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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does it work?

The students are employees of the program, not the corporate partner. The Corporate Word Study Program handles all payroll, W-4, I-9 compliance, Workers’ Compensation, FICA, FUTA and other employee concerns for the students. The Cristo Rey Dallas Corporate Work Study Program complies with all Department of Labor regulations.

2. Will the students receive training before they begin working in our office?

Yes, our freshman and transfer students attend a two-week summer program where they are trained in:

  • Communication and relationship building
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Customer service skills
  • Standard office equipment operation
  • Office etiquette
  • Dressing for success
  • Conveying a positive first impression in the workplace
  • Phone skills
  • Filing and document handling
  • Confidentiality and ethics in the workplace
  • Workplace safety
  • Team building
 
Our students continue to receive professional development classes throughout the year to reinforce these skills. 

3. Do students choose where they work?

After considering students’ skill levels and interests and the skill sets needed by our sponsors, the Corporate Work Study Program staff will determine where students are placed.

4. As a partnering business, what responsibilities do we have?

Your three biggest responsibilities are to:

  • Provide a positive work environment for the students.
  • Provide a supervisor who believes in the program and the success of Cristo Rey Dallas students.
  • Provide meaningful work for the students and explain to them the importance of their role.

5. If I have a problem with a student, do I deal with the student directly?

If there is ever an issue with a student in the workplace, you may provide feedback to the student directly or you may contact the Corporate Work Study Program Office. Students may be replaced if there are any issues. In these rare cases, another student will be assigned.

6. Why should a business participate in the program?

There are many reasons to participate:

  • Add productive, entry-level employees.
  • Cost-effective services for your business.
  • Free up lower-level employees for more value-added work.
  • Contribute to your workforce diversity.
  • Students do not qualify as a headcount.
  • Benefit your local community with immediate payoff.
  • Cristo Rey Dallas Corporate Work Study Program handles the administrative expenses.
  • Develop a culture of community involvement among your employees.

7. Are there guarantees to ensure the success of the students and program?

Each student receives one academic credit for the work study program. Each student is also evaluated on his or her performance at least twice during the school year. Students also have an opportunity to evaluate their workplace. Aside from the workshops mentioned above, additional workshops are conducted throughout the year to assist students in their learning process.

8. Is there a dress code?

Cristo Rey students are held to strict standards. All students are required to wear formal business attire both at school and work. Students must adhere to their dress code at all times.

9. How do the students arrive at work?

As part of the CWSP program, students are transported to and from work every day using a Cristo Rey Dallas Shuttle.

10. Is it possible to hire students during school breaks?

Yes, it is possible to hire students during school breaks. Since the Corporate Work Study Program operates like a staffing agency, it handles payment to the students earned for any extra work.