To ensure the effective, efficient and consistent performance of duties and the implementation of the goals and objectives of the SASS Division, the following expectations are presented for all staff.  This document does not cover all job expectations.  All staff are expected to understand and abide by these expectations, University expectations for employees, University policies and procedures, SASS policies and local, state and federal laws.  If there is need for further clarification, consult your supervisor.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
One of the main purposes of the SASS Division is to provide well-maintained facilities and a diverse range of community learning environments that stimulate, support, and enhance the academic mission of The George Washington University.  SASS professional and paraprofessional staff are expected to strive to promote students? personal, academic and social growth and development in a diverse and civil community of scholars. Examples of behaviors expected of staff include:

- Utilize the resources made available to us wisely and in ways that do not duplicate services but enhance and support students, our mission and the University.

- Approach your job responsibilities in a systematic, analytical and responsive manner.  Develop programmatic efforts that reflect a strong and purposeful sense of community accountability and self-assessment skills associated with adult citizens in a democracy. 

- Be aware of and confront potential problem situations you view throughout the campus whether those be individual or staff problems, lack of respect for others, interpersonal conflicts, or violations of policies and procedures.  Maintain a proactive approach at all times and encourage students to hold one another accountable for their actions.  Keep in mind that you represent The George Washington University and the Division of Student and Academic Support Services at all times, both on and off campus. 

- Actively support, in word and spirit, other members of the SASS Division and The George Washington University staff.  Do not disregard or disassociate yourself from incidents, activities, violations, problems, or situations that develop in our University community or our facilities.

- Actively support departmental and student initiatives.  "Support" is partially defined as attendance at events and meetings, individual consultation and advising of student leaders, advising committees, and attending training.

- Actively support students and academic pursuits.  Establish and maintain an environment, which is supportive of and conducive to students & academic success.

- Develop initiatives and conduct activities based on a needs assessment of the community.  Insure that these initiatives meet the needs of the diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional student populations we serve and bring these students together to interact, exchange ideas, discuss problems, and develop solutions with each other.

ROLE MODELING
As a SASS staff member, you will function as an educator.   Students in our  communities are learning from us and they are our primary concern.  It is through our daily interactions with students that we model acceptable behavioral standards and ethical principles.  Specific examples of positive role modeling include:

- Educate those we serve.  Embrace the teachable moment in the co-curricular environment and support the academic mission of the institution.

- Act as a role model and set a positive example.  Conduct yourself in an honest, conscientious, courteous, and professional manner at all times, showing respect for persons of all backgrounds, ethnicities, lifestyles, interests and abilities. Maintain appropriate personal and professional decorum.  Refrain from becoming involved in activities or encouraging norms which are in direct opposition to this principle or violate established policies and procedures.

- Abide by federal and District of Columbia laws.  Actively support, interpret, enforce, and obey all University and SASS policies, regulations and procedures.  Know the policies outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and support and uphold these and other policies.  Report all policy violations in the appropriate manner.

- Treat all staff and students with dignity and respect.  Work with community students toward understanding and celebrating diverse backgrounds, ideas and philosophies. Confront staff and students who display inappropriate actions or do not show respect for persons of all backgrounds, ethnicities, lifestyles, interests and abilities. Encourage students to hold one another responsible for these actions as well.

STAFF MEMBERSHIP
In order to be successful, SASS staff must function not only as individuals, but also as members of a team. Specific types of acceptable behavior include:

- Represent the University and SASS in a positive light.  Speak with one voice regarding staff decisions and departmental issues.  Do not discuss confidential information with those outside the Division/Department.

- Collaborate in your work with other colleagues within SASS and GW.  Work as a team and practice our community philosophy in your work with colleagues.

- Be aware of "fortress mentality" and do not work in a vacuum.  Continue to ask questions throughout your experience as a staff member in order to educate yourself and to better serve SASS.

- Attend designated meetings and training sessions, be on time and actively contribute to the content of these meetings/sessions.  Share equal responsibility for making these meetings interesting, stimulating, and professionally worth while. 

- Maintain communication with your supervisor.  Be prepared to receive continual supportive and critical feedback. Recognize that professional growth is only a result of continuous feedback.

- Maintain a positive attitude at all times.  Endeavor to be in a positive mood and enjoy your work.

USE OF ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS
We are committed to a community free of violence, and one which promotes informed decision-making regarding personal behavior and responsible use of legal substances.  In this area it is especially important that we are aware of ourselves as role models.  To this end, examples of expectations for our behaviors include:

- Discourage the misuse/abuse of alcohol and illegal substances.

- If you are 21 years of age, be aware of yourself as a role model when consuming alcohol. Refrain from becoming intoxicated because intoxication does not fall within the framework of acceptable, positive role modeling.

- Do not provide alcohol to any staff or student under the age of 21.  Further, if you are in the same location as a student who is illegally consuming alcohol, remove yourself from the situation immediately.  Be aware of locations which students frequent and avoid situations, which may place you in a compromising position. 

- Actively participate in positive norm-setting with regard to alcohol use.  As a role model, this means:

1. Be aware of personal attitudes regarding alcohol use as demonstrated by your own speech and actions.

2. Do not encourage, through job function or personal action, alcohol-related events involving students or staff.

3. Suggest alternatives to alcohol-related events.

4. Look out for the well-being of others in drinking situations.

5. Do not emphasize the use of alcohol through your personal behavior or any initiative that you sponsor.

6. Be aware that alcohol use while on duty is strictly prohibited.

7. Do not possess or consume alcohol if under the age of 21.

- Educate students on the psychological and physiological effects of alcohol and other drugs.  Confront students regarding inappropriate use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, and identify and hold them accountable for their behavior.  Identify and intervene with students you suspect may have alcohol abuse or related problems.  Intervention should include referral to the University Counseling Center or the Center for Alcohol and other Drug Education, and, when applicable, Student Judicial Services.

- Share information regarding students' use of alcohol and other health-related situations with your supervisor.

- The use of illegal drugs by any staff member is strictly prohibited.

- Deal swiftly and effectively with the use or sale of drugs.  Report such incidents to your supervisor and follow the appropriate protocol for confrontation and documentation. Assist the University in enforcing a zero-tolerance policy of illicit drug use and/or substance abuse.

Specific Departmental Expectations will also be available through the hiring department under which you are selected.

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