SRTC Procedure: Work Ethics

Southern Regional Technical College instructs and evaluates students on work ethics (WE) in all programs of study. Ten work ethics traits are defined as essential for student success and are listed below. The definitions for these traits have been integrated into the program standards of each program curriculum thereby allowing each program to make work ethics a relevant and meaningful part of the program curriculum. The traits are assessed before the student graduates from the program.

Work Ethics Traits:

Appearance - Displays appropriate dress, grooming, and hygiene.
Attendance - Attends class; arrives/leaves on time; notifies faculty in advance of planned absences.
Attitude - Demonstrates a positive outlook; demonstrates mannerly behavior; follows chain of command.
Character - Displays loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness, dependability, reliability, initiative, self-discipline, and self-responsibility.
Communication - Displays appropriate nonverbal, verbal, and written skills.
Cooperation - Handles criticism, conflicts, and complaints appropriately; works well with others.
Organizational Skill - Prioritizes and manages time and resources effectively; demonstrates flexibility in handling change; follows directions and procedures for the work environment.
Productivity - Completes tasks assigned efficiently, effectively, and timely; demonstrates problem-solving capabilities.
Respect - Tolerates other points of view; acknowledges and appreciates rights of others; has regard for diversity.
Teamwork - Works collaboratively with others toward a common goal in a respectful and cooperative manner; participates appropriately as a team

Guidelines:
The work ethics traits are not formally addressed in General Education or other core courses.

The work ethics traits are introduced in a designated entry-level course in each program. Students are informed of how to access the WE information and of the assessment procedure. Modules of instruction are included in a Learning Management System for that course.

Program faculty incorporate the traits informally throughout the program courses.

The work ethics traits are emphasized again in a designated program capstone course. Modules of instruction are delivered through a Learning Management System. Students who do not complete the Work Ethics modules are considered ineligible for graduation.

Students do not receive a separate Work Ethics grade for any course.

Implementation Process:
To ensure that all graduates successfully complete the necessary work ethics coursework, the following process was developed.

Academic Affairs, with the assistance of the Distance Education Director, developed a self-paced work ethics curriculum incorporated into two courses (ten modules per course). Each module focuses on a specific work ethic trait. The modules are used with the Learning Management System utilized by the Distance Education Department and are designed sequentially with a minimum passing score required to advance to the next module and allow students unlimited attempts. Students are informed that the work ethics coursework is required and must be completed prior to graduation.

Faculty incorporate the work ethics traits informally throughout their coursework.

Academic Affairs personnel, with the assistance of the Distance Education Director and the Faculty Senate Chair, review and revise, if necessary, the work ethics curriculum every five years.

Work Ethics Delivery:
The Technical College System of Georgia instructs and evaluates students on work ethics in all programs of study. Ten work ethics traits have been identified and defined as essential for student success: appearance, attendance, attitude, character, communication, cooperation, organizational skill, productivity, respect, and teamwork. To ensure that all graduates have successfully completed the necessary work ethics coursework, students are required to complete the assignments in the Learning Management System. The work ethics coursework is offered in conjunction with the entry-level occupational course and/or a capstone occupational course appropriate for their program. For more information, please see the Distance Education Director or a Program Advisor.

Students are informed of the work ethics coursework requirement for graduation through course syllabi, the website, catalog, and New Student Orientation.

Documentation:
The official transcript for the College includes the following statement:

The Technical College System of Georgia instructs and evaluates students on work ethics in all programs of study. Ten work ethic traits have been identified and defined as essential for student success: appearance, attendance, attitude, character, communication, cooperation, organizational skills, productivity, respect, and teamwork. Successful completion is required of the work ethic assessments incorporated in the introductory and/or capstone course(s).

The following statement appears in every course syllabus:

The Technical College System of Georgia instructs and evaluates students on work ethics in all programs of study. Ten work ethics traits have been identified and defined as essential for student success: appearance, attendance, attitude, character, communication, cooperation, organizational skills, productivity, respect, and teamwork. To ensure that all graduates have successfully completed the necessary work ethics coursework, students are required to complete assignments in Blackboard. The work ethics coursework will be offered in conjunction with the entry-level occupational course and/or a capstone occupational course appropriate for their program. For more information, please see the Distance Education Director or your Advisor.

Responsibility:
The Vice President for Academic Affairs has the overall responsibility for ensuring this procedure is implemented.

Reference:

SBTCSG Policy 6.2.1: Admissions
TCSG Procedure 6.2.1p: Admissions Requirements

Adopted: 10-20-2014
Implemented: 07-01-2015
Revised: 10-15-2015
Revised: 08-23-2016
Revised: 08-06-2019