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Expectations for Student Assistants

What You Can Expect from Us 

  • Dedication to you, our group, and The Ohio State University.
  • Open, honest, and fair communication, feedback, assessments, and tasking.
  • Teaching: assistance in helping you reach your potential.
  • Learning: willingness to listen to and try new ideas, and not assuming our thoughts are better than yours.
  • High expectations of you and how you treat our customers.

What We Expect from You

  • Adherence to Ohio State policies and guidelines:

    • After logging into your computer, clock in when you are ready to begin work. Clocking in and out may only be done from an OSU computer.
    • Clock out if you take 25 minutes or more for lunch and when you leave at the end of the day.
    • Check your OSU email when you arrive and check it throughout the day. Keep Teams open.
    • You may stream audio, but phone/computer games and video streaming are not permitted.  
  • Competency: We expect you to be able to perform the tasks assigned to you in an effective and efficient manner.

    • You will be expected to utilize the skills you already have and learn the things you do not.
    • Always be timely in your work and keep an eye on deadlines.
    • Ask questions when uncertain.
    • Be prepared, follow processes/instructions, log tasks as required (Smartsheet).
  • Initiative/Drive: Take the initiative in your work, your own development, and the advancement of the group.

    • We are always open to new ideas/solutions/processes; find a better way to do something.
    • Have a quest for knowledge about the tools and techniques of our profession; always ask questions.
    • Test things out and keep the group involved with what you are trying and your findings (success/failures).
    • When you are done with your tasks, find out what else you can do, move to next task.
  • Contribute: We expect you to contribute in everything we do

    • Do your fair share. If you are done or have some down time, offer help.
    • Teach us something.
    • Speak your opinions and listen to others’ opinions.
  • Professionalism: This is a professional environment, and it’s a real job with real responsibilities where people are counting on you.

    • Adhere to your work schedule; if there are any changes notify us via email.
      • Notify your supervisor before your scheduled start time if you will be late or if you will be out sick.
      • For academic obligations like exams, reviews, etc., let us know as soon as possible how your schedule will change.
      • Vacation time should be scheduled with your supervisor as soon as you are aware of the dates.
    • Dress code is business casual during the summer (unless you are doing field work). Nice jeans are OK.
    • Always dress appropriately. No derogatory language on clothes. Shorts are fine during classes.
    • Behave professionally while out in the field.
    • Keep your work area and the common spaces clean.
    • Do not spend time on the internet/cell phone or doing homework.
    • Be careful of what you say, you do not know who is around the corner.
    • Treat others well and have fun.