Student Assistant - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Student Assistant Employment? UA on campus employment opportunities for students is called Student Assistant Employment. These jobs are funded through UA departmental budgets, and eligibility is not based on financial need.
What are the benefits of working on campus? Having a job on-campus connects students with faculty, staff, and other students who may help them adjust to life at UA. Students perform better academically and are more likely to remain in school if employed on campus. Work experience is also helpful when interviewing for a career position after graduation. Also, there is no FICA withheld for student assistant employees. This can add over $.50/hour to a student's paycheck (minimum half-time status required).
Are there any particular skills I will need to be eligible for Student Assistant Employment?
Am I eligible to work on campus? If you are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting program at UA and are registered for at least half time enrollment for the semester in which you would be working, you are eligible to work on campus.
How can I get a part-time job on campus? You can log onto http://jobs.ua.edu and access job listings at any time. From this site, students can apply to positions that are posted by on-campus departments. Interviews and hiring decisions are made by the hiring departments.
How many hours can I work per week? Student Assistants may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during Fall and Spring terms, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer and academic year break periods. These limits apply to the total hours worked for all combined on-campus jobs.
Can I work more than one job on campus? Eligible students may apply for and work in more than one student assistant position, however, both hiring departments must be notified and the work hour limit is inclusive of all positions worked on-campus. For example, if a Student Assistant works 10 hours per week in one position, he/she may work only up to 10 hours week in another.
Each job will pay differently depending on department funding, job responsibilities, & other factors. Students are guaranteed to be paid at least the current federal minimum wage. Higher paying jobs are typically the result of relevant experience and specific job-related skills. UA student assistant employees are required to complete biweekly time sheets. Actual pay is based on the number of hours worked during the relevant pay period. Paychecks are directly deposited to a designated checking/savings account.
I am an international student. Am I eligible for Student Assistant Employment? Yes. International students in lawful F-1 and J-1 status are eligible to work on campus if enrolled for a full course of study. Eligible international students must not work in excess of 20 hours per week, due to visa restrictions. During semester breaks and summer semester, international students can work up to 40 hours per week.
Are these jobs the same as Federal Work-Study? No. Federal Work-Study (FWS) jobs are available to students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have been awarded funds based on financial need. Visit http://financialaid.ua.edu for more information.
What type of paperwork is required when I am hired into a Student Assistant position? You will be required to complete an I-9 and a W-4 (tax withholding) form. Please refer to the following link for a list of the proper documents you will need in order to complete the paperwork: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf
Who should I contact if I have questions? Call the UA Office of Student Employment at 205-348-4354 or email UArecruitment@fa.ua.edu. |