As a Work Study employee, there are certain standards and expectations that you must strive to attain. We hope that the following will provide a guide to a positive work experience.

Expectations

Work Study positions should be considered a regular job. Although eligibility is part of the Financial Assistance program, many people are depending on you to conduct yourself in a professional and businesslike manner. As a matter of clarity, the following list includes some of the standards to which you should aspire in your work.

A. Attendance As with any job, you are expected to report for your scheduled shifts and any additional time commitments that you have made. If you are unable to report for work, it is your responsibility to call your supervisor as soon as you are aware of the problem so arrangements can be made

-Tardiness Out of common courtesy, you are expected to report for work when you are scheduled. If the schedule indicates that you are to begin work at 10:00 am, then that should be the time that you arrive and are ready to work. If you are scheduled to relieve someone and you are10 to 15 minutes late, you are either forcing that individual to stay late waiting for you or creating an unacceptable gap in service.

-Time Off At certain times of the year, it may be difficult to schedule everyone's needed time off. This can be made easier by making your employer aware of your absence ahead of time. This can be done by filling out an absence request form, or however your supervisor wants to handle it. Please do not assume that you will be allowed time off automatically. If it is required of you to find a substitute, please make sure that someone is there to fill in your shift.

B. Computer Procedures

Some employers will allow student workers to use computers for personal use when possible. Please take into account that this is a privilege not to be taken advantage. Please understand that University work takes precedence over anything else. Do not use the computers for your own personal use during your regularly scheduled work time.

Computer costs for supplies and maintenance are high, therefore computers are for current staff only. Computer labs on campus are set up specifically for students only.

-Security Concerns Staff using departmental computers during off hours must be responsible for locking all doors, windows, etc. Please notify your supervisor if you are interested in working after hours. It is up to your department to determine if this is allowable.

C. Dress There are a few considerations that must be given to what you wear. Clothing can be casual and relaxed like what you would wear to classes. Some employers will not have any other guidelines on dress, as long as you look presentable. Other employers may have stricter guidelines. These may prohibit clothing with Greek, religious, or political messages portrayed on them. Professional attire may also be required. Before you begin work, you should go over the dress code with your supervisor.

D. Ethical Responsibility As a Work Study employee, you are expected to operate in an ethical manner. If you witness anything that you perceive as unethical, you are encouraged to speak with the individual involved and/or your supervisor. We want your work environment to be a safe place for you and everyone else. Maintaining high ethical standards is an important part of a safe environment. An area of special concern to us is that of confidentiality of situations, interactions, and insights that must always be respected. If you have any questions about what is considered confidential, please check with your supervisor.

E. Lunches and Breaks If you work for four or more continuous hours, you are allowed to take a 15 minute break. If you work this length of time over either lunch or dinner, you may take a 15-30 minute break to eat. You must get permission from your supervisor before going on break.

F. Professionalism

It is very important that we maintain a professional manner at all times and our success depends largely on what we say or do. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the image we are projecting. Although it is interesting to hear about dates, parties, etc., it is not appropriate conversation material for a work setting. Please be aware of the things that you are saying and their appropriateness.

-Front Desk Duties- When staffing a reception area, it is your responsibility to greet customers, answer phone calls, and facilitate a smooth flow of services in a timely manner. Studying or doing homework at the front desk is not acceptable. This distracts you from the duties you are expected to perform.

-Telephone Etiquette- You may be receiving many calls a day, depending on your location and position. Because of this, covering the telephone may be an important part of your job. Your courtesy and manners are important as well as taking accurate messages from incoming callers.

-Messages- Sometimes it will be necessary to take a message when a person is not readily available. It is important that the message be legible and placed in the appropriate mailbox or on the person's desk. This message should include the name of the caller, their phone number, and time and date of call.

-Personal Calls- You should discuss the personal telephone policy with your supervisor at the time of employment. As with any professional organization, personal calls are discouraged. Please try to minimize incoming personal calls and make sure you are not tying up any busy lines. Employers realize that emergencies occur and make exceptions in such cases.