SUPERVISING STUDENT EMPLOYEES Rob Drybread – University of Colorado, Boulder

GOALS Distinguish student employees from “regular” employees Highlight hiring students and tips for work study fund management Learn the four basic elements of supervision Cover various reasons to end a student employee’s appointment

Cultural Perception of “The Student” Perception of Time (How much can be accomplished in what time period) Work Experience Short-term Nature of Employment Students First Career Path versus Financial Assistance Dependence on Positive Motivators STUDENT vs. “REGULAR” EMPLOYEE

Hire Great Students! Post your position early Conduct an informative interview Check to see if they have work study  Request an increase right away! Call references

What are the Consequences of a Bad Hire?

Know Your Competitors!! Local Part-Time Jobs That Pay Higher Wages Institutional Life Academic Commitments

Payroll Secure student time sheets  Must be signed by both the student and supervisor  Students cannot work during class times Check monthly payroll reports  Are your students set up as ‘work study’?  Keep track of usage—when will they run out? Get class schedules to ensure area coverage during breaks and holidays

TO BE OR NOT TO BE? What does it take to be a supervisor? Teacher Counselor Judge Coach

Communicating Expectations Mentoring Training THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER

COMMUNICATING EXPECTATIONS Orientation Organizational Chart/ Overview Mission/Vision Tour/Introductions Time Keeping HRMS Setup- W-4, I-9s, Address Changes Job Expectations Job Description Work Tasks Work Schedule/Overtime Tardiness/Absentee Policy Equipment Usage Dress Code Evaluations/Raises Grievance Policy

TRAINING Students’ Specific Work Tasks Rotation of Work Tasks Time Management:  Prioritizing assigned tasks  What is expected to be achieved in a given work period Why is Their Work Important? University Discrimination and Harassment Policy Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Confidentiality Drug and Alcohol Policy

MENTORING Role Model Set a Professional and Ethical Example Step into Their Work Role Occasionally Help Identify and Develop Their Skills and Put Them To Use Structure Projects That Will Challenge the Student as Their Skills Develop

POLICIES SHOULD BE WRITTEN  Employer Handbook  Employee Handbook  Update Annually

Challenging The Players Motivating Positioning The Players ROLE OF THE COACH

MOTIVATING Motivators and Morale Boosters  Treats -Notes home  Certificates-“Pat on the back” Create a “Team Atmosphere” Recognize Individuals for Their Accomplishments and Abilities Commend Specific Actions

Communicating Listening ROLE OF THE COUNSELOR

LISTENING Reflect Feelings Check Perceptions Clarify Confusing Issues Summarize Content Approach Clarify Values If Necessary, Refer to Outside Sources

COMMUNICATING Open-Door Policy: Be Accessible Schedule Regular One-on-One Communication Share Information Suggest Alternatives

Maintaining Fairness Intervening Evaluating ROLE OF THE JUDGE Most difficult and least popular role

MAINTAINING FAIRNESS Good Judge has Reputation for Fairness Do not Delegate Evaluations When Possible, Assess Other Areas of Students’ Lives Before Confronting Be Calm – Assess Actions Communicate Consequences to All Student Employees

EVALUATING Regular and Necessary Provide Examples of Specific Actions Specify Ways to Improve Set Goals to be Accomplished Ask for Suggestions of Ways to Improve the Working Environment

INTERVENING Discipline Proportional to Situation Long Term Goal is Rehabilitation Conference in Private Intervene Only When the Action or Behavior Can be Changed “Three Strikes, You Are Out” Policy  Disciplinary Action Form

Reasons for Termination End of Job No Funding Poor Performance Breach of Policy Graduation!

TERMINATING STUDENTS Have You Clearly Communicated the Job Expectations? Give Students the Chance to Improve Does Your Department Have a Policy? Notify Employee Verbally and In Writing Inform Students of Other Work Options Terminate Job Record in HRMS

HELPFUL INFORMATION On-Campus Student Employment Procedures Handbook Use your Student Employment Office’s website as a resource Get on your Employer Listserv Much of the information provided during this training was from a published article by Tom Little and Nancy Chinn

Other Resources Counseling and Psychological Services Organizational and Employee Development Faculty Staff Assistance Program Student Academic Services Discrimination and Harassment Victim’s Assistance

Thank You! Please complete evaluations