Orientation
First-year students are introduced to the Work-Learning-Service (WLS) Program during the “Summer Connections” orientation 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 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 introduce first-year students to returning student workers and begin integrating them into the department’s team. The WLS Program may offer additional training sessions that departments can incorporate into their schedules; details will be shared with supervisors via campus email.
In the weeks after the start of the term or summer period, supervisors should set clear expectations for the workplace and each position. This includes position responsibilities, the evaluation process, scheduling, timekeeping, absence reporting, and other workplace policies. Departments may communicate these expectations through a handbook, a signed agreement (especially if confidentiality is required), a presentation, or posted materials. For more information, examples, or assistance with orientation and workplace materials, contact the Training Team at training@berea.edu.
Supervisors should not assume students arrive with all the knowledge and professional skills needed for the role. Taking an active role in training, skill development, and workplace integration is essential. Establishing clear expectations promotes good communication and provides a foundation for assessing student progress throughout the year.
Departmental Meetings
The purpose of the departmental meeting is to 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 assignments, and learn 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 Program Office can assist by facilitating activities and discussions on transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, ethics, delegation, leadership, and department-specific topics like customer service or technical training. The office can also coordinate training across departments with similar needs, creating opportunities for joint learning and sharing best practices. A list of departments willing to lead training is available on the program website, along with monthly skill calendars that supervisors can use to focus on specific career readiness competencies.
Each Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. is reserved for departmental meetings, and no other academic, athletic, or College requirements 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 outside the Tuesday 4:00–5:00 p.m. block. Likewise, student leaders should not be penalized if they cannot participate in a weekly leadership team meeting scheduled before the 4:00–5:00 p.m. departmental meeting due to academic conflicts. Supervisors should make every effort to accommodate and work with student leaders to ensure they can fulfill their responsibilities without compromising their academic commitments.