Name: Theresa A.M. NobleInstitution: DePauw University
E-mail Address: tnoble@depauw.edu
Format: Paper presentation
Suggested Audience: User Support persons who are involved in the supervison and training of student employees, and anyone who is interested in expanding the role student staff have in computing labs and other positions in computing areas.
Presentation Outcome:
1. Model of a one-day workshop for training student employees.
2. Solutions for dealing with limited time/funds for student training.
3. Resources needed to conduct a conference-style training session for student staff.
Presentation Content:
Increasing demands for computing services and support, and decreasing funds for staffing have led Computing Services at DePauw University to use student staff in ever increasing roles of responsibility in computer labs and other computer-related areas. Faced with the challenge of providing adequate and timely training for student staff, we came to the realization that a dramatic change was needed in our training procedures.
Our goal was to develop a training program that would give student staff the skills they needed to serve our users competently and confidently, and to do this early in the semester and in a format using as few hours/dollars from our staffing budget as possible. In the past, student staff met as a large group for a brief initial orientation and overview of work policies, however most training was done one on one, or in small groups. This approach not only delayed the instruction for student staff so that they would often start working with very little training, but it was also labor intensive for full time staff.
The decision to develop a workshop for Computing Services student staff was made in November 1995. A conference-type format of group sessions, sessions required for individuals working in specific areas, and free choice sessions was chosen since this setting would provide the opportunity to offer a variety of topics concurrently. Two full time staff and three student staff worked together to develop seven modules: three formal presentations to be given in a classroom setting and four "hands on" exercises done in the labs.
In the Spring of 1996, DePauw Computing Services launched a successful inaugural Spring Student Staff Seminar. Most of our goals were met and the student reaction was very favorable. Participation in the workshop offered students more than just technical skills: They had the opportunity to get to know other student staff, the convenience of completing their training in a single day, and the chance to recognize and appreciate the key role they play in the Computing Services department.
In this paper I will present the evolution of our training techniques, a model for a one-day intensive seminar for student staff, and our plans for student staff training in the future.