Work Ethics Program

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.

• APPEARANCE
  Displays appropriate dress, grooming, and hygiene. Attendance - Attends class; arrives/leaves on time; notifies instructor 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 SKILLS
  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 member.

The promotion of appropriate classroom and on-the-job behavior is the responsibility of all faculty and staff members at Ogeechee Technical College. The work ethics traits will be introduced in a designated entry level course in each program and program instructors are expected to reinforce the importance of behaviors that demonstrate an understanding and adoption of positive work ethics. The work ethics traits will be formally emphasized again in a designated capstone course for the program where a grade of Pass/Fail will be assigned.

This grade will be noted on the final transcript, along with the following work ethics statement:

“One of Ogeechee Technical College’s core values is work ethics. Instruction and assessment on work ethics traits are included in every program of study. These traits include appearance, attendance, attitude, character, communication, cooperation, organizational skills, productivity, respect and teamwork.

All courses at Ogeechee Technical College will positively reinforce the work ethics traits through discussion, modeling of behavior, and other assignments; however, formal grading on work ethics will be done in program capstone courses only. The work ethics traits will be introduced in a designated entry level course in each program. Program instructors will continue to incorporate the work ethics traits informally throughout the program courses. The work ethics traits will be emphasized formally again in a designated capstone course for the program. A work ethics grade of Pass (2) or Fail (0) will be assigned in addition to the course grade for this capstone course and will appear on the student’s transcript".

The following statement will appear 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. As a student in this Ogeechee Technical College course, you will be expected to adhere to the highest standards of these 10 character traits in your behavior as well as your coursework".

Three primary results of the Work Ethics Program make it a winning proposition for all concerned.

THESE RESULTS ARE:

• Students begin employment with positive work ethic skills, which will enhance their value as employees.
• Instructors develop more motivated and attentive students.
• Employers acquire employees with desirable work habits.