Penn State Pulse, which began in 1995, is a survey initiative using Web and phone surveys designed to provide a better understanding of students' experiences and opinions on a wide-ranging list of subjects. The findings are used in planning efforts by the University when making decisions about programs and resources for students. Recent topics include: student drinking, career services, university health services, online learning and student activties.
Student Employment
The Pulse program employs approximately 25 students to conduct phone surveys of Penn State students. Computer-assisted software is utilized, and surveys are carefully scripted. Because of the sensitive nature of aspects of our work, student workers are screened for records with the Office for Judicial Affairs, required to pass the CITI Course for The Protection of Human Research Subjects, and they are trained to comply with federal, state and local regulations as well as institutional policies and procedures regarding the use of human participants in research.
Successful candidates for employment will be dependable Penn State students who are available to work during the fall and spring semesters on Sunday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 and Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 9:00. In addition, qualified applicants will have effective oral reading skills to foster the timely and accurate relaying of survey content to student respondents via the telephone. We hire students at all levels, but preference is given to qualified students who have at least one full year remaining at the University. Pulse workers are paid a competitive hourly wage.
Fall 2012 Notice:
Pulse telephone operations have been temporarily suspended for the 2012/2013 academic year. In addition, we are not accepting applications while we update our application process. However, you may email Cristine Wilson to express interest in being considered once our process is finalized and openings occur.
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.