Introduction
Welcome to the University of Arizona Student Employment Webpage. Working while in college, beyond the financial gains, can also give you experience that will enhance your education and career experience. Below is a summary of reasons why many students work a job while in school.
- Obtain additional financial resources and/or reduce the amount of additional educational financing
- Gain experience interacting and networking with professionals
- Opportunity to experience various career options first hand
- Gain valuable and practical career experience
- Opportunity to enhance fundamental career skills such as communication, time management and customer service
- Develop a sense of community and involvement with the University of Arizona and/or Tucson
This site will provide you with resources, referrals and information about employment opportunities for students. If you’re a student who is looking for a job, you’ve come to the right place!
Campus Employment
Benefits of On-Campus Employment
There are very good reasons to consider working on campus:
- Higher Education research tells us that if students must work, on campus employment has a positive impact on persistence, degree completion, timely graduation, and the probability of enrollment in graduate or professional school.
- Working on campus enhances your involvement with and integration into the campus community.
- Often departments who hire students have a wealth of knowledge and opportunities available for their student employees, including interaction with faculty, participation in research projects, opportunity for advancement to management positions, or discounts on department services.
- If you can work in a position in your academic field, you can obtain relevant knowledge and skills which will prepare you for a career in that field post-graduation.
- Working on campus can be more convenient for many students, particularly those who live on campus and don’t have access to transportation.
- For commuter students, working on campus can help fill those empty blocks of time in their class schedule, without having to leave campus or give up your parking space!
- Campus employers understand the demands that face students at the University of Arizona. Most departments are willing to work with students around their courses, final exams and holidays/breaks.
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How to Find A Job On-Campus
The University of Arizona hires thousands of students to work in various positions all over campus. From computer lab monitors, receptionists, and food service employees, to yoga instructors, research assistants and peer advisors, almost every department or office on campus is seeking students to work in their department at some point during the year. Ways to find positions:
- Wildcat JobLink – Most campus departments list their positions on Wildcat JobLink. You can search positions by work-study and non-work study.
- Wildcat Student Employment Fair – Held annually at the beginning of the fall semester, this employment fair features dozens of campus departments looking to hire students. Usually held in the Student Union Memorial Center ballroom, you are encouraged to stop by and browse through the tables, talk to the departmental representatives and gather information about exciting opportunities.
- Departmental Websites – Several departments and colleges post vacant positions on their websites. A quick scan of the website for the department you’re interested in working in may yield information about available positions.
- Direct Contact – For many, the best way to find a job is to hit the pavement. Physically going to the departments during their business hours and asking about employment opportunities may result in successful job placement. Many departments hire only a few students and don’t utilize more formal on-campus hiring resources, like Wildcat JobLink.
Off Campus Employment
Benefits of Working Off Campus
There can be many benefits of working off campus for students:
- Since there is a whole city’s worth of employers to choose from, students can often find a wider variety of positions with a wider variety of organizations.
- It might be easier to find an organization that more closely relates to future career goals.
- Some students, who have worked for a particular employer during high school, may find that they can continue with that employer during college and potentially work their way up in the organization.
- Some students find more earning potential with off campus employers.
- There are probably more opportunities to work evenings and weekends with off campus employers.
- In some cases, students find it convenient to work close to where they live.
Finding Positions Off Campus
Wildcat JobLink is one of the very best ways to find part-time employment off campus. A wide variety of organizations and private individuals list local part-time positions through Wildcat JobLink. The search function allows students to easily look for part-time, off campus positions in Tucson.
Career Web Resources - There are many online job listings that allow students to search in the Tucson area. The Career Web Resources list on the Career Services website lists many of these sites.
Direct Contact - If there is a particular organization or company a student is interested in working for, direct contact may be the way to secure a position.
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Federal Work Study
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, you must apply for financial aid and show documented financial need. Jobs are available both on and off campus. This program provides opportunities for employment related to your course of study. FWS employment provides beneficial resume-building experience/training and can lead to career opportunities while still in school.
FWS employment is better than normal employment because the earnings are removed from income on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Therefore your earnings are not considered when figuring your "financial need" for future financial aid. If you were not awarded FWS, you may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 520.621.1858 or email at askaid@email.arizona.edu to review your eligibility.
Links related to Federal Work-Study
How to find a Work-Study Position
When you log into Wildcat Joblink , and click on the Jobs link at the top, look for Position Type and then simply select either “On-Campus Work Study” or “Off-Campus Work-Study” from the drop down menu. This will give you a listing of current work-study positions both on and off campus.
See also How to Find a Job On-Campus for other information about on-campus positions.
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Student Employment vs. Staff Employment
Students may consider applying for a full- or part-time position at the University of Arizona. There are several benefits associated with being a classified staff member, including qualified tuition reduction, benefits (such as health insurance), and other advantages.
One of the major differences between student employment and staff employment is your role at the University. If you are a student employee, your primary role is to be a student. If you are a staff employee, your primary role is as an employee and any time you get off to take classes, is at the discretion of your employing department.
Here’s a chart that will help you determine which kind of position may be right for you. If you are interested in applying to be a University of Arizona staff member, these positions will be listed on the University of Arizona’s Human Resources website .
Student - Part-time employee who is concurrently enrolled at UA with the primary goal of achieving a degree.
- Employment is interim or temporary in nature and is incidental to the pursuit of an academic program.
- No guarantee of employment implied or otherwise.
- Non-benefits eligible.
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| Staff Employment Students are eligible to apply, yet there are some differences: - Regular Classified Staff - positions regularly scheduled for 20 hours/week or more and are expected to be active for more than 6 months; benefits eligible.
- Extended Temporary Employee (ETE) - positions expected to be active for not less than 6 nor more than 24 continuous months; benefits eligible.
- Part-time Classified Staff - positions regularly scheduled for less than 20 hours/week and that are expected to be active for more than 6 months; not benefits-eligible.
- Temporary Classified Staff - positions which are expected to be active for less than 6 months; non-benefits eligible.
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When to start looking for a job
Once a student has gone to a New Student Orientation and has received their NetID , they are able to log into Wildcat JobLink and look at the listings for both on and off campus positions. Campus departments cannot hire a new student until the first day of classes; however, students can contact departments listing positions and indicate their interest in the position at any time. Off-campus employers can hire students at any time.
Getting Paid
The rate of pay for on-campus student positions and any subsequent raises, are set by the hiring department, but must fall within the Student Group guidelines set by the University of Arizona. The rate of pay for students working off-campus is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Labor. In some cases, minimum wage is required and in other cases, an employer does not have to pay the basic minimum wage .
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Direct Deposit
Simple! Safe! Smart! Green! Students working on campus are encouraged to have their paychecks directly deposited into their bank account of choice.
- Once you have signed up for Direct Deposit, you don't have to go to the bank to deposit checks.
- Direct Deposit payments never get lost.
- Direct Deposit gives you access to your money earlier than check deposits. There is no waiting for checks to clear.
- Direct Deposit is a smart way to benefit the planet
Today, direct deposit of your paycheck is the most common and popular way to ensure that your money gets to you wherever you are. No more waiting in long lines at the bank, it's convenient adn it's the "green" thing to do! Plus, there is a significant cost to the University to print individual paychecks, so you are helping the University to save money. See your employer's payroll representative for more information on direct deposit.
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Student Employment HR Department
Student Employment Manual
The University of Arizona Student Employment Manual , housed under Financial Aid, will answer many of your questions about student employment practices, policies and procedures. Included are:
- Common definitions
- Eligibility requirements
- Policy guidelines (including allowable work hours)
- Administration and processing student employment paperwork (for employers)
- Student employment grievance procedures
- General practices (guidelines for interviewing, orienting and evaluating student staff)
The Legal Arizona Workers Act requires the University of Arizona to use E-Verify, a Federal on-line system, to check the names and identification documents of all new employees to ensure they are legally authorized to work in the United States.
Student Employee New Hire Documents
Graduate Student New Hire Documents
Student employees are classified into various student groups depending upon the level of duties the student will be performing. A description of the various student group classifications (A,B,C, and D) as well as the current pay ranges are available by clicking on the link. 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 Student Group C. Jobs in Student Group D are for graduate students who do not hold a Graduate Assistant/Associate position and are assigned to perform similar work.
Most employee concerns can be resolved informally between the people directly involved. When these concerns cannot be resolved informally, an eligible student employee has the right to seek adjustment to 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. Click on the link to see a detailed description of the student grievance procedures.
Training
Generally the department that hires you will provide both the general and specific training you will require. When you are applying for positions, make sure and ask about the type of training they provide.
Performance Evaluation Processes
All departments are encouraged but are not required to evaluate their student workers. Feel free to request feedback on your performance from your supervisor regardless of whether there is a formal evaluation process.
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Graduate Student Employment
General Employment and Work-Study
Graduate students fall under the same guidelines as undergraduate students in terms of general or work-study employment on or off campus. Check those sections of this webpage for the specific information.
Graduate Assistantships/Associateships
Many graduate students work as graduate assistants or graduate associates (GA’s), generally either as a teaching assistant or research assistant through their academic department. The recruitment and hiring process is conducted through the student’s academic department with eligibility verification conducted by the Graduate College. In some cases, a GA is offered to all incoming graduate students within a particular department. Graduate students interested in GA positions should contact their academic department directly.
The Graduate College maintains a Graduate Assistantship/Associateship Hiring Manual with detailed information on eligibility, training, benefits, salary, and hiring documents.
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Internships or Career Experience
Career experience is any work experience that is related to either a student’s academic or future career field. It might be called an internship, cooperative education, volunteer work, community service, externship, capstone or research.
The most beneficial internships/career experiences enhance a student's understanding of their career field of choice while offering a directed learning component to the experience. The internship may or may not be for academic credit. This is strictly determined by each academic department; see your Advisor before accepting a position to make sure that it meets your department’s academic credit criteria. Some internships are paid, and some are not. Some are full-time positions for a semester, two semesters, or even a full year, while others are part-time and take place concurrently while the student is enrolled in other classes.
Campus Opportunities
There are many positions on campus that relate to students’ future career goals. A marketing assistant position may be an excellent way for a marketing major to gain experience in their field. A science major might be able to find a campus lab to work in where they can gain experience while they earn.
Use Wildcat JobLink to find on-campus positions that may fit your career needs. There are many opportunities for undergraduates to obtain research experience while on campus. Check with your academic department to find positions in your field. The College of Science is an excellent example of a college that provides research opportunities for its undergraduates .
Off-Campus Opportunities
Most internship opportunities will be with off-campus employers. Many organizations, both large and small, offer internships to interested students. Campus interviewing is an excellent way to find an internship or Co-op with a large organization. Many of the employers coming to UA Career Fairs are looking for students to fill internship or Co-op positions with their organization. Wildcat JobLink lists many types of career experiences with a wide variety of employers. Internships.com is a website designed to allow students to search for internships by major and geographic location. For assistance with any of these resources and to find out about more resources for conducting your internship search, visit Career Services, on the web ( www.career.arizona.edu ) or in person.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Click on any of the subjects below to go directly to that section:
General Employment Questions
What should I do if I have problems with my supervisor?
If you have a problem with your supervisor you should talk to them about the situation first. If the problem persists or the situation warrants more severe action, you may consider going through the Student Employment Grievance Procedure .
Do I have a job description?
All positions are required to have an accurate job description. You may request a copy from your supervisor.
Do I get evaluated?
All departments are encouraged but are not required to evaluate their student workers. Feel free to request feedback on your performance from your supervisor regardless of whether there is a formal evaluation process.
What paperwork do I have to fill out to start my job on campus?
Students starting a job at the University of Arizona are required to fill out state and federal tax forms (W-4s) and the federal Employment Eligibility Form (I-9). The I-9 form requires that students display original forms of identification, often including a passport or birth certificate or social security card. International students require valid Homeland Security documents. The hiring department will have the W-4 and I-9 forms for you to complete. These forms must be completed prior to beginning work.
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Questions about Finding Jobs
How do I find a job?
You may go to the Career Services website and visit the Wildcat JobLink , www.career.arizona.edu, and use the search engines to find both on- and off-campus jobs. For on-campus employment, you may also consider making direct contact with the department in which you are interested in working.
Is there ever a shortage of positions on campus?
The majority of positions are posted at the beginning of the fall semester and the supply decreases as the semester progresses; however, several major on-campus employers hire at other times during the year. For example, Resident Assistants are hired for the academic year during the previous spring semester.
How does summer employment work?
On Wildcat Job Link, students can search specifically for “Summer Jobs”. Continuing students can remain student employees if needed by their department during the summer under the normal guidelines of student employment. Students may work up to 40 hours per week during the summer.
How can I find a job after I graduate?
Career Services at the University of Arizona has a plethora of resources to help University of Arizona students and alumni make decisions about their post graduation employment and connect with employers looking to hire UA graduates. Check the Other UA Career Resources section for specific links, call Career Services at 621-2546 to find out more information or make an appointment with one of our career counselors.
Can I still work at the UofA if I withdraw from all of my classes?
You cannot work as a student employee if you are not enrolled in any classes.
Work-Study Questions
UA Federal Work Study FAQ's
Are there special jobs for work-study students?
Many campus departments hire only work-study students which they will indicate on their job listing. The positions themselves are not any different than the types of positions that are open to non-work study students. And work-study students can apply to any type of campus position, even if the position does not require work-study. Most of the 800+ FWS positions funded are on-campus; however, federal or state agencies, and nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations may contract with UA to hire FWS eligible students off campus.
What does my work-study do for campus?
Work-study funds help departments cover the costs of employing students. Work-study funds are used to support the program giving campus employers a 66% wage reduction on your salary, thus allowing them to hire more students. The overall benefit is increasing the number of student positions on campus.
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What is Expected of Me at Work?
What should I do if I am sick?
If you are unable to go to work due to an illness, it is your responsibility to call your supervisor to explain to him or her that you will be unable to work. You should “call in” each day you are ill before your shift is scheduled to begin.
Can I take time off for my schoolwork?
Most departments realize that schoolwork is your top priority as a student. Therefore offices should make every attempt to accommodate student’s class schedules and make adjustments during exam periods. You should discuss any upcoming assignments that would interfere with your work schedule well in advance so that office needs are covered.
What should I do if I am going to be late?
If you are going to be late, it is your responsibility to call your supervisor stating what time you will be arriving to work. Excessive tardiness may ultimately lead to the termination of your employment.
How should I dress at work?
You should keep in mind that you are representing your department and the University and therefore dress appropriately. Your first step is to check with your supervisor to see if there are any special guidelines on dress. Offices that deal with the public tend to require more formal attire. Other departments have specific requirements due to safety. Regardless, make sure you are presentable.
Getting Paid
How do I get paid?
You must submit a signed time sheet to your supervisor for each payroll period. The supervisor must verify the accuracy of the hours and submit the time sheet to the department's payroll representative.
How is my pay rate determined?
Pay rates are determined based on the duties to be performed and the nature of the qualifications required. All jobs are classified as either A, B, C, or D and wage rates are determined based on these student group classifications.
When do I get my first paycheck?
Payroll information must be reported by a specified deadline, listed on the Payroll Calendar . If information is received after the deadline, the student's paycheck may be delayed approximately two weeks.
How often and on what day do I get paid?
The University of Arizona runs on a two week payroll schedule. See the Payroll Calendar for specific pay dates.
Where do I pick up my checks?
You may receive your paycheck directly from the department payroll representative, or you can sign up for Direct Deposit and have funds automatically deposited into your bank account. You may still receive a pay stub which you should keep.
Can I have my paycheck deposited directly into my bank account?
Yes. It is the best way to ensure that your money is automatically deposited into your personal account. This is a great service to have, especially when you are away for spring break or during the holiday closure. Your money is in your bank account no matter where you are! See your employer's payroll representative for more information on direct deposit.
Do I receive multiple checks for multiple jobs?
No. If you work for more than one department, then the check is distributed through the home department. The home department is determined by either the employment end date or the greater FTE.
When do I get a raise?
There are various avenues available to departments to increase a student's pay rate. All are subject to the availability of funds within the department. Student employees may have their pay rate increased for: Performance/Merit, Longevity (Anniversary), Equity, Career Progression, Promotion/Reclassification or after Probation. Read more about Pay Rate increases in the Student Employment Manual .
How many hours can I work on campus?
All student employees may work a maximum of 30 hours a week while classes are in session and up to 40 hours a week during vacation periods (when classes are not in session or during the summer).
Do I get overtime?
Overtime is defined as work in excess of 40 hours per week. During the academic year, students are only allowed to work a maximum of 30 hours. Student employees may work a maximum of 40 hours per week during vacation periods, Student employees in Student Group A, B and C titles are non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and may NOT be scheduled to work or be paid overtime. If a student employee inadvertently works over 40 hours in a week, the student employee must be compensated at the rate of one and one-half times the regular rate of pay for cash payment for each hour worked over 40 hours.
Can I have my check mailed?
Regular paychecks are not mailed to employees, but are instead available for pick up from the payroll manager at each department. Arrange with your department’s payroll manager if you need to have your paycheck mailed to you during vacations or after the semester concludes.
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Tax Questions
How do I get my W-2 to file my taxes?
All W-2 forms will be available for pickup (like paychecks) at the department from the payroll manager at the end of January.
Should I file my taxes?
If you owe taxes to the state or federal government, you are required by law to file your taxes. If you have paid taxes over the course of the calendar year and are owed a refund, you can receive that refund by filing your taxes. Taxes are due for filing by April 15th for the previous year’s work.
What taxes do I have to pay?
Wages paid to a student employee through the payroll system may be subject to the following withholding taxes: Federal Income Tax, State Income Tax, and FICA Tax (Social Security). The withholding of federal and state taxes is dependent upon the student's biweekly gross income and how the student files their form W-4. A student may seek advice from the Internal Revenue Service regarding how to file their form W-4 by calling the IRS toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040. A student is not automatically exempt from tax withholding based upon their student status.
Undergraduate students who are enrolled for at least half-time during the academic year or three-credit hours each summer session are exempt from FICA (Social Security & Medicare) taxes. If you do not take classes, but are working during the summer, you are required to pay FICA taxes. These are deducted automatically from your paycheck.
Specific to International Students
Where can international students work?
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 and J-1 visas may work anywhere on campus; it is not required that their work be related to their respective courses of study. For specific and complete information on regulations regarding campus employment, consult the Office of International Student Programs and Services .
OTHER UA CAREER RESOURCES
Planning your Career
Career and Job Search Counseling
Campus Interviewing
Career Fairs
Resume Writing
Learn to Interview
Conducting your Job Search
Applying to Graduate School
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