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Career and Professional Development

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Guidelines for Student Workers

Your job may be on campus, but it is still a real job.

  1. While you are at work, focus on work responsibilities.
  2. Expect to work rather than to study on the job.
  3. When all of your work responsibilities are completed, you may be allowed to study or complete school assignments.

Come to work. Your attendance matters.

  1. Be sure that you and your supervisor agree about the days and times you are going to work.
  2. Do not assume that changing your schedule is acceptable. Communicate with your supervisor to make any changes – even if the reason for the change is school related.

Come to work on time. Your punctuality matters.

If you are going to be late or you cannot get to work, notify your supervisor as soon as possible.

  1. Find out in advance which number to call.
  2. Ask if you should leave a message or wait to talk to a person.

Sign in and out of work as directed by your supervisor each work day.

Follow the office dress code. Ask your supervisor what is appropriate for you to wear.

  1. Your regular student clothes may be acceptable, but you need to know for sure.
  2. You should avoid the following:
  • Strapless or halter tops and bare midriffs
  • Torn clothes
  • Clothes that show your underwear
  • Spandex pants
  • Hats or doo-rags

Your attitude is obvious to co-workers and to visitors. Be sure that your attitude is positive.

  1. Be courteous to students, faculty and staff at all times.
  2. Be aware that faces communicate attitudes.
  3. If you encounter a difficult situation, seek assistance from a supervisor
  4. Never let a visitor or caller leave hearing you say, “I don’t know.” Instead, try to find the answer or someone who might have the answer.

Use office computers only for work - unless your supervisor gives permission for you to use it for school-related assignments.

Use office telephones for business calls only.

  1. Speak clearly and cordially.
  2. Use the greeting that your supervisor tells you to use

Ask your supervisor about cell phone policies.

  1. Usually you will need to have your phone on silent or vibrate while you work.
  2. If you need to take a call, you should move away from the front office area.

Display honesty and integrity with any information you read or hear. Many student workers encounter private information about other students, faculty and staff, or the University community. Keep this information confidential. If the information generates concerns for you, talk to your supervisor.