, you will have the opportunity to shape this transformation—working alongside fellow students and experienced professionals to drive innovation, enhance membership value, and ensure that the COOP remains a vital part of campus life for generations to come.


Learn About Business - While Leading The COOP


The COOP is an independent cooperative governed by a Board of Directors comprised of students, faculty, and alumni. Eleven student directors are elected each year, with terms commencing in conjunction with the Annual Meeting in September.

Why Become a COOP Director?

  • Lead one of the largest college stores in the country
  • Gain hands-on governance experience: Learn how a corporate board operates, including financial oversight, strategic planning, and executive decision making
  • Work alongside experienced business and academic leaders who bring expertise from a range of industries—including finance, retail, real estate, entrepreneurship, and corporate governance.
  • Shape the Future of the COOP: Play a key role in modernizing and transforming the COOP, ensuring it remains a relevant and valuable resource for students today and in the future.
  • Work with your Peers: Collaborate with student peers to exchange ideas and ensure that communications and brand initiatives resonate
  • Receive a stipend too!

For the current list of members currently serving on the Board of Directors click here


Rare Opportunity to Serve on a Corporate Board!

Very few students—at Harvard, MIT, or anywhere—get the chance to serve on a corporate board before they graduate. Board experience at this level is typically reserved for executives and industry veterans. This is a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in corporate governance while still a student—a distinction that will stand out on any résumé, graduate school application, or future leadership path.

If you’re looking to develop leadership skills, make a tangible impact on campus, and gain invaluable business experience, apply to be a student director.


Important Dates: COMP the COOP!

  • Info Session: Tuesday March 25th, 6:30pm Harvard Hall
  • Application Deadline: April 10th, 11:59pm
  • Social Event: April 8th, MIT Museum; Free food, fun festivities & swag! REGISTER HERE
  • Group Interviews: April 14th, IDEO
  • Individual Interviews: April 21st
  • Decisions Made: April 28th

STUDENT APPLICATION APPLY HERE


General Information

Read the following information and instructions CAREFULLY.

1. Who serves on the Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors consists of 23 members, 11 students, 11 faculty, staff, or alumni of Harvard/MIT and the CEO of the COOP.

2. What does the Board do?

The COOP board is the principal governing, and policy making body of the COOP. The Board functions in the same way as the board of directors of any other corporation; it is responsible for establishing the policies which guide the COOP's operations and for making all significant decisions that affect the COOP. The Board considers issues such as the COOP's plans and objectives; opening, remodeling or closing stores; establishing employee benefit policies; making major equipment acquisitions, etc. The Board is not involved in day-to-day operational matters such as the establishment of prices for individual items. Decisions in these areas are delegated to the CEO and their staff who are responsible to the Board. 

2. How can a student become a Director? 

By submitting an application and being nominated by the Nominating Committee for election by the Board of Directors. 

3. Who is eligible to stand for election? 

Any full-time, enrolled and registered undergraduate or graduate student of Harvard or MIT who is at least 18 years of age and will be a degree candidate during the year for which a term as a director is sought. 

4. What is the selection process?

Applicants submit an online application at www.thecoop.com by the posted deadline along 

with the required attachments. The Nominating Committee conducts a preliminary review of applications and contacts eligible candidates to invite them to attend an applicant social and group interview session. Select applicants from the group interview session are then invited for an individual interview. The Committee also considers all students who are currently serving on the Board and are eligible for re-election and wish to serve for another term. The slate of 11 nominees brought forward for election by the Board of Directors will have the following minimal institutional representation- 2 shall be Harvard undergraduates, 2 shall be graduate students of Harvard University and 2 shall be undergraduate or graduate students of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

5. How often does the Board of Directors meet and does the Board have Committees?

The Board meets approximately six times, each time for about two and a half hours, during the academic year. The Board has several committees on which interested and qualified directors, student and non-student, are appointed to serve by the Chair. These committees meet more frequently in between full Board meetings. Committees include: Executive, Finance, Audit, Nominating, Campus Connection, Brand Experience & Real Estate. 

6. What are the differences in the responsibilities of the student directors and the 

faculty/staff/alumni directors? 

There are no differences in the responsibilities of the student and non-student directors. According to COOP by-laws, all directors have the same responsibilities and equal voice in the affairs of the COOP. 

7. What are the deadlines? 

Application closes March 28th at 11:59 PM. Decisions announced by the end of April.