Orientation
First-year students are introduced to the Work College Program during Mountaineer Meetup and again during Fall Welcome Week. All first-year students participate in a required training session on the Tuesday before fall classes begin, followed by departmental orientation and training.
Departments are expected to use this Training Day to engage both first-year and continuing students. For continuing students, this may include training, team building, or preparation for the year ahead. The day is also an opportunity to welcome first-year students as new colleagues within the department, introducing them to returning student colleagues and beginning to integrate them into the team. The Work College Program may offer additional training sessions that departments can incorporate into their schedules; details are shared with supervisors via campus email.
In the weeks following the start of the term or summer period, supervisors should set clear expectations for the workplace and the position itself, including responsibilities, the evaluation process, scheduling, timekeeping, absence reporting, and other workplace policies. Departments may communicate these expectations through a department handbook, a signed agreement (especially where confidentiality is required), a presentation, or posted materials. For guidance, examples, or assistance with orientation and workplace materials, contact the Training, Development, and Engagement Team at training@berea.edu.
Supervisors should not assume students arrive with all the knowledge and professional skills needed for their role. Taking an active part in training, skill development, and workplace integration is essential. Setting clear expectations early promotes strong communication and gives supervisors a foundation for assessing student progress throughout the year.
Departmental Meetings
Departmental meetings provide dedicated time for planning, reflection, team building, and skill development. These meetings give students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the program, explore the career readiness skills connected to their position, and understand how their work contributes to the mission of the department and the College.
Meetings are generally led by supervisors, mentors, student leaders, or guests. The Work College Program can help facilitate activities and discussions on transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, ethics, delegation, and leadership, as well as department-specific topics like customer service or technical training. The Program can also coordinate training across departments with similar needs, creating opportunities for shared learning and best practices, along with monthly skill calendars that supervisors can use to focus on specific career readiness competencies.
Each Tuesday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. is reserved for departmental meetings, and no other academic, athletic, or College requirement should be scheduled during that time. While departments may choose to meet at alternate times, the Tuesday hour is the only campus-wide protected time for this purpose. Students should not be penalized if they cannot attend a departmental meeting held outside this window. Likewise, student leaders should not be penalized if they cannot attend a weekly leadership team meeting scheduled before the 4:00–5:00 p.m. departmental meeting due to an academic conflict. Supervisors should make every effort to accommodate student leaders so they can fulfill their responsibilities without compromising their academic commitments.