Purpose and Requirements

January 1, 2008

Purpose

To maintain and enhance college services through the appointment of qualified adult students to entry-level management positions.  To provide adult students with a significant credential for future employment and/or graduate study.

Commentary

The Presidential Assistantship program for adult students consists of a meaningful job experience available to students who are willing to assume responsibilities as a half-time entry-level manager at Muhlenberg College.  In exchange, students receive free tuition for a designated number of courses.  It should be noted that this waiver of tuition represents a taxable benefit.  Applicants for open assistantship positions should carefully review the information listed below.  Clearly, this program is not for everyone.  However, those who have completed Assistantships have been uniform in their praise of the work credential gained and the learning opportunity the experience has provided.

Announcement of Positions

            The specific positions available with position descriptions and application instructions will be listed in the Career Connections database no later than March 1 of each year.  Career Connections can be found at: http://muhlenberg.erecruiting.com/er/security/login.jsp.  To find the list of PA opportunities, search “Muhlenberg College” as the employer name.

            If you do not access to Career Connections, please contact The Career Center at 484-664-3170 or careers@muhlenberg.edu.

Requirements

1.         Presidential Assistants normally will be required to have completed the equivalent of their freshman year and must be enrolled as degree candidates in the Wescoe School of Muhlenberg College.  Exceptions to this are possible with the approval of the Dean of the Wescoe School.

2.         Normally, employment terms, depending on the position and the student, will be as follows:

·        15 months June 1 through August 15 (summer plus academic year plus summer), OR

·        two academic years, August 15 through May 15 of each year, OR

·        one academic year, August 15 through May 15, OR

·        one academic year and one summer in combination

             Reappointments are possible with the approval of the Vice President, Human Resources; the Dean of The Wescoe School, and the position supervisor.

3.         Assistants will follow the management staff work calendar, working half-time (average of 20 hours per week) while enrolling for two or three courses.  Wescoe School matriculants may, if approved by the Dean of the Wescoe School, enroll for up to 3 courses each academic term ( a limit of 9 courses per year) with tuition remission.  Class hours must be scheduled in consultation with the administrative supervisor to assure that satisfactory work schedules are maintained.  Assistants are required to enroll through the Wescoe School in order to provide  access to both day and Wescoe School courses.  Assistants are regarded as part-time employees of Muhlenberg College.

4.         Assistants will be granted tuition remission, a taxable benefit, equal to a half-time load (2 courses per academic term) for the duration of their appointment, or if requested, up to 3 courses each academic term for a total of 9 courses per calendar year.  Course audit fees do not qualify for tuition remission.  Assistants will also receive a stipend of $550 per month. Withheld from this amount are taxes on both the stipend and the value of the tuition benefit received.  Assistants will be required to declare the value of tuition and stipends as income for federal and state income tax purposes.  For indications of tax deductions and other withholding, students are invited to consult with Jason Feiertag, Assistant Treasurer, before and during the Assistantship relative to deductions and the effect on monthly stipend checks.  Assistants are eligible for a 10% discount in the Muhlenberg College Bookstore as per limits described in the policy.

5.         Students should be aware that part-time students (2 courses during an academic semester) are not eligible for Dean's List.  If students wish to be eligible for the Dean's List, they may choose to carry a three-course load.  Students enrolled at least half-time are eligible to apply for Stafford loans.

6.         Assistants are expected to commit themselves to the full employment term agreed to at the time of appointment. Assistants will be evaluated during February each year and will continue to serve at the pleasure of the President and the designated administrative supervisor. Unsatisfactory work habits or job performance could result in the discontinuation of the assistantship at the conclusion of any academic period.  This would result in the forfeiture of tuition remission and stipends for the time which remains in the stated term of appointment.

7.         Assistants will be able to participate in the May Commencement ceremony even if courses remain to be taken in the summer sessions which immediately follow.  College policy allows seniors to participate in the ceremony as long as no more than three courses remain to be completed during the summer period which follows.  Students' names will be printed in the commencement program only after they have completed all of the requirements for graduation.

8.         Applications for specific positions should be made through The Career Center.  Position requirements and job descriptions will be available in the above office.  Applicants will be required to submit a letter of application, a completed application form, evidence of good academic standing, and personal references.  Interviews with the administrative supervisor of the position and Anne Speck, Vice President, Human Resources, will be required.

9.         Presidential Assistants will be appointed on the recommendation of the designated administrative supervisor with the approval of the President and in consultation with the Vice President, Human Resources.

10.       Assistants will complete orientation sessions on the organization and operation of the College.  They will be provided with work space, will follow administrative work calendars and vacation schedules, attend administrative staff meetings, and carry out work schedules as agreed on with the administrative supervisor during their term of employment.  Assistants will meet with the Vice President, Human Resources periodically during their term of employment to review their program goals and accomplishments.

Further questions relative to this program should be directed to Anne Speck, Vice President, Human Resources or Cailin Pachter, Interim Director of The Career Center.