Supervisor Responsibilities for Student Workers

Student Employment is a development opportunity to build professionalism and gain work experience. As supervisors of student workers, we get to prepare students for worldwide leadership and service. With this shared experience, SOU expects supervisors and students to comply with policies, procedures, and federal and state regulations. The following are supervisor responsibilities to ensure a productive and beneficial working relationship and environment.

Ethical Management and Ensuring Compliance

• Student Employment Handbook
• Supervisor FAQs
• Advertising a student job and sitting a corresponding hourly wage.
• Student eligibility, the hire process, and Form I-9 requirements.
• Create and provide a safe workspace that is free from hazards. Visit the Environmental Health and Safety website form more information.
• Ensure that student employees do not work during scheduled class times – remember that student employees are students first and foremost.
• Review and approve student work hours in Workday and regulate the maximum hours per week a student can work in all jobs. Visit Payroll Services for more information.
• Students may not volunteer to perform services similar to those for which they are routinely and regularly employed to perform for pay. Visit the Affiliate and Volunteer website for more information.

Confidentiality

• Do not share any sensitive data or confidential information pertaining to the students.
• Abide by the FERPA policy.

Communication

• Explain expectations and job functions before and after offering the job to the student.
• Orient the student to their role within the office upon hire, including a review of the expectations and job functions, as well as department policies and procedures.
• Inform students how to report concerns within your office, Title IX, Dean of Students, and the Office of Human Resources.
• Explain absence reporting procedures.
• Help students develop lifelong effective working habits such as dependability, honesty, and efficiency.

Accountability

• Ensure adequate supervision of the student’s work.
• Provide the necessary training for the student to perform the functions of the job.
• Review the student’s performance to ensure they are performing the functions of the job.
• Explain the standards of behavior expected of the student (i.e., absence reporting procedures, dress requirements and grooming, paid/unpaid break periods, etc.).
• Constructively and professionally address problems as they arise.
• Set manageable goals and responsibilities for students that correlate to their actual work hours.

Mentoring and Coaching

• Set a good example by being a role model and mentor.
• Utilize the student’s strengths for the benefit of the University and to develop their skill sets.
• Provide real world experiences and challenges.
• Guide the student in accomplishing their work goals and objectives.
• Celebrate and recognize achievements with your student and colleagues/peers.
• Encourage the student to visit the Office of Career Connections regularly for career planning and readiness resources.