Cultural differences are reflected in the workplace as well as in other parts of society. Whether you have a student job in the library, computer lab or teaching responsibilities as a graduate assistant, you may find following guidelines useful:

• Arrive at work punctually. If you must be late, or miss work, notify your supervisor as soon as you can.
• Complete and submit your time sheet in a thorough and prompt manner.
• Ask questions about any assignments or procedures you do not understand.
• If you encounter difficulties in carrying out an assigned task, tell your supervisor immediately.
• Carefully follow any safety and health rules.
• Be neat and clean.
• When appropriate, offer to help other employees with their tasks.
• Avoid treating your supervisor with what Americans would consider excessive deference. Notice how other employees at your level address the supervisor and try to follow their example.
• Be friendly and sociable with other employees.
• Treat everyone, men and women, superiors and subordinates alike, with respect.
• When you are talking to people, look directly into their eyes from time to time.
• Periodically ask your supervisor, "How can I improve?"
• Show a positive attitude. That is, avoid complaining and gossiping, and be cheerful and constructive in your dealings with others.
• Consistently practice English if it is your second language.

Sometimes workers encounter problems associated with their jobs. For example, they might believe that they are being treated unfairly or unreasonably or that another employee's behavior is making it difficult for them to carry out their responsibilities. When this happens among Americans, the general expectation is that the worker will first speak directly with the person with whom s/he has the problem. If that does not work, the next step is to talk to the supervisor, and then, if there is no resolution, the supervisor's supervisor.

International students are able to speak to an International Student Advisor at the Office for International Students and Scholars for suggestions and assistance with workplace problems. Anyone with concerns or questions about sexual harassment may contact the Office of Student Life.