Work-Learning-Service Levels (WLS)

Description

The Labor and Learning Progressions (commonly associated with the working-learning-service level) establish functional levels and learning objectives for different types of work. Beginning at basic levels of work, students are expected to progress to more skilled and responsible levels. Through these experiences, it is expected that student workers will: 1) develop good work habits and attitudes, 2) gain an understanding of personal interests, skills and limitations, and 3) exercise creativity, problem-solving and responsibility. Students in advanced positions learn the qualities of leadership, standard setting, and effective supervision. Work-Learning-Service (WLS) levels are linked to hourly scholarship rates.   The awarding of a WLS level is based entirely upon the level of work and responsibilities a student assumes and not on classification.

Assignment

WLS levels are not assigned according to a student’s year in school or years in a department, but according to the nature of work performed. As such, if a student maintains a position for more than one year and the position responsibilities remain the same, the WLS level would not necessarily be changed. Whenever a student assumes a higher level of work within the department (greater independence, responsibility, judgment, etc.) an increase in level may be warranted. Supervisors should consult the guidelines below and the student’s position description to determine the appropriate WLS level assignment.

• WLS 1 –Entry Level – This level is assigned to the following:
  1. All entering students during the first year of enrollment (or first term if entering mid-year); and
  2. Students of any classification whose work is characterized by highly structured tasks or outcomes, relatively low level or number of skills required, typically repetitive or routine tasks, and requiring direct supervision of worker results
• WLS 2 –Intermediate Level – This work typically involves less direct supervision than WLS Level 1, perhaps more work variety, and requires some independent exercise of judgment along with an increasing knowledge of the position.
• WLS 3 –Skilled Level – The work is typically skilled, requires little direct supervision, requires independent judgment on procedures, has variety and depth. The work includes helping in the training of others and the expectation of contributions toward improvement of the way work is carried out.
• WLS 4 –Advanced Level – Normally involves the supervision of other students, the ability to apply advanced skills, and the capacity to assume higher levels of responsibilities for departmental operations. As with WLS Level 3, the work is typically skilled, requires little direct supervision, allows for independent judgment on procedures, and has variety and depth. The work includes helping in the training of others and the expectation of contributions toward improvement of the way work is carried out. Labor Departments may require WLS level 4 positions to be more than the minimum 10 hour commitment; if so, the Status Form will reflect this requirement.
• WLS 5 –Management Level – Must be a 15-hour commitment – Allocation of a WLS Level 5 is limited and must be approved by the Dean of Labor / Labor Team*. Prerequisite: One term at WLS level 3 or 4 and no forms of academic, labor, or social probation.

  This level demands an understanding of departmental policies and relationships. Students are expected to develop and model strong interpersonal / communication skills in the workplace. In addition, students must demonstrate autonomy, high level skills, and assume advanced level responsibilities for departmental functions and/or programs. This level is assigned to the following:

  1. Student managers in the department; or
  2. Students responsible for managing highly technical positions within the department; or
  3. Master level student artisans
• WLS 6 – Director Level – Must be a 15-hour commitment – Allocation of a WLS level 6 is limited and must be approved by the Labor Program Council*. Prerequisite: One term at level 4 or 5 and no forms of academic, labor, or social probation.

  Students assigned to this level serve as role models as workers and as students, displaying behaviors and values that are consistent with the Berea College Workplace Expectations -- both on and off the position. These positions require the highest levels of worker autonomy, advanced skills sets, and supervisory responsibilities for individuals, student managers, and departmental operations. Students must be involved in the following:

  1. Supervision of other student managers; or
  2. Supervision of students in highly technical positions
• WLS UC – Unclassified ** – The positions of Student Government Association President, Campus Activities Board Chair, Chimes Editor, and Pinnacle Editor are unclassified. These positions involve the highest levels of autonomy and responsibility as in the case of WLS level 6 positions.

* The addition of a WLS Level 5 position to a department must be approved by the Training and Learning Assessment Analyst in consultation with appropriate members of the Labor Program. The addition of a WLS Level 6 position to a department must be approved by the Labor Program Council in consultation with the Labor Program Office. Once the position has been granted, the supervisors may assign qualified students to the position or positions approved. The department is limited to the number of WLS 5 or 6 level positions that have been approved. These WLS levels should be assigned with reserve and with respect to the high level of skill and experience required. If a student consistently fails to work the required 15 hours per week, or if he/she is placed on any type of probation mid-year, the position may be revoked or the WLS level reduced.

** Unclassified: The positions of Student Government Association President (elected by the student body), Campus Activities Board Chair (appointed by CAB), Chimes Editor and Pinnacle Editor (appointed by the Student Life Council) are unclassified. These positions involve the highest levels of autonomy and responsibility as is the case with WLS level 6 positions; students filling unclassified positions must not be on any type of probation. All but one of these positions is filled through election or appointment by groups that are not members of the departments themselves.

Scholarship Disbursement Rates and Schedule

The Berea College Work Scholarship is awarded for students' assigned work, and is comprised of two parts: 1) an annual Work Grant of $9,100 per year (2025-26 grant amount, applied toward the cost of education); 2) a Work Direct Payment depending on hours worked and work-learning-service assignment (for educational expenses). These two Scholarship sources comprise over $10,000, which equates to approximately $34/hour. 

The Work Direct Payment is a Scholarship disbursement that Berea College students receive in the form of a disbursement payment.  Work Direct Payments are issued as a part of students financial aid packaging.

Following federal Work College guidelines, these Scholarship disbursements are issued to students at an hourly rate, based on their hours worked and their rate of pay.