The LETS program (Learn and Earn Technology Student worker program) was developed and implemented during fiscal year 2009-2010. Students have been employed in the LETS program since June of 2009. These students have worked tens of thousands of hours, helping departments all over the college. Lane employees are happy to have students to provide much needed help in their departments, and students are happy to gain experience in their particular field of study. This program has proven itself to be a win-win in its short history. This year, we are planning to expand this program to include options for students to advance in the program, gaining real world work skills which will allow them to be more employable when they leave Lane.
The LETS Program is a grant-funded student employment program that provides students with meaningful work experience while supporting student success and retention at Lane.
Unlike Federal Work Study, LETS positions are funded through departmental allocations rather than student financial aid awards.
Position Requirements
LETS positions should support one or more of the following:
- Technology-related work
- Student success initiatives
- Student retention efforts
- Peer support or student-facing services
Student workers must work under the supervision of a permanent employee and have a supervisor or designated employee available while working.
Student Eligibility
Students must:
- Be enrolled in at least 6 credits
- Meet LETS Program eligibility requirements
- Hold only one student employment position
- Not participate in Federal Work Study while employed through LETS
Enrollment is monitored throughout the term. Students who fall below 6 credits become ineligible to continue working.
Hiring a Student
Departments receive annual LETS allocations before hiring.
Once funding is approved:
- Post the approved position.
- Review applications.
- Interview candidates.
- Complete hiring paperwork.
- Obtain LETS approval.
- Human Resources processes employment paperwork.
- The student may begin working.
Students may not begin work until all hiring paperwork has been completed and program approval has been received.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Supervisors are responsible for:
- Recruiting and interviewing applicants
- Completing hiring paperwork
- Providing orientation
- Assigning meaningful work
- Monitoring student eligibility
- Scheduling student employees
- Approving timesheets
- Completing evaluations
- Working with HR when employment ends
If a student resigns or is terminated, supervisors should notify Human Resources promptly and submit the required separation paperwork.
Orientation
Each student employee should receive an orientation covering:
- Department expectations
- Job duties
- Emergency procedures
- Student Code of Conduct
- FERPA responsibilities
- Workplace expectations
Hours and Scheduling
Student employees:
- May work up to 15 hours per week
- May not work on holidays or when the college is closed
- May work remotely only when the department has established a plan for real-time supervision
Departments are responsible for ensuring students remain within both their weekly hour limits and the department's LETS allocation.
Can LETS Students Work During Breaks?
LETS students may generally work during academic breaks when classes are not in session, provided:
- The college is open
- The student remains eligible for LETS
- A supervisor or designated permanent employee is available
- The student does not exceed 15 hours per week
- The department has sufficient funding in its LETS allocation
LETS students may not work on holidays, college in-service days, or other days when the college is closed.
The LETS allocation year runs from July 1 through June 30. Students may not begin working against a new allocation before July 1, and unused allocated funds expire June 30.
Funding
Departments receive an annual LETS allocation.
Departments may hire multiple students within that allocation.
If wages exceed the allocated funding, the department is responsible for covering the additional costs.
Payroll
Students complete timesheets through myLane.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring timesheets are submitted and approved on time.
Performance Evaluations
Students begin at the entry-level student wage.
After two consecutive terms, supervisors may recommend a wage increase by:
- Completing a positive performance evaluation
- Submitting a new Personnel Action Form (PAF) to Human Resources
Documents
- Student Worker Handbook
- Student Worker Guidelines
- Program Supervisor Handbook
- Student Worker Evaluation
- LETS Program Allocation Guidelines
Assurance of Employer Nondiscrimination
Lane Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in recruitment, hiring, placement, assignment to work tasks, hours of employment, levels of responsibility, and pay. Please see our COPPS Nondiscrimination Policy for more details.
Program Contact
Toni Timmers, Academic & Technology Services, timmerst@lanecc.edu or LETSProgram@lanecc.edu