Work Education Program

How do students find out where they are assigned to work?

New students will receive their work assignment during Character Camp.  Returning students receive their assignments via checking Campusweb.

How do students receive their work schedules?

Work supervisors will coordinate work hours around each student’s class schedule and will have it available for them.  Students attending Character Camp will have an opportunity during that week to visit with their work supervisors. 

When may students apply to transfer to a different work station?

Students are typically assigned to a more basic work assignment that is service-oriented for one or two semesters prior to receiving a transfer.  Every semester students have the opportunity to apply for another work station. Transfers are largely based on work performance records, needs of the College, and availability. Strong work performance and a positive attitude go a long way at "Hard Work U". It is highly recommended that students wanting to transfer work stations interview with each supervisor they are interested in working for. This will allow them to hone their interviewing skills and increase their chances of obtaining a transfer.

What type of clothes do students need to bring for work?

Casual dress is accepted at most work stations; however, some work stations require uniforms. Each work station has its own dress code and it’s best to check with the work station for any specific dress code regulations. Business/administrative offices require higher standards of apparel.

How do students sign up for required 40-hour work weeks?

Work supervisors receive the work contracts from the Work Education office prior to work training day and coordinate with students regarding which work weeks would work best for their department. The work week contracts will be completed the first couple weeks of the semester.

Are students required to work holidays?

Certain work stations may require work on holidays while others may not.  When students miss work for a holiday they are responsible for arranging makeup hours with their supervisors.  For example, business and academic offices are normally closed on recognized holidays.  That said, supervisors should anticipate these situations and schedule workers to avoid shortfalls as much as possible.

Are students required to work during Christmas and Thanksgiving?

Certain work stations require work during the Christmas and Thanksgiving work weeks.  Typically, the business and academic offices are closed during these weeks, but work stations such as food service, switchboard, power plant, etc. require workers to remain on campus to facilitate these essential services.

What happens when students are placed on Work Probation?

Students are placed on Work Probation when they receive a work performance grade of less than a C- or when there is some incident that warrants probationary status. Students may remain on probation for one or two semesters, depending on the circumstance.   Students on work probation may not participate in athletics or other extra-curricular events until removal from probation.

What happens when students miss work due to illness?

When students are too sick to report to work or become ill during work, they must report to the campus clinic and be seen by the medical staff or the work hours missed will not be excused.  Students are responsible for coordinating with their supervisor to make up lost work hours whether excused or unexcused.

How do students makeup hours when they fall behind?

Students may fall behind on their work hours for various reasons; some of which are excused absences and others that may not be excused.  Students must first attempt to make up hours by discussing and coordinating with their supervisor, and then discuss with the Work Education office, when necessary, to add an additional work week.

Students work 15 hours per week, and two 40-hour work weeks during the academic year. These hours are applied to the Tuition Assurance, which is $19,800 annually for the 2022-23 academic year. These work hours account for $6,720 of the Tuition Assurance, with state and federal grants (if students qualify), and a scholarship from the College covering the remainder. If students participate in the summer work program, these hours are applied toward room and board charges for the upcoming academic year. Students work one of two options: Twelve weeks at 40 hours per week, or six weeks at 40 hours per week. Under the first option, room and board is covered for the entire upcoming academic year, and under the second option only one semester is covered. Information about the Summer Work Scholarship is available on the C of O scholarships page, and information about the work program in general and summer work on the work education page. 

How are students selected for the Summer Work Education Program Room and Board Scholarship?

Any full-time, residence hall student may apply to work for six weeks or the full twelve weeks during the summer. Each six-week period worked will cover the room and board costs for one semester of the following academic year. It will also cover room and board during the summer work period. All students are selected based on demonstrated financial need according to the FAFSA. This is another reason it is so important to complete the FAFSA in a timely manner. Returning students apply for the Summer Work Program during the month of February and new students may apply immediately after they have been admitted to the College. Information about the Summer Work Scholarship is available at C of O scholarships page, and information about the work program in general and summer work is available at work education page. 

May students working in the Summer Work Education Program (SWEP) also work off campus jobs during the summer?

Yes, students will have access to their vehicles during the week and on weekends and many choose to work off campus to earn extra money. Campus work responsibilities will always take priority over off-campus work.

Can first-time students elect to work only one of the two six-week periods?

Yes, but they are only permitted to work the second six-week period. We do not believe it is in the students' best interest to come for the first six-week period, then return home. We believe that such a situation would be disruptive to the students' routine, and could inadvertently encourage them to remain home, as opposed to returning to campus. 

What are the requirements for working in the Summer Work Education Program (SWEP)?

Students are required to work 40 hours a week during the contracted period. Students deciding to leave the SWP, who fail to complete their contracted agreement, risk not being allowed to enroll the following semester.