Tips for Students Working Remotely

When working remotely, please keep in mind the following:

• All employees (staff, faculty, and students) must work the agreed upon shift to the best of their abilities and will be compensated for work performed. Your work will be monitored, reviewed, and substantiated by your direct supervisor. 
• You are still entitled to your regular breaks and meal times during remote shifts. For more information about laws regarding breaks and meal times, please review our Frequently Asked Questions for Student Employees. 
• It can be easy to sit on the sofa with your laptop and expect to get work done. But keep in mind that we are creatures of habit and most of us are used to lounging with our laptops to read the news, watch TV, play games and chat with friends and family. Establishing a workspace, even if it is your kitchen table, gives your brain a cue that it is time for work.
• Plan for video calls/meetings with your supervisor by making sure you know how to turn on your computer’s camera and microphone and being aware that your supervisor may be able to see the background behind you. All USF students, faculty and staff have access to Zoom, which allows for meetings of up to 300 participants.
• Whether you are in your home or a common area, take five minutes to assess the privacy of your workspace. Can someone standing behind you read your computer screen? Are your windows open so your neighbor can hear your phone call? What information do you need to secure before grabbing a cup of coffee or heading to the restroom? Your personal privacy matters too, so see if there is anything around you that would not want visible during a video conference with others.
• For more information, please reach out to your direct supervisor, or feel free to email the Student Employment Office. You can also give us a call at (415) 422-6770.