Student Employment Policies
General Policies
Hour Limits
Students are permitted to hold multiple on-campus positions, as long as their combined work hours remain within the maximum allowed.
Part-Time & Graduate Students
Part-Time Students
Students who are enrolled less than half-time (fewer than 8 credits) are only eligible to apply for casual positions through the Office of Human Resources.
Graduate Students
Graduate students, whether on aid or not, have no work-study and have no priority for on-campus jobs.
Graduate students are not eligible to work under CFCD grants or OCIP internships.
Summer Employment
Enrolled Smith students may apply for and work on-campus jobs up to 40 hours per week during the summer. Summer jobs begin when the academic year ends and must end the day before classes start in the fall.
Secondary Positions
Students employed by residence life may not hold secondary positions, although temporary spot jobs are permitted. Spot jobs consist of a few hours or a few days of work.
Kahn interns and Mellon Mays Fellows may not have an additional regular campus job; the internship is considered the student’s “full-time” job. This policy is strictly upheld.
On-The-Job Expectations
The student worker, supervisor, and department all benefit from a clearly outlined job description and guidelines for expectations and behavior. Departments, professors and off-campus employers rely upon students and value their work, and a student employee position should be treated exactly like any other job. Future employers also view student employment as valid experience and check references. Your performance at work will be reflected on your record and, like your education, will be valuable for future employment.
Reliability
If you have employment lined up for the start of the semester, you must report to your employer during the first week of classes; if you do not, your employer is not required to hold your job for you.
If you secure employment after the start of the semester, arrange your schedule with your employer as soon as possible.
Punctuality and Professionalism
You are expected to appear punctually and as scheduled for your job, present a neat appearance, and work efficiently and cooperatively.
In Case of Illness or Emergency
When illness or an emergency prevents you from working, you must notify your supervisor well in advance of your usual reporting time. Never just fail to show up; doing so will put your job in jeopardy and create a hardship for your supervisor and coworkers. In some positions, it is the student's responsibility to find a substitute, if necessary.
Clarity of Expectations
Your supervisor should be very clear about what is expected of you and should provide the appropriate training. If you are unsure of your responsibilities, ask for guidance to avoid any misunderstanding. Feel free to request advice or seek the assistance of a student employment representative via studemp@smith.edu.
Compensation
If your supervisor fails to approve your timesheet on schedule and you miss a payroll, bring the matter up with your supervisor or the payroll office.
Confidentiality and Misuse of Information
Confidentiality is a serious issue at the college. You should not read confidential materials or documents. If you find yourself exposed to confidential information, the information should not leave the department. Misuse of information can result in immediate termination and referral to the Judicial Board.
No Personal Use of Equipment
You are expected to use office equipment, such as the phone and computers, for work purposes only and not for personal business.
Termination
Employers may warn you verbally and then in writing for failure to follow protocol. If the problem persists, your employer reserves the right to terminate.
You may be terminated immediately in cases of:
- falsifying a timesheet
- stealing
- insubordination
- breach of confidentiality
- physical or sexual abuse