All full-time resident students, and commuting students carrying at least 12 hours, work 15 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. In addition, each full-time student works two 40-hour weeks chosen from the weeks when classes are not in session. Resident students who demonstrate financial need may participate in the 12-week summer work scholarship program. Summer work will be credited toward room and board expenses for the following academic year.
A daily record of work hours completed by each student is maintained by the area work supervisor. A cumulative record of the student work hours is maintained by Cash Accounts in the Business Office so students may know the total of their work hours at any time. Work hours cannot be sold, given away, or transferred; nor is cash given in exchange for work. However, limited extra work hours earned over and above the charges for any term are accumulated in an "incidental" account and may be used to offset charges for laundry service and medical expenses at the campus hospital. Students may also purchase milk from the Dairy with extra work hours.
Work performance records are maintained by the Dean of Work in the Work Education Office. A work performance grade is reported to the student at the end of each term. The grade becomes a part of the student's permanent record and is based on an evaluation of the student by his or her work supervisor on how well they meet learning outcomes and expectations as well as performance in the following areas:
- Reliability
- Teamwork/Collaboration
- Initiative/Motivation
- Responsibility/Accountability
- Quality of Work
- Communication Skills
College of the Ozarks expects not only strong and consistent academic performance but also places a high value on solid performance in the work program. Students are placed on work probation if their work grade falls below a C-, and are then given one term to improve or face dismissal from College of the Ozarks. A grade of F in work performance usually results in dismissal without a probationary period if deemed appropriate by the Work Probation Committee.
The Work Education Office maintains a record of every student’s work assignments during his or her college career, showing length of time spent on each job, the supervisor's name and work grades. These records are available to students after graduation and may prove very helpful in obtaining employment.
All work records are maintained pursuant to The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99), a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.