Suggestions & CommentsStudent Assistant's Manual
Welcome:Welcome to the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery. We're delighted you'll be working with the staff to provide high-quality information services for your fellow students and the University's faculty and staff.
To achieve this quality, we need to work together as a team, according to the following guidelines.
- Dr. Larry Wilt, Director of the Library
YOUR WORK SCHEDULE :
Your supervisor will establish a work schedule with you, ordinarily for 10 hours per week. After that, it's your responsibility to honor your work schedule. This means you should:
- come to work on time, or
- call your supervisor immediately if you're sick or have some other emergency. Failure to call can lead to dismissal!
- talk to your supervisor right away if you need to change, increase, or decrease work hours.
- ask your supervisor whether you can schedule make-up hours if you miss work time for a legitimate reason.
- give your supervisor advance notice if you resign.
Breaks:
- Your supervisor may allow a break of up to 15 minutes if you work three or more consecutive hours. Those scheduled to work a shift of 6 hours or longer will have an unpaid meal period scheduled to ensure compliance with Federal law.
- Breaks shouldn't be taken in the work area, but you're welcome to borrow the key to the staff lounge (room 355) or have a snack in the entry atrium/24-hour building lounge.
- Breaks can't be taken at the end of the work period or cumulated.
Weather Emergencies:
Listen to WBAL 1090 AM / 98 FM, WBAL TV 11, WMAR TV 2, or WJZTV 13
- If the University cancels classes due to weather, but is still open for employees, you should try to report to work.
- If the University is closed, don't report to work.
- We cannot pay you for any hours not worked, regardless of cause.
YOUR WORK:
Your supervisor (and other staff ) will show you what is expected and how to do it well:
- To work quickly.
- To work accurately.
- To follow procedures.
- To use equipment and supplies properly.
- To be polite and helpful when working with library users and with co-workers.
- To ask your supervisor immediately if you don't understand an assignment, or have other questions.
- To report immediately any problems you see. Clear and present dangers (overflowing water, broken windows, etc.) should be reported to staff on duty at the Security Desk. Other, less threatening problems should be reported to your supervisor.
- To keep all records of library use confidential (cause it's the law!).
- To report any work you're not able to finish so that someone else can pick up where you left off.
- To dress appropriately. The way you dress influences the way users see the Library, so we expect a clean and presentable appearance that won't offend users or disrupt the workplace.
- Shoes or sturdy sandals are mandatory for safety.
- To avoid personal phone calls or visits from friends that would obstruct or delay your work.
"TIME IS MONEY":
First comes the timesheet.
You'll be paid in two week intervals for hours reported worked on your timesheet. Click here to see a sample timesheet:
Your supervisor will show you how to properly complete your timesheet,following these guidelines:
- Ink only, no white-out.
- Neatness counts.
- Get your supervisor to initial time in and time out.
- Work in blocks of half or whole hours only.
- Sign your timesheet when you finish work for the week.
- Remember, if you don't do it right, you might not get paid!
Then comes the paycheck.
We submit your hours worked immediately after the two week "payperiod" is over. The State of Maryland issues paychecks two weeks later on Friday. Paychecks are distributed at the Library's Technical Services Department between the hours of (1-4) upon presentation of acceptable picture identification. Paychecks not picked up by the 7th day after issue will be mailed to the address shown on the check.
Pay Plan for Library Student Assistants:
Wages are based on how well you do your work. Your supervisor(s) will help you to improve through:
- Initial and follow-up training
- Ongoing coaching
- Evaluation at the end of each semester. These written evaluations form the basis for your rate of pay.
Those employed for the first time in the Library doing routine tasks are paid at the prevailing minimum wage ($6.16 per hour beginning Feb, 2006). After a full semester worked, those who've done good work will ordinarily be asked to continue, at which time they will be awarded a training increase of $0.25 per hour. Those who didn't meet expectations will ordinarily be discharged.
Merit Increases:
Afterwards, all student assistants are considered for further raises of $0.25 per hour each successive semester -- but such raises are not automatic. Raises reward sustained performance of exceptionally fine work and indicate our expectation that the fine work will continue. Our budget will not support merit raises for most assistants.
"Lead Student Assistantships"
In a few cases, particularly complex work or significant responsibilities may be assigned for which special technical training or skills are needed. Such "lead student" work is paid at higher hourly rates commensurate with the degree of responsibility, etc., and in keeping with UMBC Dept. Of Human Resources guidelines for student employment. If you're interested in these challenging lead positions, please speak with a supervisor or unit head.
Note Regarding Federal Work Study
Student assistants holding Work Study awards can only earn up to the maximum award amount established by UMBC's Financial Aid Office. Work after the semester or for payment in excess of your award may be limited by the terms of your aid package. You should consult your financial aid counselor and discuss your situation with your supervisor.
