Work-Learning-Service Levels (WLS)

Description

WLS levels establish functional levels and learning objectives for the different kinds of work-learning experiences available across campus. Students typically begin at a basic level of work and are expected to progress toward more skilled and responsible positions over time. Through this progression, students develop strong work habits and attitudes, gain a clearer understanding of their own interests, skills, and areas for growth, and exercise creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility. Students in more advanced positions also develop qualities of leadership, standard-setting, and effective supervision.

A WLS level is tied to a scholarship disbursement rate and is based entirely on the level of work and responsibility a student assumes, not on their academic classification or year in school.

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 the work performed. If a student remains in a position for more than one year and the responsibilities of that position stay the same, the WLS level would not necessarily change. When a student takes on a higher level of work within the department, such as greater independence, responsibility, or judgment, an increase in level may be warranted. Supervisors should consult the guidelines below, along with the student's position description, to determine the appropriate WLS level.

WLS 1 – Entry Level
Assigned to:

• All entering students during their first year of enrollment, or first term if entering mid-year; and
• Students of any classification whose work is characterized by highly structured tasks, a relatively low level or number of required skills, repetitive or routine tasks, and direct supervision of results.

WLS 2 – Intermediate Level
This work typically involves less direct supervision than WLS 1, greater variety, and the independent exercise of judgment, along with an increasing knowledge of the position.

WLS 3 – Skilled Level
This work is typically skilled, requires little direct supervision, involves independent judgment on procedures, and offers variety and depth. It includes helping train others and contributing to improvements in how the work is carried out.

WLS 4 – Advanced Level
This level typically involves supervising other students, applying advanced skills, and assuming greater responsibility for departmental operations. As with WLS 3, the work is skilled, requires little direct supervision, allows for independent judgment, and offers variety and depth, including training others and contributing to process improvements. Departments may require a WLS 4 position to exceed the minimum ten-hour commitment; if so, this requirement will be reflected on the Status Form.

WLS 5 – Management Level
Requires a fifteen-hour commitment. Allocation of a WLS 5 position is limited and must be approved by the Dean for the Work College Program in consultation with the Training and Learning Assessment Analyst. Prerequisite: at least one term at WLS 3 or 4, with no form of academic, work-learning, or social probation.

This level requires an understanding of departmental policies and relationships. Students are expected to develop and model strong interpersonal and communication skills in the workplace, along with autonomy, high-level skills, and advanced responsibility for departmental functions or programs. This level is assigned to:

• Student managers within a department; or
• Students responsible for managing highly technical positions within a department; or
• Master-level student artisans.

WLS 6 – Director Level
Requires a fifteen-hour commitment. Allocation of a WLS 6 position is limited and must be approved by the Labor Program Council in consultation with the Work College Program Office. Prerequisite: at least one term at WLS 4 or 5, with no form of academic, work-learning, or social probation.

Students at this level serve as role models, both as workers and as students, displaying behaviors and values consistent with Berea's Workplace Expectations, on and off the position. These roles require the highest level of autonomy, advanced skill sets, and supervisory responsibility for individuals, student managers, and departmental operations. Students at this level are involved in:

• Supervising other student managers; or
• Supervising students in highly technical positions.

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, comparable to WLS 6, and students filling them must not be on any form of probation. With one exception, these positions are filled through election or appointment by groups outside the department itself: the SGA President is elected by the student body, the CAB Chair is appointed by CAB, and the Chimes and Pinnacle Editors are appointed by the Student Life Council.

Once a WLS 5 or 6 position has been approved for a department, supervisors may assign qualified students to that position, within the number of approved positions for that level. These levels should be assigned selectively, in keeping with the high level of skill and experience they require. If a student consistently fails to work the required fifteen hours per week, or is placed on any form of probation mid-year, the position may be revoked or the WLS level reduced.

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.