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Student Worker Rights and Responsibilities

The opportunity to work while attending college can be an important part of your college experience. You should consider your on-campus job as an investment towards your future career goals. The following details your rights and responsibilities as a student worker at WCU.

As a student worker at Western Carolina University, you have the right to: 

• Be treated fairly, equally, and respectfully -- WCU follows all equal employment opportunity and affirmative action principles. 
• Work in a clean, safe, and professional environment free from discrimination and harassment.
• Know your job description and your supervisor's expectations.
• Adequate training and have access to resources necessary to fulfill your job duties.
• Be informed of your work performance through verbal or written evaluations.
• Notify Human Resources Employee Relations if you feel any of your rights have been violated at 828.227.7218.

The following are general responsibilities you now have as an on-campus student worker:  

  • Submit an application in response to the position of interest via Talent Management, complete the electronic onboarding process, and go to Human Resources and Payroll in the H.F. Robinson Building, Suite 302 with the appropriate identification for completion of the I-9 and to complete tax and direct deposit forms prior to beginning any type of work with a hiring department.
  • Maintain eligibility requirements for student employment, including six credit hours of undergraduate classes or five  credit hours of graduate level classes during the academic year or three credit hours during summer sessions; and maintain a 2.0 GPA (undergraduate) or 3.0 GPA (graduate). GPA requirements may vary based on position and department.
  • Coordinate work hours with your supervisor according to the department's needs and your availability.
  • Adhere to all confidentiality policies set forth by the university.
  • Adhere to the 25-hour per week work limit (20 hours for international students) total for all jobs.
  • Complete duties as assigned by your supervisor promptly and to the best of your ability.
  • Be dependable and arrive to work on time and stay until your shift ends.
  • Communicate with your supervisor when you may arrive late and give a reasonable notice when you may not be able to work your shift.
  • Arrive prepared to work -- refrain from studying or conducting personal business while on the job.
  • Refrain from having your friends or family members visit during scheduled work times.
  • Attend any staff trainings or meetings set forth by your supervisor, unless prevented by class commitments.
  • Maintain appropriate dress and personal grooming.
  • Inform your supervisor of any plans to terminate employment within a reasonable amount of time to find a replacement.
  • Students can no longer be a student worker after graduating from Western Carolina University.

For concerns not related to sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination:

  • Make an attempt to address the problem yourself first. If you are having a problem with a fellow co-worker, speak with the co-worker in a calm and professional manner privately. If the issue is still not resolved, request a meeting with your supervisor and co-worker to resolve the issue.
  • If you are having a problem with your supervisor and the issue cannot be resolved by speaking with them directly, contact Trisha Ray at trisharay@wcu.edu, Employee Relations, to share your concerns.
  • Please be prepared to answer specific questions regarding who, what, where, and when.

For concerns related to sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination:

  • Attempt to address the problem yourself. If you are having a problem with a fellow co-worker, privately speak with the co-worker in a calm and professional manner. If the issue is still not resolved, request a meeting with your supervisor and co-worker to resolve the issue.
  • If you are still unable to resolve the issue or the issue is with your supervisor and the issue cannot be resolved by speaking with them directly, contact Human Resources Employee Relations at 828.227.7218 to discuss the situation and possible options.
  • When talking with Human Resources be prepared to answer specific questions regarding who, what, where, and when. Providing complete information will assist in identifying all available options for resolution.
  • Some situations may be so serious that informal resolution may not be appropriate and direct progression to the formal initiation of a complaint may be necessary. If this is the case, again, Human Resources Employee Relations will assist you in initiating this process.
  • Students are also covered under Policy #53 Unlawful Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct and Retaliation. Students may contact the Title IX Coordinator directly for questions about this policy and general inquiries about unlawful discrimination, sexual misconduct, or retaliation.
    The WCU Title IX Coordinator is:

Deidre Hopkins
Phone: 828.227.7116
Title IX Office

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