On-Campus Student Employee Information and Resources
On-campus employment is a meaningful and accessible way for WashU students to gain professional experience in a supportive environment. The Center for Career Engagement is here to support current and prospective student employees as they search and apply for on-campus positions, develop and leverage valuable transferable skills, and transition into their next career steps. Click on a topic below to find the answers to frequently asked questions.
Student employment roles are paid, on-campus jobs open to current WashU students.
Student employment opportunities exist in many different departments, schools, and buildings across the Danforth and Medical campuses. Opportunities are posted in Handshake.
Some jobs may be listed as Federal Work-Study (FWS) and those positions are only open to students who have FWS as a part of their financial aid award (see below for more information.)
International students should connect with the Office of International Students & Scholars before seeking employment (see below for more information.)
All campus jobs help student employees to develop career readiness competencies and skills that are transferable between jobs and fields such as time management, communication, problem solving, and organization. Most employers are inclined to hire graduates who have experience in the workforce and can demonstrate transferable skills. On-campus employment allows students to gain valuable professional experience and build their resumes and networks.
On-campus jobs take place in locations that are accessible and convenient for students.
On-campus jobs provide hours and work schedules that accommodate your course work and other student activities.
WashU staff and faculty supervise student employees, and understand and care about their growth both as professionals and students.
On-campus recruitment and hiring happens year-round.
Many jobs are featured on Handshake. Use the “on campus” filter and, if applicable, the “work study” filter. Students eligible for Federal Work-Study will see the “work study” filter for eligible jobs on Handshake. If you are eligible for Federal Work-Study and you do not see this filter on Handshake, please contact the Center for Career Engagement at careers@wustl.edu. Use this visual tutorial to learn more about finding On-Campus jobs and internships in Handshake.
Every year in late August the Center for Career Engagement hosts an On-Campus Student Employment Fair. This is open to all students and features currently open jobs and opportunities to meet with departments and schools who hire for on-campus roles throughout the year.
Many jobs are advertised directly by the department they are situated within (on their website, social media, or print materials). Referrals from faculty, staff, and peers are another great way to learn about on-campus opportunities.
The exact application process may vary from role to role, but you should be prepared to submit a tailored resume and cover letter, and if invited, participate in an interview.
We have a variety of resume and cover letter resources as well as interview tips. We also recommend meeting with a Career Coach to strategize about your job search and prepare for an interview.
If selected for hire for a job that pays hourly wages, HR will initiate your on-boarding tasks in workday. After filling out your personal information, you will be prompted to complete the form I-9. Federal law requires every employee to complete a Form 1-9: Employment Eligibility Verification and show documentation to verify your identity and authorization to work (photocopies or pictures on your phone are not acceptable.) Depending on the types of documents or identification you supply you may need to show two forms of ID. Find out what documentation is needed and acceptable here. The I-9 process must be completed within 3 days of your hire date.
You will be contacted by WashU Central HR to set up an appointment to submit your Form I-9 and documentation. Please note that this must be done in person and you may need to travel off campus for the appointment.
If you have questions about your I-9 paperwork contact DanforthCampusI9@wustl.edu or MedCampusI9@wustl.edu.
After the I-9 is complete, there will be additional on-boarding steps that you must complete in Workday for payroll. A complete overview of the HR new hire on-boarding process may be viewed here. Please note that students working in part-time on-campus positions may not be benefits eligible, so some of the tasks in group 4 will not apply. You will not be prompted to complete tasks that do not apply to your employment status.
International students should work with OISS to confirm work authorization, and once hired, to obtain a Social Security Number, which is required to be legally paid for work in the United States, and complete the Foreign National Information System process. More information may be found below.
Most students work 6-12 hours per week. Hours are determined by your supervisor.
Students are limited to 19.6 per week when class is in session and up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session (winter, spring and summer breaks). Maximum hours are cumulative, not per job. It is the student employee’s responsibility to track their hours and communicate with their supervisors especially if they work more than one campus job in an academic year. If a student chooses to work more than 20 hours per week during break times they must ensure that their average weekly hours for the year remain under 20 hours per week.
Federal Work-Study jobs are only available during the fall and spring semesters; not the summer. You may continue to work on-campus during the summer but only in a non-FWS role, but be advised that non-FWS earnings may impact your financial aid award (see below).
If you receive Federal Work-Study, you will have a maximum earning cap for the academic year which will dictate the amount of hours you can work under FWS. Please consult with your financial counselor to understand your earnings cap and be sure to communicate these limits with your supervisor(s).
International Students with CPT or AT work authorization may be able to work more than 20 hours per week.
Hourly, on-campus jobs pay at least the Missouri state minimum wage. Some may pay more. Refer to specific on-campus job postings to learn more about compensation offered.
On-campus student positions are classified as part-time employees and may not receive fringe benefits such as vacation, etc.
Some on-campus internship positions may pay a stipend or award academic credit.
If you are working a FWS job, then your earnings are already considered part of your financial aid award. Earning within your awarded amount will not impact your other aid.
If you are working a non-FWS job, your earnings may impact the result of your FAFSA for the following academic year.
If you have questions about your earning and how they may impact your financial aid award please contact your financial counselor.
Student employees with hourly positions maintain time and attendance records in real time using the Time application in Workday. Please see this page for step-by-step instructions.
Hourly student employees are paid biweekly. Please see this page for payroll dates. Payment for all student employees, FWS and non-FWS will be dispersed either by direct deposit or via physical check. You will set up your payment preferences in Workday during the hiring and on-boarding process.
No, on-campus employment must be completed at the site/location of the hiring department. While exceptions are rare, requests must be approved by the Office of the Provost.
Some students who qualify for need-based financial assistance at WashU and are awarded Federal Work-Study as part of their award and can participate in the Federal Work-Study program. Students can utilize their FWS award through part-time jobs on campus during the academic year.
Eligibility is based on financial need and is determined by the office of Student Financial Services and the student’s completion of the FAFSA. If you receive FWS it will be included in your Financial Aid award package. For questions, contact your financial counselor.
Students who are not eligible for FWS may still work on campus. In Handshake, use the “on-campus” filter.
In addition to the University-wide limit for student employees of 19.6 hours per week (listed above), if you receive Federal Work-Study, you will have a maximum earning cap for the academic year which will dictate the amount of hours you can work under FWS. Please consult with your financial counselor to understand your earnings cap and be sure to communicate these limits with your supervisor(s).
The award represents the maximum a student may earn in that academic year. Because earnings are subject to a student’s desire and ability to work, the university cannot guarantee 100% earnings of the award via FWS. You must find and work a FWS job to receive any FWS money. The amount you actually earn is dependent on your hourly wage and the number of hours you work.
Students can work more than one FWS position in an academic year (including concurently). Students who have FWS and are working more than one position should inform their supervisors about hours worked in each position to ensure they do not exceed their annual maximum earning cap.
Your maximum earnings cap is cumulative, not per job. It is the student employee’s responsibility to track their hours and earning and communicate with their supervisors especially if they work more than one campus job in an academic year.
Federal Work-Study jobs are only available during the fall and spring semesters; not the summer. You may continue to work on-campus during the summer but only in a non-FWS role. You may also work a non-FWS job concurently with a FWS role. Be advised that non-FWS earnings may impact your financial aid award (see below).
A student’s participation in the FWS program is dependent on their financial aid award. Students are required to complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile each academic year in order to receive a financial aid award. A student will be notified by Student Financial Services of award revisions each year, and depending on the student’s individual circumstances, such revisions may require termination of their FWS award. Please contact your financial counselor with questions.
To find a FWS position, use the “on campus” and “work study” filters in Handshake. Students eligible for FWS will see the “work study” filter for eligible jobs on Handshake. If you are eligible for FWS and you do not see this filter on Handshake, please contact the Center for Career Engagement at careers@wustl.edu. If you find a job you are interested in that is not labeled as “work study,” you may still apply; contact sarahsims@wustl.edu to discuss the job’s eligibility for FWS.
If you are working a FWS job, then your earnings are already considered part of your financial aid award. Earning within your awarded amount will not impact your other aid.
If you are working a non-FWS job, your earnings may impact the result of your FAFSA for the following academic year.
If you have questions about your earning and how they may impact your financial aid award please contact your financial counselor.
Once you secure and begin a FWS job, you will be paid what you earn via a biweekly paycheck. This money will be directly deposited to your bank account or paid via a physical check. Earnings cannot be automatically applied to the student account.
Yes, International students must comply with work restrictions associated with their student immigration status. Most types of work, whether paid or for credit, need work authorization before starting.
Please read the information on the Office for International Students & Scholars’ Employment page and talk to your OISS adviser to confirm work authorization before applying for on-campus jobs.
Starting work without the right approval is considered to be a violation of your immigration status.
On-campus work authorization, allows a student to work an on-campus job (non-Federal Work-Study) regardless of its applicability to their degree program or major.
F-1 and J-1 students are also eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Academic Training (AT) authorization respectively. CPT and AT require that work be related to the degree program or major. F-1 and J-1 students must apply for CPT and AT authorization through the Office for International Students & Scholars.
A given international student may have both on-campus work authorization and CPT or AT authorization.
No, WashU does not apply for sponsorship for student employee positions.
You will present work authorization documents to HR upon hire. Additionally, international student employees will need to apply for a Social Security Number and complete the Foreign National Information System (FNIS) process . The Office for International Students & Scholars provides step-by-step instructions and assistance for obtaining an SSN. Upon hire, international student employees will receive an invitation to complete information for FNIS. Completing and submitting this information is an important step that helps ensure that international student employees are taxed at the correct rate. Review FNIS Instructions for more details.
No, international students may not receive Federal Work-Study and therefore may not work in a role that is paid through FWS funds.
Students may work up to 19.6 hours per week when school is in session, and up to 40 hours per week during break times. These hours are cumulative, not per job. Some international students may hold more than one on-campus position. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of their hours and communicate with their supervisor.
International students working in a position approved for CPT or AT may be authorized to work more than 20 hours per week.
An international student may have both general on-campus work authorization and CPT or AT authorization.
The Office for International Students & Scholars (OISS) has many resources for international students including: Maintaining Immigration Status, and Employment and Taxes. OISS offers tax workshops for international students and scholars in the spring semester. Check the OISS Event Calendar for upcoming workshops.
