FAQs - Student Employment
Can I Have More than One Job or Change Jobs?
Do I Get Paid For Lunch Break?
How Many Hours May I Work?
How Much Money Can I Expect to Earn?
How Will I Be Paid?
How Will I Know What Jobs are Available?
What About Vacation, Holiday, or Sick Hours?
What are the Acceptable Documents for Employment?
What Do Employers Look For in an Employee?
What Do I Need to Know About Being Interviewed?
What Forms Do I Need to Complete for Work?
What If I Can't Find a Job on My Own?
What If I Have More Questions?
What is FICA, and How Does It Apply to Me?
Can I Have More than One Job or Change Jobs?
When it is permissible for a student to work at more than one on campus job, the student is responsible for ensuring that their hours worked does not exceed the total allowed.
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident is allowed to work as a student employee on campus during enrolled semesters up to, but not to exceed, 20 hours per week. International students on a visa are allowed to work as a student employee on campus during enrolled semesters up to, but not to exceed, 20 hours per week. During breaks or holidays, students may be employed up to full-time.
Changing jobs is possible, but you should strive to stay with your job at least one semester. Also, as a courtesy, you should give your employer a minimum of two weeks notice before you change jobs.
Students are encouraged not to terminate their employment during the last two weeks of the semester.
Students working on campus during the summer are encouraged to stay with their employers for the entire summer. The beginning of the school year would be the best time to make a change if you have another job option.
Do I Get Paid for Lunch Break?
Student employees are to be treated in the same manner as permanent hourly employees with regard to lunch and break periods. An hourly employee working 8 hours per day is entitled to an unpaid 30-minute lunch period in according with the policy of the employing department.
How Many Hours May I Work Per Week?
Most students find that 12 to 15 hours of work per week is about the maximum amount they can handle while carrying a full class load.
Students working in more than one department on campus are not allowed to work more than a combined total of 20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per week during the breaks, holidays and summer.
According to Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) regulations, international students attending Andrews University on a student visa are permitted to work only on-campus and are limited to a maximum of 20 work hours per week during periods of enrollment.
When classes are in session, you should be careful to balance your work schedule with the time you will need for your course work and other activities or commitments. During holidays and vacation periods you may want to increase your work schedule. Student employees are not paid for lunch hours, holiday vacation or sick leave.
How Much Money Can I Expect to Earn
The pay scale starts at minimum wage. Your rate may reflect your qualifications and skills required for the position, the scope of work, and level of responsibility expected of an employee holding the position. The hourly rate for a student employee who returns to the same department and position may be increased at the department's discretion after the student completes each year of employment.
Once you have completed all the necessary paperwork at the Student Labor office and then you have secured a job, then every other Friday, you will receive a paycheck at your department. If you have direct deposit, then you will get a pay stub showing how much you made, any deductions and the amount deposited. Your bank statement will confirm the deposit and give you your new balance.
Direct deposit can be used with any financial institution as long as you have a routing number, an account number and have submitted this information to the Payroll Office in the Administration Building, 2nd floor.
How Will I Know What Jobs are Available?
On-campus student jobs are posted on the web and are available at any time by visiting the following link:
http://www.andrews.edu/HR/emp_job_students.cgi
We also post the job openings on our bulletin board located outside of office on the 2nd floor of the Administration Building.
What About Vacation, Holiday, or Sick Hours?
Student employees are compensated only for actual hours worked and are not eligible to receive holiday pay, sick leave or vacation leave pay. If a student employee does in fact work on a University holiday, they are entitled to be paid for those hours at their regular hourly rate, and those hours must be recorded.
What are the Acceptable Documents for Employment?
To complete the I-9 Form, the government requires each student employee to present original documents verifying the students identity and employment eligibility. You will need to present either one from list A or one item from each of lists B and C before you will be authorized to begin work.
A list of the acceptable documents that may be submitted, including information regarding receipts in lieu of documents from the lists, can be found at the USCIS website here.
What Do Employers Look For In an Employee?
Knowing what characteristics employers want in their employees will make you more successful not only in an interview, but also on the job. Research reveals that employers want employees who are:
- Dependable - An employer will count on you to show up on time, to stay on the job for the agreed upon number of hours, and to complete your tasks.
- Neat in appearance - You should be well groomed regardless of the type of work you will be doing. Your clothing should be appropriate for the job site. If there is a dress code, follow it.
- Self-Motivated - An employee who works enthusiastically and responsibly, who doesnt need to be pushed or closely supervised, is highly valued.
- Loyal - Employers want you to be loyal not only when you are at work, but also when you are off. Speak highly of your department or business.
- Trainable - Employers want employees who listen to and carefully follow instructions, who accept criticism, and who ask questions to avoid making mistakes. A willingness to learn is a great asset.
- Positive - Having a friendly smile and a positive attitude creates a comfortable atmosphere for you, your co-workers, and customers. Leave your personal problems out of the workplace.
- Respectful - Your employer will expect you to respect the people and equipment in your workplace. You must also respect the privacy of people about whom you may hear or see information as part of your job. Keep such information confidential.
- Cooperative - Employers like a team player that is flexible and willing to pitch in whenever needed.
- Committed - Most employers prefer that you commit to working for them for the entire school year and possibly longer. They also want you to be committed to the work you do. Do it to the best of your ability.
- Service Oriented - Employers appreciate willingness to go the extra mile. Look for ways to do a job better than people expect.
What Do I Need to Know About Being Interviewed?
The interview is your opportunity to present your strengths and abilities to your potential employer. It also allows you to learn more about the job opening, the work environment and the employer.
To ensure your interview is a success, here are a few tips:
- Dress professionally. Your appearance makes a lasting impression.
- Be punctual. Arrive a few minutes early and make sure the potential employer knows that you are present.
- Bring a list of references, both past employers and personal, to present if requested.
- Know the interviewers name and title, if any.
- Extend a firm handshake.
- Relax, smile and don't fidget.
- Establish good eye contact.
- Be positive, friendly, and businesslike.
- Listen carefully. Answer questions completely but concisely.
- Avoid being over talkative.
- Be honest.
- If you don't know something, don't be afraid to say so openly.
- Find out all you can about the job.
- Refrain from complaining about any previous work situations.
- Make your points politely.
- Don't exaggerate or downplay your best qualities or experience.
- Show interest and enthusiasm.
- Send a thank-you note. A brief, well-written note can strengthen a potential employer's positive impression of you.
What Forms Do I Need to Complete for Work?
The following forms may be obtained from the Student Employment Office and must be completed before you may begin working.
- A Federal W-4 Form (Employees Withholding Allowance Certificate)
- A State W-4 Form
- An I-9 Form (Employment Eligibility Verification)
To complete the I-9 Form, the government requires each student employee to present original documents verifying the students identity and employment eligibility. Please refer to the acceptable documents section above.
What If I Can't Find a Job on My Own?
Stop by the Student Employment Office and talk with an officer. We will be happy to assist you individually in exploring job opportunities.
These tips may help:
Look . . . Even before you arrive on campus, you can begin your job search. A list of on-campus jobs are available, just click here and make sure to check with the contact person to find out whether there is a job available for you:
Apply . . . Complete an application, if available, and make sure your application is delivered to the person responsible for hiring.
FOLLOW UP . . . Consistent, positive contact with an employer increases your chances of getting the job you want.
What If I Have More Questions?
The Student Employment office is here to help you. For help finding a job or for answers to your questions about student employment, stop by the Student Employment office located on the 2nd floor of the Administration Building.
Or you may contact the Student Employment Office at:?
(269) 471-3570
E-mail Address: employment@andrews.edu
US 31 North
Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0860
What is FICA and How Does it Apply to Me?
In accordance with federal regulations and University policy, student employees are exempt from FICA tax withholding during the academic year employment term, provided that the payroll system is able to verify the students enrolment for at least half-time status in the relevant semester. A student must be known under the same social security number in both system in order for the verification to occur.
- Phone: 269-471-3302
- Email: hr@andrews.edu