Orientation
First year students are provided a general overview of the Labor Program during summer orientations known as "Summer Connections" and again during the Fall Orientation that includes labor related topics. The last day of Fall Orientation (typically a Tuesday) includes a labor program mandatory training session and time is allotted for labor departmental orientation and/or training. As well, Labor Departments are encouraged to utilize this last day of fall orientation to require continuing students to attend department orientation and/or training sessions which includes using the department controlled afternoon session to introduce the 1st year student to the other student workers and begin the process of integrating the new members into the department’s workforce. In addition, the labor program offers several afternoon training sessions that can be utilized by labor departments.
Important to Note: Continuing students can be scheduled to work and attend department orientation or training sessions on the “Continuing Students Arrive” day. This day falls on the last day of fall orientation, which is the day before the start of classes
In subsequent weeks after the start of the term or summer period, supervisors should establish clear expectations for the workplace and for the specific positions- including not only position responsibilities and the evaluation process, but topics such as scheduling, timekeeping, absence reporting, etc. Some methods of addressing these issues include a department flyer or handbook, a signed agreement (especially if confidentiality is a factor), a presentation, or a poster displayed in the workplace.
Labor supervisors should not expect students to arrive on the position with all pertinent knowledge and professional skills, but should take an active role in developing their abilities and integrating them into the workforce. Setting clear expectations is critical to good communication and creates a foundation that can be used to assess student progress throughout the year.
Departmental Labor Meetings
The purpose of the departmental labor meeting is to provide dedicated time for planning, reflection, team-building, and training. It is also a forum for students to learn more about the Labor Program and about their specific labor assignments. Departmental labor meetings are generally led by supervisors, mentors, or invited guests. The Labor Program Office can assist by facilitating activities and discussion on general topics such as team-building, communication, conflict resolution, ethics, delegation, and leadership, as well as topics specific to individual labor departments (e.g., customer service). In addition, the Labor Program Office can coordinate training efforts so that departments who have similar needs are able to share in joint training experiences.
Each Tuesday from 4:00 – 5:00 is reserved for departmental labor meetings and no other academic, athletic or College requirements should be scheduled at that time. While departments may elect to hold meetings at alternate times, this is the only hour that is reserved campus-wide for this purpose and conflicts may arise. Students should not be penalized if they aren't able to attend a departmental meeting outside the protected Tuesday hour from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
On-the-job training is provided by the labor supervisors and mentors, as they are the experts in the work of the department. Even so, the Labor Program Office is happy to consult with department leaders to improve or enhance internal training programs and to connect departments for exploration of best practices.