Introduction
UA departments and local businesses, welcome to our student employment website. We hope the following information will help guide you as you begin your search to hire UA students. Student employees provide campus departments and local businesses with much needed staffing. In many cases, students greatly depend upon earnings from part-time employment while they pursue their college degree. In addition to the financial benefit, students gain the following:
- Valuable work experience.
- Establish a work record to build a resume.
- Reduce the necessity of student loans.
- Network with professionals.
- Experience several different career choices.
- Acquire practical career-related experiences.
- Exposure to the world of work.
- Build and enhance skills such as communication, time management, customer service, etc.
- Develop a sense of community and involvement with the University of Arizona and Tucson community.
Campus Employment
Department benefits by employing student employees
- By hiring student employees, UA departments contribute to the retention of students at the University. Higher education research indicates that students who work on-campus experience a positive impact on persistence, degree completion, timely graduation activity, and are more likely to enroll in a graduate or professional school.
- Research also suggests that students who work while going to school perform much better academically.
- Departments provide students with opportunities such as, interaction with administrators, faculty, exposure to research projects, and an introduction to potential employment within your department after graduation, etc.
- Provides students work experience that build skills, and knowledge.
- Providing convenient on-campus employment for student employees that are here taking classes. No need for long commutes.
- Part-time employment for classified staff is limited, employing student employees, helps to fill this need.
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When and how to begin the hiring process
The process of recruiting and hiring student employees is not as involved as hiring classified or professional staff. However, preparation and planning is important. There are things to be aware of and campus services that will assist you when beginning this process. The following tips will help to keep you on track:
- Determine your department’s budget status. Consider whether to hire college work- study or non-work study candidates.
- Create a job description.
- Identify the number of students to hire, their duties, and hours needed.
- Check with your department payroll representative for input and guidance when starting your search. They will advise you on the proper procedure and paperwork submission.
- Post open positions enough in advance of the start of school. A minimum of 4 weeks is recommended.
- Post job openings at www.career.arizona.edu . This free service provides 24/7 exposure for your job openings. Contact Career Services (621-4606) to link your department’s web page job postings with Wildcat JobLink and increase exposure to your job openings. Fact: 48% of UA students use Wildcat JobLink to look for employment.
- Determine your department’s application/hiring process.
- Interview prospective candidates.
- Consider flexibility of student schedules.
- Participate in the fall "Wildcat Student Employment Fair” and promote your department’s student job openings. For more information: www.career.arizona.edu .
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Student Employees vs. Staff employees
Student employees play a vital role in the daily operation of UA departments. Their scheduling requirements may be more compatible with departments needs. When considering hiring a student employee, take note that their main priority is their academic commitment. Flexibility with scheduling can provide your department with dependable, productive, and in some cases, long-term student staff.
Student employees may work a maximum of 30 hours a week while taking classes and up to 40 hours during vacation periods.
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Federal Work Study and Payroll/Wages
General Overview of Work-Study
The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) is a federal financial aid program that provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students. In order to qualify for FWS, students must apply for financial aid and show documented financial need. Departments hiring FWS students benefit in the form of budget savings. Under this program, campus departments pay thirty-five cents on the dollar with the federal government paying the remaining sixty-five cents. For specific questions about this program, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at (520)621-5542
Payroll/wages
- The rate of pay for on-campus student employment is established by the hiring department and must fall within the Student Group guidelines set by the University of Arizona. Departments must follow the appropriate process for hiring and paying student employees. Your department payroll representative will guide you in this process or contact the UA Human Resources directly for assistance.
- Volunteer or department internships are options to consider. Specific questions about hiring students for these types of positions should be directed to your departments management and/or payroll representative.
- Direct Deposit of student paychecks should be highly encouraged. This service will eliminate the need to mail paychecks to students during the holiday closure, spring break, etc, or having to arrange for replacement of lost checks (which can take up to two weeks!). Plus, there is a significant cost to the University to issue individual paychecks for all employees, so direct deposit helps reduce costs.
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Student HR Department/Student Employment Manual
The University of Arizona Student Employment Manual housed under Financial Aid, will answer your department’s questions about student employment practices, policies, and procedures. Included are:
- Administration and processing student employment paperwork
- Eligibility requirements
- Policy guidelines, (including allowable work hours)
- Student grievance procedures
- Common definitions
- General practices (guidelines for interviewing, orienting, and evaluating student staff)
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Student Employee New Hire Documents
The hiring department should provide the following new hire packet materials when hiring student employees:
- I-9 form, Employment eligibility Verification
- State of Arizona Employee Loyalty Oath
- New Employee Checklist
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Graduate Student New Hire Documents
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Student Group Classifications
Student employees are classified into various student groups https://financialaid.arizona.edu/workstudy/student-employment-manual#5 depending upon the level of duties the student will be performing. Both undergraduate and graduate students can be placed, as appropriate, in Student Group A and B. Only appropriately qualified upper level undergraduate students, graduate students or licensed professionals may be placed in the Student Group C. Jobs in Student Group D are for graduate students who do not hold Graduate Assistant/Associate positions and are assigned to perform similar work.
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Hiring International Student Employees
International students possessing a Student Visa F-1 or an Exchange Visitor Visa J-1 (with permission from their sponsor) may be employed under general student employment. Students with F-1 or J-1 may work anywhere on campus; it is not required that their work be related to their course of study. For specific and complete information on regulations regarding campus employment, consult the Office of International Student Programs and Services .
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Student Employee Grievance Procedure
Most employees concerns can be resolved informally between the individuals directly involved. When these concerns cannot be resolved informally, an eligible student employee has the right to seek adjustment to the employee-related conditions that he or she considers unjust or adverse to his or her personal welfare through use of the Student Employee Grievance Procedure
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Training
The hiring department is responsible for the general and specific training of student employees. Be certain to provide detailed information needed to do the job, specify expectations, and desired results. Allow for ample feedback and encourage questions.
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Performance Evaluation Process
Generally, departments are encouraged, but are not required to evaluate student employees. It is recommended to provide feedback periodically to keep the student informed of his or her performance. Motivation and communication will help maintain a positive level of productivity and help to make the student feel appreciated and valued.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of students can I hire?
A: Any class level, undergraduate, graduate, work study, non-work study, international, interns, etc.
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/workstudy/student-employment-manual#3
Q: Can I pay students whatever I want?
A: Departments must adhere to the appropriate pay range as established by the University.
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/workstudy/student-employment-manual#5
Q: Can student employees work any number of hours?
A: Student employees can only work 30 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during vacation periods.
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/workstudy/student-employment-manual#4
Q: Am I required to provide student workers with a performance evaluation?
A: No, performance evaluations for student workers are not required; however, it is always helpful for students to receive constructive feedback on their job performance. Departments could provide feedback to praise a student for a job well done or encourage/recommend areas in which to improve.
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/workstudy/student-employment-manual#8
Q: Am I required to give a student a reason for termination?
A: No, it is not required to give a specific reason for termination or not inviting a student back the next semester. As a courtesy, feedback would help the student understand why they are not being retained i.e. budget issues, scheduling conflicts, etc.
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/workstudy/student-employment-manual#6
Q: Is there a formal process a student should follow if they have a problem with their supervisor or department?
A: Yes, student workers should refer to the grievance process as outlined in the Student Employee Grievance Process at:
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/workstudy/student-employment-manual#7
Q: Are international students required to work only in their area of study?
A: No, international students may work anywhere on campus. It is not necessary that the work be related to their coursework. Contact the International Student Center for more information:
http://internationalstudents.arizona.edu/home
Q: Can I post other department job openings on Wildcat JobLink other than work study and non-work study positions?
A: Yes, any job can be posted on Wildcat JobLink.
Q: Is there a fee to post jobs on Wildcat JobLink?
A: No, it is free to post jobs.
Q: When posting jobs on Wildcat JobLink, will I receive resumes from applicants?
A: Yes, you have the ability to indicate how you would like students to apply for jobs. Sending a resume is only one of many options you can select.
Q: Do campus departments have access to view other departments' job postings?
A: No, not at this time. If you wish to view other departments' job postings, you must have either a student or alumni login (separate from your employee login).
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