All full-time students must participate in the Work Education Program-there are no exceptions. The Work Education Program permeates the daily life of the campus and is an integral part of the total educational experience of each student.
Objectives
College of the Ozarks’ Work Education Program advances the College’s Christ-centered mission by uniting faith with work, service, and learning in order to:
- Enable students to actively contribute toward their educational expenses, helping them graduate debt-free;
- Provide purposeful work and and service-learning experiences that develop a strong work ethic, practical skills, and Christ-like character through service and responsibility;
- Support the College’s operations and ministries through student labor and service that embody faithful vocation, preparing graduates to serve and shape culture for Christ in their professions and communities.
Program Management
The overall management of the Work Education Program is the responsibility of the Dean of Work Education, who assigns all students to their workstations and determines necessary changes in work assignments. The Dean of Work Education strives to match students to their jobs on the basis of expressed interest, experience, and ability, with consideration given to available openings and the needs of the College. Work assignments are made on a priority basis, with presently enrolled students having the first opportunity for available openings. First-year students are assigned to any open positions that have not been filled by currently enrolled students. As students gain seniority, they may transfer to preferred positions that better align with their educational goals or fields of study. After receiving job assignments, students report to their work area supervisors who will provide further guidance and supervision in their duties.
Requirements and Policies
The requirements and policies of the Work Education Program are carefully explained to all new C of O students. Each full-time student must work at least 280 hours per semester (approximately 15 hours per week and one 40-hour work week). Hours worked during the academic year that are above the required 280 per semester will be credited to cost of education/tuition after the last May work week. A limited number of qualified resident students (based on financial need) may participate in the 12-week Summer Work Program. Students may apply to work during one or both 6-week summer work periods. Each 6-week period worked covers the cost of housing and food for one semester and will be applied to the subsequent academic year.
Students may request a cumulative record of their work hours at any time from the Cash Accounts office. Work hours cannot be sold, given away, or transferred; nor is cash given in exchange for work. All remaining excess hours worked above the annual requirement will be used to offset the cost of tuition at the end of the last May work week each academic year.
Work Education Program Attendance and Disciplinary Policy
Failure to report to work as expected after assignment to a specific department or work area or to otherwise make arrangements with the work supervisor and/or Work Education office will result in appropriate disciplinary action, which can include dismissal from the Work Education Program.
Work Performance Records
Work performance reports showing the effectiveness of the student at work are maintained by the Work Education office. A work grade is reported to the student at the end of each semester; the grade then becomes a part of the student’s permanent record and is included on the academic transcript maintained by the Registrar’s Office. Student work grades are based on the supervisor’s evaluation of the student in the following areas:
- Time Management
- Initiative
- Teamwork/Collaboration
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- Communication
- Quality of Work
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College of the Ozarks expects solid academic performance and also places a high value on consistent performance in the Work Education Program. Students are placed on work probation if their work grade falls below a C-. If that happens, they are then typically given one semester to improve or face dismissal from the Work Education Program. A grade of F in work performance usually results in immediate dismissal without a probationary period. Again, all full-time students must successfully participate in the Work Education Program.
All work education records are maintained pursuant to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (PL 93-380). A student who believes an error has been made in the recording of his or her work grade, or feels a grade is unjust, must first contact their work supervisor. If the situation is not resolved, the student may appeal to the Dean of Work Education.
Work Education Program Probation
Conditions Warranting Work Probation: Students may be placed on work probation for unsatisfactory performance in their assigned campus job. Unsatisfactory performance typically means receiving a work grade of less than a C-, but may also be the result of an excessive number of tardies or unexcused absences. Examples of performance issues that warrant probation include, but are not limited to, the following: repeated or habitual unexcused absences or tardies, unsatisfactory performance in any of the graded evaluation criteria, or generally unacceptable behavior at work that appears in conflict with the goals and mission of College of the Ozarks. Placement on work probation should be considered a serious matter to students, which requires diligence and deliberate effort to regain satisfactory status. Failure to do so will likely mean dismissal from the Work Education Program and ineligibility to re-enroll for the following semester.
Student Work Opportunities
The student work opportunities at College of the Ozarks are numerous and diverse and may vary by semester. For the current opportunities, please visit the Work Education Office SharePoint page.
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