Division of Student Affairs and Chester Fritz Library Student Employment Working Group
Members Ilene Odegard – Career Services, Chair Cassandra McDonald – Career Services/Student Employment Aaron Flynn – Memorial Union Karlene Clark – Chester Fritz Library Kristen Jezek – Student Financial Aid Charles Crummy – Dining Services Jimmie Kennedy – Health & Wellness Ben Heller – Wellness Center Samantha Perrin – Career Services GSA
Learning Outcomes for Today Identify the purpose of the Student Employment Working Group Identify student employment best practices, both internally and externally Identify the new learning outcome for student employees within the Division of Student Affairs and Chester Fritz Library. Identify the specific benefits of divisional/institutional alignment with regard to student employees and learning outcomes. Identify specific steps to take moving forward to aid in assessing the learning outcome established for student employees.
Work Group Focus Administer a Division-wide survey to assess Student Employee Experience Share current practices from respective areas regarding student employment Research and share best practices on experiential learning Assist the Division in establishing student employee learning outcomes Administer a second Division-wide survey to student employees in Spring of 2016
Timeline March 2015 – Committee formed April 2015 – Internal Best Practices Shared May 2015 – Division of Student Affairs Student Employment Survey Distributed January 2016 – Roll out of Divisional Learning Outcome for Student Employees Spring 2017 – Second SA Student Employment Survey to be distributed
Trivia… How many students did the Division of Student Affairs and Chester Fritz Library employ during the academic year??
Student Affairs Student Employee Survey Distributed in May, 2015 Sent to over 800 student employees within the division and CFL 230 respondents representing 18 different departments 29% response rate Questions pertained to: Job satisfaction, engagement and resources Skills gained due to employment – self assessment 27 different “transferable” skills
National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE) - Top 10 skills employers seek 1. Ability to work in a team structure 2. Ability to make decisions and solve problems (tie) 3. Ability to communicate verbally with people inside and outside an organization 4. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work 5. Ability to obtain and process information 6. Ability to analyze quantitative data 7. Technical knowledge related to the job 8. Proficiency with computer software programs 9. Ability to create and/or edit written reports 10. Ability to sell and influence others Student Affairs Student Employee Survey
Demographics
Student Affairs Student Employee Survey Notable Results 87% responded that they feel proud to work for their department Students were asked if they felt they were developing their skills due to employment: Of the 27 skills that were self assessed: All had an agreement rate of at least 57% 18 had an agreement rate of at least 75% 14 had an agreement rate of at least 85% Translation: Majority of students are enjoying their jobs and feel they are developing their skills through on-campus employment
Student Affairs Student Employee Survey As a result of employment in my department, I have grown or improved in the following area:
Internal Best Practices Recruitment and Onboarding Post learning outcomes on job descriptions (establish LO if you don’t have them) – creates transparency. Cover letters and resumes Performance Management and Assessment Annual meetings (at least) Regular “check-ins” Help them understand the importance of their role Make sure employees understand how their work relates to their academics and vice-versa
External Best Practices
Divisional/Institutional Alignment Consistent message to students and employers on expectations Creates continuity, specifically for students with multiple positions on campus Assures ALL student employees are acquiring the skill sets needed in the current job market Creates a smoother transition from college to the work force
Divisional/Institutional Alignment UUniversity of North Dakota Student Outcomes MMake informed choices CCommunicate effectively BBe intellectually curious and creative CCommit themselves to lifelong learning and service to others SShare responsibility for the community and the world
Why Communication? NACE Top 10 What are students struggling with? Unanimous decision with supervisors Aligns with institutional and divisional outcomes.
Communication While Communication will be the common core outcome, each department may choose the appropriate language to fit their needs. CFL - Employees will demonstrate effective communication with colleagues, supervisors, other staff, faculty and our patrons. Wellness Center - Employees will demonstrate effective written and verbal communication with colleagues, supervisors, and members. Dining Services - Employees will demonstrate effective communication in both the back of the house and the front of the house
Rubric – Scoring Assessment NoviceDevelopingAccomplishedAdvanced CommunicationVerbalDoes not communicate clearly. Volume concerns (too loud/soft) or has inappropriate communication about patrons, coworkers, and/or others. Struggles to communicate ideas clearly. Sometimes inappropriate, but corrects with reminders. Only lacks clarity in communicating complicated concepts. Consistently appropriate in discussing others. Models appropriate communication to and about patrons, coworkers, and/or others. Appropriate volume for workplace. Enunciates clearly. WrittenInappropriate, inarticulate, or incoherent with spelling and grammar mistakes. Sometimes lack clarity in written correspondence. Most written correspondence is clear and articulate. Consistently accurate, concise, and appropriate for the audience.
Learning Outcomes - Revisited Identify the purpose of the Student Employment Working Group Identify student employment best practices, both internally and externally Identify the new learning outcome for student employees within the Division of Student Affairs and Chester Fritz Library. Identify the specific benefits of divisional/institutional alignment with regard to student employees and learning outcomes. Identify specific steps to take moving forward to aid in assessing the learning outcome established for student employees.
What is the purpose? Institutions across the country are feeling the pressure Students today are more career-focused than ever before Graduates are still lacking transferable skills necessary for success Students not able to communicate their skills properly Our job to prepare them…
What’s Next? Expectation is that every department within Student Affairs and the CFL will be able to include their own student employee learning outcome related to communication on their assessment plan and highlights report this summer. We are here to help… Questions?