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Work-Learning-Service Levels (WLS)

Description

The Labor and Learning Progressions (commonly associated with the working-learning-service level) establish functional levels and learning objectives for different types of work. Beginning at basic levels of work, students are expected to progress to more skilled and responsible levels. Through these experiences, it is expected that student workers will: 1) develop good work habits and attitudes, 2) gain an understanding of personal interests, skills and limitations, and 3) exercise creativity, problem-solving and responsibility. Students in advanced positions learn the qualities of leadership, standard setting, and effective supervision. Work-Learning-Service (WLS) levels are linked to hourly scholarship rates.   The awarding of a WLS level is based entirely upon the level of work and responsibilities a student assumes and not on classification.

FUNCTIONAL LEVELS LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Entry Level: WLS 1 Basic Work Habits and Attitudes
Unskilled work Meeting schedules
Under supervision or structure Meeting standards of performance
Repetitive or routine in training Efficient use of time
  Healthy attitudes toward work and supervision
  Working with others
  Sharing responsibility
  Recognition of importance of work
  Learning basic skills and information
   
Intermediate Level : WLS 2 Responsibility and Skill Development
Semi-skilled work Taking personal responsibility
Less direct supervision Application of knowledge to situation
Some independent judgment Self-identification of skills, talents, interests, and limitations
Semi- independent knowledge of position Learning and developing confidence in skills
Some work variety Appreciation of work as a process as well as in terms of product
Skilled Level: WLS 3 Creativity and Awareness
Skilled work Importance of initiative
Little direct supervision Awareness of needs
Independent judgment of procedures Problem identification
Variety and depth Analytical ability
Contributes to improvement Problem solving
  Role of standards and leadership
   
Advanced Level: WLS 4 Understanding and Commitment
Program or skill competence at senior level Understanding relationships between individuals, institutions, and processes
Only general supervision received Comprehension of values, realities, and goals
Either provides supervision to others or exercises other skills and judgment Ability to articulate and interpret observations, experiences, and understanding
  Commitment to service essential to the department
   
Management Level: WLS 5 Supervision and Management
Senior-level autonomy Understanding of departmental management
Makes independent judgments on application of Policy Taking responsibility for the effectiveness of others
Accepts management responsibility Awareness of departmental and institutional relationships
High technical or skill training Teaching and instruction techniques
  Communication and interpersonal skills
  Evaluation of workers and procedures
   
Director Level: WLS 6 Leadership and Autonomy
Assumes program directing role Understanding of leadership in community context
Significant management responsibility Development of responsible autonomy
Substantial supervisory responsibility Ability to transmit values and interpretations to others
Responsible for planning, training, and instruction Confidence of self-knowledge and value commitments
Serves as role model for Berea community Living the values of Berea's commitments
  High degree of independence

Assignment

WLS levels are not assigned according to a student’s year in school or years in a department, but according to the nature of work performed. As such, if a student maintains a position for more than one year and the position responsibilities remain the same, the WLS level would not necessarily be changed. Whenever a student assumes a higher level of work within the department (greater independence, responsibility, judgment, etc.) an increase in level may be warranted. Supervisors should consult the guidelines below and the student’s position description to determine the appropriate WLS level assignment.

  • WLS 1 –Entry Level – This level is assigned to the following:
    1. All entering students during the first year of enrollment (or first term if entering mid-year); and
    2. Students of any classification whose work is characterized by highly structured tasks or outcomes, relatively low level or number of skills required, typically repetitive or routine tasks, and requiring direct supervision of worker results
  • WLS 2 –Intermediate Level – This work typically involves less direct supervision than WLS Level 1, perhaps more work variety, and requires some independent exercise of judgment along with an increasing knowledge of the position.
  • WLS 3 –Skilled Level – The work is typically skilled, requires little direct supervision, requires independent judgment on procedures, has variety and depth. The work includes helping in the training of others and the expectation of contributions toward improvement of the way work is carried out.
  • WLS 4 –Advanced Level – Normally involves the supervision of other students, the ability to apply advanced skills, and the capacity to assume higher levels of responsibilities for departmental operations. As with WLS Level 3, the work is typically skilled, requires little direct supervision, allows for independent judgment on procedures, and has variety and depth. The work includes helping in the training of others and the expectation of contributions toward improvement of the way work is carried out. Labor Departments may require WLS level 4 positions to be more than the minimum 10 hour commitment; if so, the Status Form will reflect this requirement.
  • WLS 5 –Management Level – Must be a 15-hour commitment – Allocation of a WLS Level 5 is limited and must be approved by the Dean of Labor / Labor Team*. Prerequisite: One term at WLS level 3 or 4 and no forms of academic, labor, or social probation.

    This level demands an understanding of departmental policies and relationships. Students are expected to develop and model strong interpersonal / communication skills in the workplace. In addition, students must demonstrate autonomy, high level skills, and assume advanced level responsibilities for departmental functions and/or programs. This level is assigned to the following:

    1. Student managers in the department; or
    2. Students responsible for managing highly technical positions within the department; or
    3. Master level student artisans
  • WLS 6 – Director Level – Must be a 15-hour commitment – Allocation of a WLS level 6 is limited and must be approved by the Labor Program Council*. Prerequisite: One term at level 4 or 5 and no forms of academic, labor, or social probation.

    Students assigned to this level serve as role models as workers and as students, displaying behaviors and values that are consistent with the Berea College Workplace Expectations -- both on and off the position. These positions require the highest levels of worker autonomy, advanced skills sets, and supervisory responsibilities for individuals, student managers, and departmental operations. Students must be involved in the following:

    1. Supervision of other student managers; or
    2. Supervision of students in highly technical positions
  • WLS UC – Unclassified ** – The positions of Student Government Association President, Campus Activities Board Chair, Chimes Editor, and Pinnacle Editor are unclassified. These positions involve the highest levels of autonomy and responsibility as in the case of WLS level 6 positions.

* The addition of a WLS Level 5 position to a department must be approved by the Training and Learning Assessment Analyst in consultation with appropriate members of the Labor Program. The addition of a WLS Level 6 position to a department must be approved by the Labor Program Council in consultation with the Labor Program Office. Once the position has been granted, the supervisors may assign qualified students to the position or positions approved. The department is limited to the number of WLS 5 or 6 level positions that have been approved. These WLS levels should be assigned with reserve and with respect to the high level of skill and experience required. If a student consistently fails to work the required 15 hours per week, or if he/she is placed on any type of probation mid-year, the position may be revoked or the WLS level reduced.

** Unclassified: The positions of Student Government Association President (elected by the student body), Campus Activities Board Chair (appointed by CAB), Chimes Editor and Pinnacle Editor (appointed by the Student Life Council) are unclassified. These positions involve the highest levels of autonomy and responsibility as is the case with WLS level 6 positions; students filling unclassified positions must not be on any type of probation. All but one of these positions is filled through election or appointment by groups that are not members of the departments themselves.

Scholarship Payment Scale

A student’s hourly scholarship rate is based upon the WLS level of the assigned position. Scholarship payment rates are posted on the Labor Program website.