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Student Hire Handbook
Congratulations!
You have been hired as a student employee at USCA. You are now a member of our staff of student and permanent employees.  Welcome to our team! Our campus is busy and complex. As a student employee, you are working a "real" job, and each student who works here helps keep USCA running smoothly. While working here, you will be:

 

 

 

 

Absences

Phone your supervisor if you will be absent or late for work. If possible, tell your supervisor in advance if you know that you will be absent or late. Failure to report to work during the agreed upon schedule or a demonstration of consistent absences or tardiness may be grounds for dismissal.


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Appropriate Dress
Although USCA has no specific dress code, student employees are expected to dress appropriately for their positions. Casual attire may be allowable, but it is best to check with the specific department for which you work for appropriate dress for that department. All student employees are visible to students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the community. Appropriate dress is expected from all student employees.

The following modes of dress do not contribute to a professional work environment and are not permitted:

  • barefoot or inappropriate footwear (thongs, etc.)
  • lack of a shave
  • hair in curlers
  • soiled or tattered clothing
  • extremely short or side-split shorts
  • halter tops, tank tops, etc.
  • inflammatory or obscene writing or emblems on clothing
Breaks

There are no official work breaks. However, if you work six or more hours, you must take a 30-minute "off-the-clock" lunch break. Breaks should not be taken in the work area. The times that breaks are to be taken must be approved by the supervisor. Smoking is not allowed inside USCA buildings.


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Confidentiality of Records
USCA records and information must be treated confidentially and professionally as stated in the Federal Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. They are to be discussed only with individuals authorized to have access to institutional records. Any violation of the USCA Policy concerning the confidentiality of records constitutes grounds for termination. Any student employee who provides confidential information obtained from USCA to any unauthorized individuals outside their designated department will be terminated immediately and referred to the Director of Judicial Affairs for further appropriate disciplinary action. Follow these guidelines concerning access to records:
  •  Sign a Confidentiality Agreement in your hiring department
  • Do not use computer terminals or files for any purpose other than to perform functions assigned to you by your supervisor.
  • Do not discuss any confidential information with unauthorized individuals.
  • Do not let friends, relatives, or acquaintances know that you have access to confidential data.
  • Report to your supervisor any attempt to gain unauthorized access to information.

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Dismissal
You can be discharged for any reason of misconduct or unsatisfactory work performance. The following are some examples of reasons for dismissal:
  • Working under the influence of alcohol, stimulants, or other drugs.
  • Missing work or unexcused absences without notifying your supervisor.
  • Reporting more hours on your time card than you actually worked.
  • Violation of the Student Services Policy on confidentiality of records.
  • Certain violations of the Academic Code or the Student Judicial Code.

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GPA- Minimum Requirements

While all student employees are expected to maintain good academic standing, Federal Work Study (FWS) students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress, as referred to in the "Financial Aid: Terms and Conditions" brochure distributed by the Financial Aid Office.


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Time Cards & Payroll

Time Cards:
All employee timecards are submitted online through the USC ITAMS System at https://itams.csd.sc.edu/.
Please see your supervisor for instructions on how to track and submit your work hours. Time cards are due each Friday by 12:00pm. Failure to turn in your time card could result in a missing paycheck.

Pay Checks:
Paychecks are disbursed on the 15th and last day of each month. Students are paid for actual hours worked-- not for estimated hours. Therefore, paychecks will not be available for new employees during the first pay period. Please check the pay schedule to find out when your first paycheck will be available or check with your supervisor.

Student direct deposit stubs are sent to the hiring departments for pickup by students. Direct deposit of student pay is available through the VIP.

The Payroll Department issues a Payroll Schedule twice a year which reflects the time period covered by each paycheck and the number of weeks covered. This pay schedule often results in final checks not being issued until the student has completed the term and is no longer on campus. 


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Performance Evaluations
Formal student employee evaluations are to be completed at least once each semester by your supervisor. In addition to the formal evaluation process, supervisors are expected to provide routine, informal feedback to all student employees.

The purpose of the written evaluation is to provide formal assessment and documentation of performance as well as an opportunity for personal and institutional improvement. You will be evaluated on the following general areas: attendance, dependability, quality of work, quantity of work, attitude, initiative, and professionalism. The original copy of your formal written evaluation will be placed on file in the Human Resources Office. A partial copy of this evaluation is on page 11 of this handbook.

If you have any questions about your performance or the evaluation process, please talk with your supervisor.


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Personal Use of USCA Office Equipment

Student employees may not use the office telephone for personal calls without their supervisor’s permission and only when absolutely necessary. Student employees may not use other office equipment, such as computers (and associated printers, scanners, etc.), photocopying machines, word processors, or typewriters, for personal business or class work.


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Professional Conduct
Student employees provide an invaluable contribution to the work performed at USCA. However, students are expected to work to their full potential while "on the clock." The following general guidelines apply:
  • You are not to do homework or engage in similar non-work related activities while on the job unless expressly permitted to do so by your supervisor.
  • Discourage friends and family from visiting or telephoning you at work, except in emergencies.
  • If you complete an assigned task and have nothing else to do, it is your responsibility to ask your supervisor what additional tasks he/she might have for you to do. If there is no additional work, then the supervisor may make your services available to other USCA faculty or staff who need assistance.
  • In the event of your supervisor’s absence, you may be given further assignments to work on during his/her absence. Someone else in the department may be designated to act in your supervisor’s absence. This supervisor-designate might be your supervisor’s immediate supervisor, a co-worker or someone else working on the same or a similar project.

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Questions

 Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your supervisor or to ask him/her for help. The only "dumb" question is one that isn’t asked! It’s better to admit you don’t know — but are willing to learn — than to give someone incorrect information.


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Resignation

Give your supervisor at least one week’s notice if you plan to end your employment. Otherwise, your re-hire status with USCA may be affected.


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Safety and Injuries
Although USCA is generally a quiet and safe environment, you should observe common safety rules and exercise proper caution.
  • Lifting - Be very careful in lifting heavy or bulky objects. Get help if needed. Bend with your knees and not with your back. Don’t overreach. If an item is heavy to lift, ask for assistance from another employee and use a cart.
  • Storage Areas - When storing materials, do not place heavy objects in unstable, high places. When retrieving items, make certain that, by moving one thing, you do not cause an avalanche of other items. Do not overextend your reach or try to lift heavy objects over others — move yourself or the obstacles first.
  • Copiers/Printers/Office Equipment - Be very careful of all moving parts of this equipment, such as rollers, drums, and wheels. Watch that loose clothing, long hair, jewelry and ties do not get trapped in the equipment. Be familiar with the location of the "off" switch. Do not place your hands in the mechanism while it is operating. Turn off machines before you attempt to clear a paper jam. Be careful of hot drums inside copying machines.

If you incur an injury during working hours, you are required to first notify your supervisor immediatly and then notify the Human Resources Office and complete a "Notice of First Injury Form." Non-emergency medical treatment must be obtained from either location of The Family Medical Center in Aiken. If emergency medical service is deemed appropriate, notify the USCA Public Safety Office immediately.


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Scheduling Work Hours

Be sure to coordinate your work hours with your supervisor in your hiring department. You are contracting with your hiring department to work these scheduled hours.


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Student Athletes & On-Campus  Employment

Any student athlete who is hired for on-campus employment after the first day of classes for the Fall semester must check with the NCAA Compliance Coordinator before accepting the job. Before a student athlete can accept a job, the Compliance Coordinator must confirm that the money earned from the job will not cause the student athlete, or the team he/she participates on, to exceed the NCAA equivalency limit. Additionally, the supervisor must provide the NCAA Compliance Coordinator with a letter stating the amount the student athlete will earn during the year and that the student athlete was hired without regard to his/her athletic ability or for an athletic reason. If athletic ability or an athletic reason plays a role in the decision to hire the student athlete, the student athlete cannot accept the position. These rules also apply to student athletes whose aid is increased during the year. Failure of the student athlete or the supervisor to follow these rules could result in the student athlete being declared ineligible for athletic participation and/or sanctions against the team.


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Telephone Etiquette
Don’t try to answer the telephone(s) in your hiring department until you are properly trained by your department. If you have questions, ask your supervisor for help. However, the following are general telephone rules:
  • Try to pick up the telephone by the third ring. 
  • Always identify yourself. Give both the department name and your name when you answer and when you place a phone call.
  • Each phone call is important. Be courteous and a good listener.
  • Your voice creates an image. Use a pleasing tone of voice and speak clearly into the receiver.
  • Keep pads and pencils near the phone. Take complete messages: name of caller, area code and phone number, date and time, the message, and your name. Get the correct spelling of names.
  • Before you put someone "on hold," explain to the caller what you are doing. Check back frequently. If the wait will be long, offer to take a message.
  • If you place a phone call — on or off campus — be sure of what you intend to say before you place the call.

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Using VIP as an Employee
As a student Employee, much of your employment information can be gathered and updated using VIP.

To use VIP as an employee, log on using your student ID as your user name just as you would for student information Then, enter your default password in the Faculty, Staff, or Student Employee text box. Your default PIN is your month/day of birth; for example, if your birthday is 02/12/64, your initial PIN will be 0212. When you log on for the first time, you will be prompted to change your PIN immediately.

Once you have logged onto VIP, select the EMPLOYMENT option to view the following information that is pertinent to student employees:

  • Job Profile: Shows position description, campus information, and general information, such as dates of hire.
  • Upcoming Paycheck: Gives you a positional pay breakdown and your upcoming pay stub with any deductions you may have.
  • Update W-4 Form: Here you can update your W-4 Form (Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate), specifying marriage status, number of exemptions, and any additional amounts of money to be withheld.
  • Payroll Direct Deposit: As of March 2004, all University employees are required to have direct deposit. You may fill out a direct deposit form using VIP by clicking on this section an entering your Bank Name, Transit Number, Account Number, Account Type.

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Working Your Allotted Federal Work Study Award

Students awarded Federal Work Study (FWS) may not earn more than the dollar amount approved on the financial aid award. Keep a record of the money you earn and the available balance for the semester. If you are close to earning the approved amount before the end of the semester, check with your supervisor immediately. If your FWS award changes, notify your supervisor.


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Still Have Questions?
For questions on the following ... Contact ...
Financial Aid 
http://www.usca.edu/financialaid/
Angela Hensley
Financial Aid Office
102 Administration Building
803/641-3476
NCAA Compliance Tim Hall
NCAA Compliance Office
Student Activities Office 
803/641-3331

Student Employment &
Job Posting and Training

http://www.usca.edu/careers

Rebecca Shrader
Career Services 
107 Administration Building
803/641-3440
Timecard and Payroll
http://www.usca.edu/hr/
JoAnn Davis
Human Resources Office
116 Administration Building
803/641-3317

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USCA OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES TERMS/CONDITIONS
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