A very funny graphic from The Onion lists the "Least Popular Work-Study Jobs." It gives 19% (of what, I don't know) to "Work-study program administrator." This graphic hangs on the cork board in front of my desk, so I can muse at it every day. That's me, "work-study program administrator."
It's hard to run a work/study program when there is a limited amount and specific type of work to do. Back when we ran the evening front desk with Work/Study students, there were more students participating, but we had too much inconsistency in a vital area, so we switched to one paid employee. Let's face it, most people who want to do Work/Study are struggling performers who may get a tour at a moment's notice, or get interested in another kind of class they have to focus on. So, I'm used to seeing people come and go. Unfortunately, I'm at a kind of "go" moment right now.
We have Open House this week, and we usually staff it with about 10 Work/Study students. This year, I have 2. Basically, the students who are trained to do Work/Study aren't taking classes right now, so they don't need to earn credit. Thus, they don't respond to my requests for staff. I miss them!
I love having students help to run our events, as they are a huge part of the school. We let Work/Study students do the hours they want and apply the credit to anything they want. Many schools only offer a program like work 6 hours in one week and get one class. That's not very flexible. So, I think we've got a good deal! Plus, I always offer the opportunity to go around town distributing postcards at studios and bookstores (just dropping off, no handing out), with a report-your-own-hours policy, but I don't get many takers.
I'm just at a loss as to what to do. Do we institute a more rigid policy, like, you have to work three events a semester to stay on the roster? How can I incentivize the program to make it more desirable? Is this a signal that the whole structure of the program must change? What do you think? I'd love to hear your ideas!
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Whether you come to Singers Forum to take lessons or classes, rent space or join Open Mic, we'd love to hear what you think! Bring on the comments!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
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I would suggest some guidelines to stay on the roster such as; you have to volunteer so many hours or help host so many events to stay on it. It can't be a completely free ride otherwise it sends the signal people can take advantage of the system. And they will.
ReplyDeleteBy issuing more guidelines to stay on the roster you'll also weed out the less motivated and keep the more dedicated. And isn't that really who you want representing the Singer's Forum anyway?
Rock On!
Kevin Richards