Work Education Program
How do students find out where they are assigned to work?
When assignments are complete, students will be sent a link via their College of the Ozarks email with instructions on how to access their work assignment.
How do students receive their work schedules?
Work supervisors will coordinate work schedules around each student’s class schedule and communicate through email, Connect Teams, or in person on work training day (the day before classes begin each semester).
When may students apply to transfer to a different workstation?
Students receive their initial assignment based on workstation needs and availability, with preferences considered when possible. Students generally remain in this assignment for two semesters before becoming eligible to transfer, though each semester they can apply to work at a new workstation. Transfer approvals are based primarily on work performance, College needs, and open positions. Strong performance and a positive attitude greatly improve transfer chances at "Hard Work U." Interested students must submit a resume and interview with each desired supervisor. This process helps build essential interviewing skills and boosts success in securing a preferred role.
What type of clothes do students need to bring for work?
Casual dress is accepted at most workstations; however, some workstations require uniforms. Each workstation has its own dress code and it’s best to check with the workstation 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?
Students are required to work two 40-hour work weeks per year, when classes are not in session. These work weeks are determined by the need of each workstation and will be contracted the first couple weeks of the semester with the work supervisor.
Are students required to work holidays?
Certain workstations require work during the Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other holiday work weeks. Typically, business/administrative and academic offices are closed during these weeks, but workstations 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?
Students must notify their work supervisor(s) about all medically related absences. Missed work hours must be made up.
How do students makeup hours when they fall behind?
Students may fall behind on their work hours for various reasons (e.g., excused absences). 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.
What do work hours pay for?
Students work 15 hours per week during the academic year, plus two 40-hour work weeks. These hours contribute to Tuition Assurance, covering about one-third of costs alongside qualifying state and federal grants and a College scholarship for the remainder.
Students who participate in the Summer Work Education Program will apply those hours toward room and board for the upcoming year. Students may choose one of two options: 12 weeks at 40 hours per week (covers full year) or six weeks at 40 hours per week (covers one semester).
Details on the Summer Work Education Program Scholarship appear on the C of O scholarships page, and information about the work education program in general can be found 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 one, or both, of the six-week sessions 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 - please make sure 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 Education Program Scholarship is available at C of O scholarships page, and information about the work program in general is available at the work education page.
May students working in the Summer Work Education Program (SWEP) also work off campus jobs during the summer?
Yes, many students choose to work off campus to earn extra money. However, campus work responsibilities take priority over off-campus work.
Can first-time students elect to work only one of the two six-week periods?
First-time students working only one session must apply to work the second six-week period.
What are the requirements for working in the Summer Work Education Program (SWEP)?
Students must work 40 hours per week during their contracted Summer Work Education Program (SWEP) period. Those who leave the program or fail to complete their contract risk enrollment at the College for the following semester.