NLR/NLC Policies

For participation in the CSFWS – Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count Program, students must agree to the following policies:

    • CSFWS students are part-time, temporary employees of the Community Service Federal Work Study Program (CSFWS) through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. CSFWS positions are intended to assist with postsecondary education costs, offer service-learning experiences, and support organizations within the community surrounding Penn State.
    • CSFWS students understand the importance of compliance with all state and University guidance with respect to all prescribed safety measures and that it is their responsibility to adhere to said guidance while engaged in a CSFWS position.
    • CSFWS students understand the opportunities of their position with regard to in-person or remote work requirements and that any changes are at the discretion of the Community Partner and the CSFWS Program. CSFWS students will receive compensation only for hours actually worked in their position.
    • CSFWS students understand that participation in the program is contingent upon federal student aid eligibility. Loss of eligibility for any reason will result in immediate expulsion from the program.
    • CSFWS students understand the academic term(s) and applicable dates of their FWS award, as well as the financial value, as well as the potential impact should their earnings exceed their FWS award.
    • CSFWS students understand that they may work no more than 8 hours each day and 20 hours/week when classes are in session and 40 hours/ week when classes are not in session. CSFWS students understand that they may not work during times in which they are enrolled in classes according to the University Registrar.
    • CSFWS students may begin at their placement site upon receipt of an Authorization to Work (ATW) letter, issued by the CSFWS Office. Documented time prior to the date of the ATW letter will be considered unpaid volunteer time.
    • CSFWS students will have a clear understanding of the expectations of both the CSFWS Program and the placement site, including but not limited to job responsibilities and limitations, dress code and attendance policies. CSFWS students should follow a pre-determined scheduled and notify the site supervisor of any necessary adjustments. Repeated schedule adjustments are strongly discouraged. Failure to meet the expectations of the placement site or the CSFWS Program will result in expulsion from the program.
    • CSFWS students will ensure that my placement site has the necessary contact information for communication purposes. CSFWS students will carefully read any communication sent from the CSFWS Office or the Community Partner and follow-up on instructions within the designated timeframe.  Lack of follow-through will be perceived as disinterest or inability to continue participation with the program.
    • CSFWS students will respect the confidentiality of the placement site and their clients even after their position has ended.
    • CSFWS students are mandated reporters and will act in accordance with both Penn State’s and the placement site’s policies for working with minors and reporting child abuse. CSFWS students will not be alone with children; there will always be an additional authorized adult when minors are present.
    • CSFWS students will always be properly supervised. CSFWS students’ classification with the Community Partner is “volunteer.”  CSFWS students may not take the place of or displace the site’s regularly paid staff, nor should their job responsibilities interfere with those of the site’s staff.
    • CSFWS students will not transport program children in any vehicle or operate placement site vehicles.
    • CSFWS students are first and foremost students of Penn State University. Educational obligations may periodically arise throughout the semester and during finals week. Community partners are asked to support students and to accommodate these obligations.

Failure to comply with any portion of this agreement may result in being exited from the program at the discretion of the program coordinator and possible on-campus judicial charges and/or legal action.