Supervisors as Educators
At George Mason, we recognize on-campus employment as experiential learning, students employed on campus as working learners, and their supervisors as educators, providing:
- Learning beyond the classroom
- Soft skills training
- Mentorship and guidance
- Environment conducive to fostering a growth mindset
- Professional development
George Mason has developed training specifically for supervisors of working learners. This practical, discussion-based training is designed to equip supervisors with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to position on-campus employment as a high-impact practice that bridges academic learning with real-world application. Go to MasonLEAPS to register for the next session of Supervisor Training: Recognizing the Role of Supervisors as Educators in On-Campus Student Employment as a Transformative Practice.
Plan & Prepare
Supervision begins long before the employee’s first day. Critical elements include a solid job description with intentional recruiting and clear expectations communicated from the start of the process.
George Mason has identified these 4 learning objectives for all on-campus student employment, which should be included in the job description:
- Employ appropriate communication across a variety of professional situations
- Practice the ability to navigate ambiguous job situations by applying problem-solving strategies to achieve clarity and task completion
- Identify appropriate technology for completing specific tasks
- Display effective work habits appropriate to the work environment
- For assistance mapping work tasks to learning objectives, check out Connecting Student Learning Objectives with NACE Career Competencies
- For help with posting student jobs on Handshake, visit Hire a Student or contact on-campust employment specialist, Kaylie Wray.
Onboard & Train
Set your working learners up for success with thorough and thoughtful onboarding and ongoing training. For some students, this may be their first job or first job in the United States. It is essential to review basic expectations of the position, the office and department culture. Topics to include:
- Tour of your physical space
- Supervisors and best contacts for questions
- Dress code
- Preferred communication methods
- Appropriate use of technology
- Relevant campus resources
The following are sample training materials that you can customize for your department.
- Sample Policy manual (PDF)
- Sample Onboarding Checklist (DOCx)
- Student Staff Standards of Conduct (PDF)
- First Day Checklist
Throughout the training period, make intentional connections between work tasks and the learning objectives to help working learners recognize the transferable (career readiness) skills they are gaining. Additionally, setting expectations and goals lays the foundation for feedback and evaluation.
Engage & Evaluate
The best way to engage your working learner is to regularly discuss their progress in the role and how their work connects to their career interests and goals.
Feedback is more informal and immediate but can still be scheduled and take place on a regular basis. Here are a couple of resources:
- 5-15 – A weekly summary template to serve as conversation starter (PDF)
- Ted Video: The Secret to Giving Great Feedback
Evaluation is more formal and infrequent and prepares working learners for the performance appraisal process they may experience after graduation as they join the broader workforce.
NOTE: Use these evaluation forms, which assess the George Mason student learning objectives for on-campus employment to guide performance conversations each semester:
As your working learner grows in their role, both in confidence and competence, revisit their assigned tasks and goals to promote continued learning and meaningful contributions to your office. Suggestions for changes can come from the supervisor or from the student.
Ideas for Appreciation
- Working Learner Jeopardy
- Appreciation Event – Working LearnerBingo Prompts
- Recognition for Student Employment
- National Student Employment Week
- George Mason HR Student Employment Recognition
Supervisor Tools
How do I have a tough conversation with a working learner?
The steps below are a general guide to addressing performance issues and having difficult conversations with working learners.
- Address it privately in an appropriate setting.
- Establish a plan for how improvement will be measured. A formal document/plan should be written down and signed by the student and supervisor.
- Document specific instances.
- Check-in regularly with the employee to track their improvement.
These are some additional resources you may find helpful:
What do I need to know about hiring and supervising an international student?
International students are often very interested in working on campus. The Office of International Programs and Services provides resources specific to hiring and managing international students.
I’m worried about my student.
Information from Counseling and Psychological Services at Mason: When should I be concerned about a Student?
The Student Support and Advocacy Center assists students who are encountering a life crisis or significant barriers that impact their academic and personal success and/or overall functioning.