Work Conduct

Supervisors are allowed to create their own set of guidelines in regard to appropriate conduct for their student employees. As a general rule, however, as a WSU student employee, you are a representative of the university. It is expected that you conduct yourself in a professional manner while on the job. This includes showing courtesy and respect to supervisors, co-workers, visitors and the public.
 
You should not expect to study or work on classroom assignments while on the job. The term “work study” is occasionally misinterpreted to mean that students are allowed to study while on the job. Although there may be jobs on campus that will permit you to study, this is certainly not an expectation that any student should take to the work setting.
 
You may not use State equipment or supplies for personal use or for classroom assignments. This includes using the phone, printer, photocopy machine, fax machine, scanner, computer and accessing the Internet for non-work-related purposes.
 
You should not have family or friends visit you at work unless allowed by your supervisor.

It is expected that you will wear appropriate clothing for the work environment in which you are employed. Individual supervisors have the discretion in regard to appropriateness of certain attire in their work setting and may specify expectations for your attire while on the job.

The federal Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) requires that student information be protected and kept confidential. If through your job you gain access to information about other students, you MUST keep it confidential. Sharing confidential information with others who are not authorized to receive it (outside the scope of your job duties) is a serious federal violation and is cause for immediate dismissal and could lead to further disciplinary action.

It is the supervisor’s responsibility to ensure that comprehensive training is provided to you in regard to safety and the use of equipment on the job.

It is your responsibility to work attentively and diligently at all times and consistently use equipment provided in an appropriate manner.

You also must report any perceived unsafe situation to your supervisor. Please refer to the WSU Regulation 2-17 (PDF) Safety Manual.

In regard to fraud, student employment is governed by Minnesota State Board Policy 1C.2 Fraudulent or Other Dishonest Acts.

A “dishonest act” is defined in this policy as “generally involving a deliberate act or failure to act with the intention of obtaining an unauthorized benefit, destruction of property or otherwise fraudulent behavior.” As defined in the policy, the list of “dishonest acts” includes, but is not limited to:
  • Theft or misappropriation of funds, long distance telephone services, supplies, property, computer software, intellectual property or other resources
  • Forgery or alteration of documents
  • Unauthorized use of records or access to information systems, including unauthorized sharing of computer security clearances
  • Falsification of reports to management or external agencies
  • Authorizing or receiving compensation for hours not worked

A student employee in violation of any Minnesota State board policy is subject to immediate dismissal.