Student Employee Technology Corps (SETC)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the SETC?
   Technology is everywhere on our campus, but sometimes help isn't close by when you need it. Through this unique program, the Office of Technology Services (OTS) will train YOUR students to be technology "first-responders." Taking some lessons from first aid and CPR, student employees who complete SETC will often be right there, in the office or in the classroom, to help solve problems, answer questions, and get you additional help.


2. How much training does it involve?
   The program consists of about 12 hours of self-paced online training, followed by 6-10 hours of hands-on practical experience with a fulltime OTS Client Services staff member. Upon completion, students will continue to receive "insider" technical announcements, service updates, and biannual training and professional development. Students benefit by gaining unique, real-world technology support experience—something that can be a huge plus on their resume when entering today's job market.


3. Once trained, what will these student employee first responders do?
   Student employee first responders will help you solve some of the most common issues and questions that occur on a daily basis. The student will be able to troubleshoot and solve problems, help someone use an application or find training and self-help resources for that application, or inform others of some helpful resources and tools that are available to everyone 24/7/365. This list of typical duties and expectations for SETC graduates details more specifics about what that they will be able to do.


4. Is there a course fee to department or student?
   No. OTS covers this at no cost, as we do with other training.


5. Do students do this after work hours?
   Since this is job-related training, students should do the online training modules and practical experience during work time, just like other job-skills training. However, being a self-paced program, you can set boundaries to ensure office coverage, and training can be spaced out over weeks or months.


6. Is there a limit on how many students can participate from each department? Should I sign all of our student employees up?
   Yes. Each department can enroll up to three student employees. If you have more that you want to sign up, just let us know and we will add them to a waiting list.


7. Is the program open to Graduate and Federal Work Study students?
   Yes. All student employees and graduate assistants can participate.


8. Can a senior who is about to graduate still participate in the program?
   Yes. However, the earlier a student starts the program, the more chance they’ll have to apply their knowledge, gain experience, and develop useful skills that will benefit them at Towson and beyond. Since it is already so late in the current term, unless the graduating student is staying on to work over the summer, it may not be worthwhile for them.


9. What if my students do not deal with any technology as a student employee in my department?
   Even if the student employee does not work with technology, it’s likely faculty and staff in your department do. If you think the department could benefit from your student employee having the skills and knowledge to help with technology, why not nominate them?


10. What if my student employees are seldom in the office as their job requires mostly field work?
    In this case, the SETC program may not be a good fit. The idea is to have someone close by when your department has common technology issues.


11. Can my student employees choose whether to participate?
    Department staff decide if a student employee will participate or not and can sign up students as they deem appropriate. If a student employee who is not part of SETC expresses interest in the program, your department can decide whether SETC is an appropriate use of the student’s time and resources.


12. Is this a paid position or just for work experience? Does that depend on the office?
    We are counting on the host office to invest in their students through a combination of work hours and personal time for the online theory work—and work time for the hands-on training component. OTS will not be paying student employees to participate.


13. What is in it for the department?
    A quick response when problems come up. Instead of waiting for OTS to arrive, you can have an SETC student evaluate and troubleshoot your computer problems right away. They’ll be trained to resolve lots of problems on their own, and they’ll have a direct hotline to OTS when they run into something that they can’t fix.


14. Is this a Towson-specific program or do other universities sponsor similar courses for their students?
    This is a Towson-specific program offered by OTS. As far as we know, other universities are not offering the same type of program. We are always looking for multiple ways to provide support to faculty and staff by offering helpful tools, services, and support options.