A. First, attend a Leadership Orientation Meeting. Your supervisor will schedule this for you if you are qualified. Speak to your Unit Manager or Associate Director to determine what opportunities are available in your unit and work with your supervisor to complete all requirements outlined in the Individual Student Eligibility and Authorization Form.
* * * *
Q. If my unit doesn't have supervisory opportunities, can I apply in other UDS areas?
A. Absolutely! This program is designed to find the right student employee for each leadership position regardless of where they started with UDS.
* * * *
Q. When is the next Leadership Certification Course?
A. Thursday August 23, 2012 and Friday August 24, 2012 (right before Fall Semester courses commence).
* * * *
Q. How do I sign up for a Leadership Certification Course?
A. Only your Associate Director can schedule you to take the course, please work with them to take advantage of this opportunity.
* * * *
Q. What if I can't attend the fall course?
A. You will not be eligible for supervisory positions in Fall Semester, however another course will be offered during the semester. Please work with your Associate Director to get into that course so you are eligible for supervisory positions beginning Spring Semester.
* * * *
Q. If I take the Leadership Certification Course would I be a supervisor when I complete the class?
A. Not automatically. First there must be an opening for supervisor or manager position. You must still apply for open positions. However, you would only be competing with other student employees who have taken and passed the certification course.
* * * *
Q. What if my Student Employee Evaluation is not very good? Do I get a second chance?
A. The evaluation is designed to identify areas needing improvement. Work with your Unit Manager of Associate Director to develop an action plan to improve your performance. You will not be eligible for a leadership position until you receive a more favorable evaluation.
* * * *
Q. I have worked for UDS for several years, why don't you have a longevity program?
A. Our program is designed to reward students who are willing to learn new skills and take on additional responsibilities. We do not automatically assume that because you have been rehired for several semesters that you are qualified to work independently, train new employees, and supervise operations.
* * * *
Q. Will any of this training benefit my seeking jobs once I graduate?
A. We hope all our Leadership Training will be beneficial. Part of the Leadership Certification Course articulates the learning outcomes and benefits of learning supervisory skills in a diverse and fast paced environment.
* * * *
Q. Can I hold more than one Student Leadership Position in different UDS operations?
A. That would be unusual, but is possible. The hour requirements for some positions might be a factor, but there is no rule against this happening. An example might be a Student Service Supervisor in UM Concessions who works only weekends and having a similar position in one of the operations during the week.
* * * *
Q. What if my Unit Manager does not support me going to the Leadership Certification Course?
A. Start with your Associate Director. If the non-support is based on performance issues, you will need to work with them to improve your performance. If there are other factors, your Associate Director will help you sort them out.
* * * *
Q. I have managed restaurants in the past and have extensive experience. Do I still need to go through the Leadership Certification Course in order to become a Student Service Supervisor or Student Manager?
A. It is still recommended, simply to become more familiar with our way of doing things. However, the Director of Dining Services reserves the right to make exceptions to the program and would be happy to review someone's resume if requested by their Associate Director.
* * * *
Q. My availability is limited because of classes. Can I still participate in the Leadership Program?
A. Yes, but some supervisory positions have very specific hour requirements. You must be able to meet those requirements in order to work in that position.
* * * *
Please contact Byron Drake if you have further questions: byron.drake@mso.umt.edu
