GENERAL EMPLOYMENT RULES

For some of you, this may be the first job you have ever held. Developing a professional attitude and self-discipline now will serve you well throughout your entire career. These rules are general behavior guidelines. They promote good work habits as well as providing the best service possible to your customers and your employer. They are also rules that will be found in the majority of work sites.

  1. Dress in a manner appropriate to your work location. Most students do not have the means to wear professional office attire; however, jeans in good condition and a nice shirt are appropriate. Do not wear sweat suits, short shorts, tank tops, or flip-flop sandals to public offices. Your work location may have very specific guidelines about attire or may allow you to wear whatever you want. While your supervisor should inform you about any dress codes, if you are unsure, ask!
  2. Social interaction in the office should be kept to a minimum. Discussing your personal life should not be done while someone (a customer, co-worker, etc.) is waiting for assistance. Although your work site may be open for student use, refrain from inviting your friends to stop by for a chat while you are working. If they are using the services, help them but keep your interaction professional.
  3. Personal phone calls cannot be made from the workplace without the permission of your supervisor. Also, the office number should not be given as an alternate place for people to reach you if you are not home. (For example, do not list the office number on credit applications, etc.)
  4. Computers in the office are not for personal use.
  5. Breaks: Per Tennessee law, you must take a 30 minute unpaid break if you work a shift of six hours or longer. The break must be shown on your timesheet. Eating and drinking on the job is strongly discouraged. There are places available in almost every building for taking a lunch break, if necessary. Shorter breaks (of up to 15 minutes) may be paid if it is the department's policy to give these breaks to regular employees.
  6. Use discretion when interrupting professionals, secretaries, or workshops/meetings in progress. Usually a closed door means do not disturb. When in doubt, ask your supervisor how you should handle such situations.
  7. Consider all office information and communication confidential! Avoid inappropriate public discussions about students, alumni, or college policies. Disclosure of confidential information to sources outside of the office will be cause for dismissal. In some offices, you may be asked to sign a confidentiality statement.
  8. Remember, this is a job. Regardless of whether you are working through the Federal Work Study program or not, performance is expected. Your supervisor will give pay raises based on your performance. Your supervisor and co-workers also may someday be a source of professional recommendation letters. Remember that poor performance will result in termination.