Student Consultant Handbook

STUDENT CONSULTANT HANDBOOK

Student Information

Purpose and Scope

This Student Consultant Handbook sets forth the administrative policies, professional responsibilities, and mandatory conduct requirements applicable to student consultants engaged to provide academic, technical, research or client-facing services for the Institution or its clients. All student consultants must comply with the terms herein as a condition of participation in any consulting assignment, internship, practicum, or paid/volunteer engagement administered by the Institution.

Eligibility and Appointment

Eligibility criteria include active student status in good academic standing, completion of required training, and endorsement by the supervising faculty or department. Appointment is contingent upon verification of eligibility and completion of any background checks that the Institution reasonably requires.

Student appointment classification (select all that apply):
Paid (hourly/contract)
Unpaid/Volunteer
For academic credit

Roles and Responsibilities

Student consultants must perform duties professionally, meet deadlines, maintain accurate records of hours and deliverables, and follow supervisory direction. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 1) maintaining open communication with the assigned supervisor; 2) accurately recording and submitting timesheets when applicable; 3) safeguarding confidential information; and 4) adhering to all health, safety, and data protection requirements.

Confidentiality and Data Handling

Student consultants will frequently encounter confidential information belonging to the Institution or the Institution's clients. All such information must be held in strict confidence and may only be used for purposes of performing assigned duties. Unauthorized disclosure or retention of confidential materials is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action, including termination of the appointment and further academic or legal consequences.

Acknowledge confidentiality obligation:

Intellectual Property and Work Product

Work product created by a student consultant within the scope of their assignment that is specifically commissioned by the Institution or a client will, unless otherwise agreed in writing, be treated as Institutional property or work made for hire. Student consultants hereby assign to the Institution all rights, title and interest in such work product and agree to execute additional documents necessary to effectuate such assignment. Pre-existing intellectual property owned by the student remains the student’s property provided it is disclosed in writing prior to the assignment and not incorporated into the commissioned deliverable without express written consent.

Disclosure of pre-existing intellectual property (if any):

Compensation, Timekeeping and Expense Reimbursement

For paid appointments, student consultants must submit timesheets in the format required by the department and in accordance with established payroll schedules. Hourly rates and payment terms will be provided in the appointment letter. The Institution is not liable for expenses incurred without prior written approval.

Professional Conduct and Academic Integrity

Student consultants are representatives of the Institution while on assignment. They must maintain professional behavior, avoid conflicts of interest, comply with all applicable academic integrity policies, and refrain from representing personal opinions as official positions of the Institution. Violations may result in termination of appointment and disciplinary action.

Acknowledge obligation to professional conduct and academic integrity:

Training, Supervision and Performance Evaluation

Student consultants are required to complete any mandatory orientation and training prior to engaging in client work. Supervision will be provided by the assigned faculty or staff supervisor. Performance will be periodically reviewed; unsatisfactory performance may result in reassignment or termination.

Attendance, Scheduling and Leave

Student consultants must adhere to agreed schedules and promptly notify supervisors of absences. Repeated unexcused absences may be grounds for disciplinary action. Requests for leave must be submitted in writing to the supervisor in advance whenever feasible.

Termination and Remedies

The Institution may suspend or terminate a student consultant’s appointment for cause, including breach of confidentiality, misconduct, poor performance, or violation of applicable policies. Termination decisions will be made in accordance with institutional procedures; remedies may include recovery of Institution losses and other disciplinary measures.

Grievance and Reporting Procedure

Concerns regarding treatment, assignment conditions, or policy violations should be reported to the immediate supervisor or the designated departmental contact. Reports will be handled promptly and with discretion to the extent permitted by law and institutional policy.

Health, Safety and Emergency Contact

Student consultants must comply with health and safety protocols. Provide an emergency contact below.

Acknowledgment and Agreement

By signing below, I certify that I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the policies and procedures set forth in this Student Consultant Handbook. I understand that failure to comply may result in termination of my appointment and other disciplinary measures. I further acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to ask questions about these policies and that my signature constitutes voluntary acceptance of these terms.

Student is a minor under the age of 18: (If checked, parent or guardian must also sign below)

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