TCR Participant Policies are outlined below. To remain engaged and active in our program and/or supportive services, participants are required to follow these guidelines.
Professional Relationships
At Twin Cities R!SE, maintaining a professional environment is essential for participants to develop crucial skills and secure full-time employment. To uphold this standard, participants must adhere to the following guidelines:
Professional Conduct: Participants must consistently demonstrate professionalism in all interactions within the program, including with staff, fellow participants, and during program-related activities.
Classroom Dynamics: If personal relationships negatively impact the learning environment, immediate action will be taken to address the situation, which may involve reassignment to different sections or classes.
Communication: Participants are encouraged to communicate any preference regarding enrollment with their assigned coach if they wish to avoid being in the same section as someone with whom they have a personal relationship.
Twin Cities R!SE is a professional environment, and participants are expected to dress accordingly. Maintaining good personal hygiene, including bathing, using deodorant, and keeping hair and nails neat and clean, is also expected. For questions regarding dress code standards, refer to your Coach or Instructor. The following attire guidelines should be followed:
Work uniforms, pants, slacks, jeans, skirts, or dresses cut 1 inch above the knee or lower are acceptable.
Dress shirts, casual shirts, polo/golf shirts, blouses, jackets, sweaters, vests, t-shirts, or sweatshirts without graphics, logos, or writing are permitted.
Dress or casual shoes, sandals, tennis, or court shoes are appropriate.
Computer & Internet Use Policy
On the job, inappropriate use of an employer’s computer equipment and networks may carry serious consequences, including loss of access rights, potential legal action, and termination of employment. TCR mirrors the expectations of our hiring partners; therefore, we have high standards for your use of the equipment we provide. By signing below, you agree to follow Twin Cities RISE’s Computer & Internet Use Policy.
TCR’s laptop is solely for receiving and communicating TCR instruction, online training, communication with TCR employees, searching for employment, or developing a job search strategy. The TCR Laptop is subject to the Computer and Internet Use Policy described above. Any use of the device in violation of these polices will result in TCR removing the Laptop from your possession. The TCR Laptop is and remains the property of TCR and is expected to be returned once TCR related activities are complete. Immediate return expected upon program exit for any reason, unless TCR grants ownership to you in writing. By signing below, you agree to follow Twin Cities RISE’s Laptop Home Use Policy.
Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy
TCR strives to maintain an environment where all individuals are treated with respect. This means showing respect even when others might not be showing it themselves. This also means giving yourself the respect you deserve, even when you may not be feeling it. Your time at Twin Cities RISE should be considered a workplace environment. Program participants are expected to interact, communicate, and perform professionally and respectfully, as would be expected of any employer.
TCR prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment (harassment and other inappropriate conduct that is based on, or is directed toward, someone because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, creed, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, sexual orientation or any other status protected by applicable law), and expects the cooperation of all employees and non-employees, including program participants, volunteers, visitors and agents of TCR in making this policy work. By signing below, you agree to follow Twin Cities RISE’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.
A grievance is a complaint or problem you have with a person, policy, or situation at Twin Cities RISE. We advise you to first work respectfully and independently to resolve issues and concerns. As a second attempt to resolve the matter, please work directly with your coaching teams. If the issue continues, or becomes escalated, please bring it to the attention of our Twin Cities RISE leadership team by contacting: Vice President, Program Operations Alex Merritt, Vice President, Business Development Jacquelyn Carpenter and/or sending an email to feedback@twincitiesrise.org. By signing below, you agree to comply with the Twin Cities RISE grievance policy.
In order to give quality feedback on your progress towards program objectives, the people you work with must be able to trust that your assignments, assessments, and ideas are truly yours. Our academic honesty policy applies to all classes and training we offer. Our expectation is that the work you submit is your own, and that you do not claim or represent others’ words or work as your own original ideas or products. By signing below, you agree to follow Twin Cities RISE’s Academic Trust Policy.
Drug & Alcohol Policy and Compliance
It is the goal of Twin Cities RISE to provide participants with a drug and alcohol-free environment that mirrors the professional workplace. Accordingly, participants may not use, possess, buy, sell, transport, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs when at Twin Cities RISE offices, while in a training activity, while working, or while participating in any other Twin Cities RISE-sponsored activity. By signing below, you agree to comply with the Twin Cities RISE Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Attendance and Participation
Though absences are sometimes unavoidable, you can always choose how you are going to deal with them. In every case, communication is key. If you miss an activity or engagement for whatever reason, it will be your responsibility to check in with Twin Cities RISE staff. Participants must show activity in TCR’s E-Learning system each week. If no activity is recorded during a week, your registration may be discontinued, and you must request re-enrollment from your coach or education team. For whatever activity you have missed, it will be up to you to complete all assigned work for course and training completion. By signing below, you agree to comply with the Twin Cities RISE attendance policy.
Attendance Requirement: Participants are required to attend all scheduled classes and coaching sessions.
Ready to Rise Agreement: Participants are required to sign and commit to the principles outlined in the Ready to Rise agreement.
Online Class Attendance: For virtual classes, participants must have their cameras on and ensure minimal or no background noise to receive credit for attendance.
Excused Absences: Participants may request an excused absence for valid reasons, such as illness or emergencies. All excused absences must be submitted and approved by the coach or instructor at least 24 hours in advance of the absence.
Transfer for Excessive Absences: Participants who accumulate an excessive number (4+) of missed class days, or hours, as determined by program guidelines, may be transferred to another cohort. This transfer may not commence immediately and could involve a wait of several weeks until the next cohort begins.
Coaching Continuity: Participants awaiting transfer to another cohort are expected to maintain regular meetings with their coach during the interim period.
Transfer/Re-Admit Limit: Participants are allowed one transfer or readmit per program year.
Career Services Engagement
Upon program completion, participants are required to attend all career services meetings and scheduled sessions with their Employment Specialist. This policy aligns with the principles outlined in the Ready to Rise agreement. It is essential for participants to actively engage with career services to maximize their opportunities for meaningful employment and professional growth.
Failure to attend these meetings may result in non-compliance with program requirements and could impact the participant's progress. Therefore, consistent participation in career services sessions is crucial for achieving successful outcomes in the program.
Support Services and Incentives
Twin Cities R!SE is committed to providing comprehensive support services to empower participants in their journey toward employment and personal growth. These support services are designed to address various needs and challenges participants may encounter along the way. Below are the support services available to participants:
Transportation: Participants may receive up to $300 per program year for gas cards, bus passes, or reimbursement for job search and training-related travel.
Need-Related Supportive Services: Participants may receive up to $200 per program year for essential needs through vendor cards. It's important to note that cash, checks, Visa gift cards, or pre-paid debit cards are not reimbursable.
Documentation Costs: Participants may receive up to $150 per program year for necessary government documents required for employment.
Professional Attire: Participants may receive up to $150 per program year for clothing upon employment offer.
Technology Assistance: For training-related needs, participants may receive technology assistance which will remain with them upon successful completion of the program.
*Additional support services may be available on a case-by-case basis. Participants are encouraged to ask their Coach for more information on housing, childcare, and transportation-related support services.
Process for Accessing Support Services
Assessment: Participants must meet with their assigned coach to discuss their needs, which will then be evaluated against program criteria.
Documentation: Required documentation must be submitted for requested support services.
Approval: All requests must receive pre-approval from the Program Director.
To acknowledge and reward participant dedication, Twin Cities R!SE has established an incentive policy.
Eligibility: Participants must complete all Learning Management System assignments, maintain attendance expectations, and attend all weekly coaching sessions. Incentives are awarded for achieving a completion and attendance score of 80% or above at the end of weeks 4 and 8.
Milestones: Eligible participants will receive a $100 incentive at the end of weeks 6 and 10, corresponding to completion of program milestones at weeks 4 and 8, respectively.
Exclusions: Incentive exclusions may apply to specific programs and will be communicated upon program admission.
Career Services Incentives
In compliance with the Ready to Rise agreement, participants are eligible to receive the following incentives upon employment:
Employment Offer Letter: Participants must submit an offer letter for 32+ hours of full-time employment to receive a $100 incentive.
30 days on the job: Participants must submit paystubs to receive the 30-day $150 incentive.
1 year of employment: Participants must submit pay stubs to receive a $200 1-year employment incentive.
Incentives and Support Services Distribution
Incentives and Support Services are distributed based on academic performance, program engagement, and active participation in coaching and career services at predetermined checkpoints. Participants are required to electronically sign a form acknowledging receipt and the purpose of the incentive or support service. Please note that it may take 7-10 business days to receive the incentive or support once it has been approved. Top of Form
Participant signature represents understanding and agreement to the above Twin Cities RISE policies. Please click in the circle below and then click Submit to sign this document.