Workplace Expectations

Student employees are expected to consistently attend their scheduled shifts and arrive on time. If a student worker is unable to attend their shift, they should notify their supervisor as soon as possible.

WPI is committed to responsible and ethical conduct in the classroom, the workplace and the laboratory. Please read WPI’s Code on Business Ethics and Conduct for more information.  

Anyone may anonymously and confidentially report activities that may involve unethical or otherwise inappropriate activity or behavior in violation of WPI's established policies and Business Ethics Policy by filing a report with Ethics Point. 

Timely, open, and candid discussions between supervisors and student employees about performance are essential to providing clear direction to employees. Supervisors should provide constructive feedback to student employees as soon as work performance or behavior becomes a concern.

In general, discipline for student employees is applied in progressive steps as follows: 

1. Verbal warning 
2. Written warning 
3. Performance Improvement Plan, suspension, and/or final written warning 
4. Termination of Student Employment

The nature of the offense and the particular circumstances determine whether or not all or any of the steps in the above sequence will be used. Disciplinary steps may be omitted, accelerated, or repeated, as the University determines appropriate. 

WPI understands that social media is a powerful tool and can be a fun and rewarding way to share your life and opinions with family, friends, and co-workers around the world. We recognize that many employees have personal social media pages/handles. Personal communications made via social media are not exempt from the policies and regulations that govern personal liability across general and traditional forms of communication at WPI, including but not limited the policies and practices outlined in this Manual and on WPI’s Policy Library. 

Ultimately, you are solely responsible for what you post online. 

When posting on social media: 

• You must maintain the confidentiality of University trade secrets, proprietary information, confidential information, and student information. Examples include, financial reports, marketing or business strategies/plans, patents, trademarks, student information. 
• You may not represent yourself as a spokesperson for WPI. If the University is a subject of the content you are creating, do not represent yourself as speaking on the University’s behalf. 
• You must respect copyright, trademark, and similar laws and use such protected information in compliance with applicable legal standards. 
• You should refrain from using social media while at work, unless it is work-related and authorized by your supervisor. 

WPI is committed to fostering a work environment where employees feel a sense of belonging, are included, and have a comfortable atmosphere to be their authentic and best selves. Differences of opinion, interpersonal conflicts, and occasional problems in working relationships are an inevitable part of work life.   

In these circumstances, it is expected that employees treat one another with professional dignity and respect. Your manager is available for guidance.