>Date: Thu, 6 Feb 1997 15:22:26 -0800
>X-Sender: [log in to unmask]
>Mime-Version: 1.0
>To: Kerry Hammock <[log in to unmask]>, [log in to unmask]
>From: Jack Smith <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: Student leader compensation
>
>At 11:23 AM 2/6/97 -0700, Kerry Hammock wrote:
>>I know we have had a lot of dicsussion on this list regarding what
>>various schools offer in terms of compensation to student leaders.  I
>>need information on the legal underpinnings of these packages.
>>
>> We are currently examining our scholoarships in terms of the Fair Labor
>>Standards Act.  Basically, scholarships must be given for previous
>>accomplishment, not for promised service.  Scholarships for promised
>>service are considered pay for jobs and are not legal under scholarship
>>guidelines. Hence, if a student leaves office, they cannot have a
>>scholarship taken away.  Also, if you are paying key student leaders
>>how are you doing time-cards?
>>
>>Anything that discusses the proper legal underpinnings of these various
>>alternatives would be appreciated.
>>
>
>Kerry,
>Here is a description of how we operate.  This was posted to this list some
>time back.  Since then the index has increased from $662 to $702.  Our rates
>are such that we do not get into minimum wage/FLSA problems.  Hope this helps.
>
>Jack
>
>At Western Washington University, many of the programming and governance
>positions are treated more like jobs and receive a salary based upon a
>relative index.  Originally the base for the index was tuition;
>however, as tuition rose faster than student fees, that base was changed
>to an amount established annually by the budget committee.  Each
>position is assigned an index multiplier which takes into account the
>relative placement of a that position.  Currently, approximately 70
>positions are compensated in this manner.  The base is $662 per quarter,
>and the indices are 3.0 (for the A.S. president), 2,0, 1.5, and 1.35 for
>various levels of positions.  Thus, a coffeehouse or films coordinator,
>for instance would receive 1.5 x $662, or $993 per quarter.
>Additionally, each position receives payment for training, orientation
>and pre-school preparation time, ranging from one to three weeks.  These
>positions are hired by a student committee with a non-voting and adviser
>and are governed by an Associated Student employment policy and detailed
>position description.  All of the hiring and policy administration is
>also administered by a student personnel director and assistant.  The
>total payroll for these positions (not including approximately 400 hourly
>student employees) is approximately $222,000 plus benefits.
>
>The reason for adopting this model, versus a volunteer or stipend one,
>was to give all students, not only those who could afford to volunteer,
>access to these positions.  Additionally, the intent was also to create a
>true work experience as a practicum for future employment.  The present
>system, or something very close to it, has been in effect for about 20
>years.  The concept of paying salaries for this type of work goes back
>several decades.
>
>Jack Smith, Director
>Viking Union/Student Activities
>Western Washington University
>Bellingham, WA 98225-9106
>Phone: 360-650-3450
>FAX:    360-650-7736
>E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
>