• Scholars participate in teh college work program each semester. Blackburn and Beyond students receive tuition credit in addition to Program credit.

• Scholars participate in a full year or two subsequent semesters of on or off-campus internship and/or employment related to their individual career goals in years three and four.

The Blackburn College Work Program is 106 years of tradition. In 1913, President William Hudson started a student self-help program so students could access a college education.

The student workforce still runs the day-to-day operations of the campus, although some of the jobs may have changed over time. Where student once worked on the college farm or shoveled coal into the campus boiler, you will find current students working on constructions crews, in science labs, or managing the college computer networks.

After more than 100 years, the work of students remains a valuable component of the campus community life.

The Work Program provides students an opportunity to:

• Grow and gain experience in the workforce

• Work in positions that support their area of academic interest

• Be a contributing member of the community

With 12 student-managed work departments, there is a job for everyone, including you!

ACADEMICS

Assist faculty members in the classroom, lab, or office.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Support college operations in the Business Office, Admissions, Advancement, Public Relations, or the President’s Office.

ATHLETICS

Help with athletic facilities and the 12 men’s and women’s athletic programs.

BOOKSTORE

Manage the Bookstore, help with book and apparel inventory, and work in the mailroom.

CAMPUS MAINTENANCE

Work with groundskeeping, building repair and renovation, and assist with all facility needs for the college.

CAMPUS SERVICES

Clean and maintain residence halls, classrooms buildings, and office spaces.

COMMUNITY & SAFETY

Ensure campus safety and security, providing access to buildings and enforcing safety regulations.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Assist area schools and nonprofit organizations as an aide or administrative worker.

FOOD SERVICE

Be a part of the meal preparation, serving, and facility cleanliness in “Ding”, the campus dining hall.

LUMPKIN LEARNING COMMONS

Provide support with information resources, book check-out, and academic support services.

SNACK BAR

Prepare and serve the popular menu in the Snack Bar at Demuzio Campus Center.

TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Assist with technology equipment, service, and repair; or, assist with the administration of the campus computer network.

Here’s how the process works:

• During summer Orientation you can meet the department managers, talk with them, and learn more about the positions still available on campus.

• You will rank your preference of work program departments on your Work Program Job Application, along with any work experience you have from part-time jobs or volunteer work.

• The managers will consider your application and personal information to place you in an open position.

• Typically, the placement process takes place after the summer orientation programs. Students are usually notified by the end of July of their job assignment. In that email, managers will let you know if there are any specific needs for your role, the date of the first department meeting, and other details specific to your job.

ABSOLUTELY…

YOU CAN CHANGE JOBS!

Open positions are advertised on campus and any student can apply. Some jobs may require specific skills or experience.

There are 3 ways to change jobs:

1. Students can submit an application to the supervisor of the department they want to work in.

2. If a position isn’t available students can sometimes switch jobs with a student worker in another department. You start this process by speaking to your current manager about your interests and they would work with you to connect to the department you wish to move into.

3. At the end of the spring semester, any position not filled by a returning worker (someone who held the job that year) will be open to campus for student applications.

Everyone quickly understands the affordability aspect of the Work Program. Each student works 10 hours per week and receives a $5,000 tuition credit. This important piece of the Blackburn experience has made a college education a reality for generations of students.

However, the Work Program provides so much more!

The additional value of the 4-year college experience at Blackburn includes:

• Work experience

• Leadership development

• Personal growth & development

• Understanding of service and community

• Successful work experience in a team setting

• Exploration of work opportunities and/or skill development

• Development of soft skills (time management, project management, personal initiative, etc.); the things employers are looking for!

• Will I get paid?

-You get paid through a tuition credit, so the money is taken off your account at the start of the semester and then your work pays back the credit. There is no paycheck, or funds exchanged, for the 160 tuition hours.

• Do I get to pick where I work?

-In your first semester, you will be placed in a job. It is important to submit a job application/ranking form found on the Blackburn College website under the Work Program. This will give managers an idea of your job skills, work experience, and areas of interest. Information found in these forms are taken into consideration when students are being placed.

• How many hours per week do I work?

-On average you work 10 hours per week, but this could vary by department or position.

• When would I work? How will work fit with my classes?

-It depends on the department you work in. If you work in an office, like Academics or Administration, your schedule would fit into 8:00 am – 5:00 pm for the most part. Departments like Campus Services, Maintenance, Security, or Athletics have a wider variety of scheduled work times, so you may work during the day, but might also work early morning, late night, or weekends. Again, your class schedule will receive the priority when your work schedule is made.

• What happens if I play a sport?

-If you play a sport, you will need to provide your practice and game schedules to your department manager. As the season progresses, you will need to stay in contact with your manager about potentially missing shifts for travel or games, or if a game needs to be rescheduled. It is extremely important that you communicate weekly with your department about your athletic schedule.

• What about student organizations or other campus activities?

-There are a variety of campus activities available for you to pursue personal interests. Some work assignments are more flexible than others when scheduling your work hours. You can talk to your manager to see if any conflicts can be avoided.

• Can I still work an off-campus job?

-Yes, it is possible to work an off-campus job. It is important to know that you are expected to complete your hours on campus on a weekly basis, so as a student you will be in charge of organizing your class and different work schedules. It is important to let your manager know at the very start of the semester that you have an off-campus job so they can help you build a schedule.

• How can I change jobs?

-There are a couple of ways to change jobs:

-During the semester positions may open. Any openings will be posted throughout campus, and you can apply to any position.

-At semester break, there may be positions opened either before or after break; again you can apply for any position.

-At the end of the spring semester all returning students will be hired for the next fall, so if you are interested in keeping your position you can lock it in. If you are interested in changing jobs, all open positions will be posted.

• Who do I go to if…

-I would like to set up a mock interview in preparation for a job interview? You can ask any Manager or General Manager, and you could also set an appointment with Career Services to help you.

-I need my resume or application reviewed. Career Services can help you prepare for any type of interview.

-I have questions about my time card. See your Department Manager or a General Manager.

-I have a question about my schedule. See your Department Manager or an Assistant Manager.