Student Employment

Students benefit from working on campus

Research indicates that students who work on campus are more likely to stay in school and complete their degree. Campus jobs are conveniently located for students, and pay rates often match comparable positions at off-campus locations. When students work with University staff, they have employers and co-workers who understand student issues and who can connect students with valuable campus resources. Student jobs generally range from 10 to 20 hours per week. Job listings are posted online at employment.umn.edu.

Applying for on-campus jobs

Students must be enrolled at the University of Minnesota and meet the minimum credit requirements to hold a student job. Encourage your student to approach the job search thoughtfully, as follows:

1. View current student job openings online. Vacancy listings (employment.umn.edu) are available online 24 hours a day. Select "Search Postings" from the left panel. From "Position Category" students may select on or off campus and to narrow the search select a campus location (e.g., Twin Cities). Jobs are available in a wide variety of categories including clerical, science and engineering, and labor and custodial to name a few. Students should begin by looking at the categories that interest them.



2. Carefully review the job requirements and description. Employers list the minimum qualifications and experience required for the job, the work schedule, pay rate, and job duties. Students should be sure that the work interests them, that they meet the qualifications, and that they can work the schedule given, if applicable.



3. Follow the specific job posting application instructions. Most request an online application. Interviews may not be given to all applicants. During the initial contact, the employer will explain the screening and hiring process. Students should call the employer if they are unable to interview at the time scheduled or are delayed.



4. Be prepared. As for any job interview, applicants should be on time, smile and relax, speak clearly, think positively, and dress appropriately. They should bring any materials the employers ask for (e.g., resume, application, writing samples). Questions an employer might ask include:
• What hours are you available to work?
• What is your class schedule for the term?
• What type of work experience have you had?
• What is your major?
• Do you have Work-Study funds?
• How many credits are you taking?


5. Be persistent! Finding the right job can take time. New listings are posted each day. Continue viewing the listings each day and make contact with the employer as soon as you can.

Students should clarify their course schedule with their employer and be aware of the employer’s policies about trading shifts, taking sick time, or requesting flexibility during times of heavy academic demands or school break periods.

Work-Study Jobs

Work-Study is a form of financial aid designed to help students meet educational costs through part-time employment. Work-study positions are available in many campus offices and departments, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. For information, see work-study awards online.

The primary benefits of work-study are 1) students with work-study funds are attractive to employers because student earnings are reimbursed, and 2) work-study earnings are not considered income on the FAFSA when the student re-applies for financial aid for the next school year, thus, protecting their eligibility for financial aid. However, the student’s work-study earnings are considered taxable income and are treated just like any other employment when completing tax returns.

When a student accepts a work-study award, s/he may look for a job online at employment.umn.edu as described above.

Work-study funds can be used in any on-campus student position. Salaries are dependent on the skill level of the job, but all jobs pay at least $6.50 per hour. Currently the average wage at the University of Minnesota is $7.10 per hour. Students receive a paycheck every two weeks for the hours they work.

The work-study award amount reflects the maximum amount of money the student will be eligible to earn as a student employee. If your son or daughter wants to earn more than this amount, s/he can speak to a One Stop counselor about increasing their work-study award if they have eligibility and funds are available.

The total amount of the award does not necessarily mean that your son or daughter will actually earn the entire amount during the academic year. Earnings are determined by the rate of pay associated with the job and the number of hours worked per week.

Required Documentation for Employment

Within 72 hours of starting a job, a new employee must provide his or her employer with identification documentation and proof of citizenship. For U.S. citizens, documentation may include a state-issued photo ID (drivers license or state ID) and social security card or birth certificate from a government agency (state or county). Original copies are required; a photo copy will not be accepted. As an alternative, a passport will provide both the photo identification and proof of citizenship.

When students begin working, they will be asked to fill out a W-4 form listing any exemptions they wish to claim. For campus employees, annual earning statements (W-2) forms will be sent to the home address listed on the student’s directory records. Students should ensure that the home or permanent address in the directory is current and that it is the address where they want their tax statements sent. Changes can be made online at the One Stop Web site.

New employees are also asked to select direct deposit or check receipt of their paychecks. If students want their checks deposited directly into a bank account, they must have an account set up and provide the bank and account number information. Changes to payment options can be made at the One Stop Web site.