Student FAQ

Each year hundreds of students work on campus.   On-Campus job opportunities at Southern Connecticut State University not only offer much needed extra cash, but students also have the opportunity to develop the skills and work habits necessary to be successful upon graduation.   Working on-campus is undoubtedly a great preparation for the world beyond college.   The following information has been provided to answer some of the more frequently asked questions regarding *Regular Program Student Employment .   For additional information regarding student employment please view the Student Employment Policies portion of this website.

 

Who qualifies for regular program student employment?

To work on campus as a student worker you must be accepted to the university as matriculated and enrolled in courses.   Matriculation is defined as being accepted to the university and enrolled in a planned program (a student can be matriculated even if they are an undeclared major).   To be eligible for summer work the student must have been enrolled in the prior spring semester and be enrolled in the subsequent fall semester or be completing degree requirements during one of the summer sessions.

 

How do I find out what jobs are available on-campus?

There is a list of current on-campus job openings available in the Career Center located in Schwartz Hall Room 102.   You will be asked to fill out a student employment registration card indicating your skills and availability.   Once you have registered you are included on our student database.   This database of students is used by departments looking for student help.   Many on-campus jobs go unadvertised, so you may want to inquire in person at departments you are interested in.  

 

How many hours can I work?

You can work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session dependent upon department budget.   However, you can work up to 40 hours per week during school recesses such as summer, intersession, and spring break.   You may not work more than 8 hours per day.   If you have more than one job on-campus your total number of hours worked for all jobs must not exceed the maximums listed above. 

 

How much can I expect to make?

While the pay range for a student worker is from $7.65 to $15.00 per hour, the typical student earns $8.00 per hour and works 11 hours per week.  Higher paying jobs usually require specific knowledge, training or experience in a particular field.  When you apply for the position your supervisor will discuss wages with you.

 

What are the job requirements and expectations of an on-campus job?

Each department has different expectations.   You should find out exactly what the job entails from your direct supervisor.   Duties you will perform, and the hours you will work should be made clear in the interview.   Be sure to ask questions before beginning your position.

  

When will I get paid?

Your department should have a list of payroll dates.   These dates are also available on the web (click here).  They are strictly adhered to.  Remember that you will not be paid unless you have completed the Student Employment Work Authorization Form and the Center for Career Services and the Human Resources Department have verified your work eligibility.  So be sure all of your paperwork is in order before starting your new job.    After you have completed your paperwork it can take four or more weeks to receive your first check (see the payroll calendar).  Once you are on the payroll  paychecks are issued every two weeks, and can be picked up in the payroll department in the Wintergreen building.   Be sure to use the prepopulated time sheet sent to your supervisor by the Human Resources Department to record your hours.  Your time sheets must be completed by the deadline and submitted to your supervisor for submission to the payroll office for each pay period you work.  Late or incomplete timesheets may result in late checks.

 

How should I submit my time sheet?

Your time sheet must be submitted by 4:00pm on the last day of the pay period.   Your time sheet should be submitted to the payroll department in the Wintergreen Building.   In the Payroll department there is a bin for incoming timesheets.   Do not leave your timesheet on someone's desk.   The Payroll Department will not be responsible for any time sheet submitted in an improper manner.  

 

Once I am hired, where do I fill out my paperwork?

Once you have been hired by a department you must complete Federal, State and University paperwork.   Your supervisor will give you a Student Employment Work Authorization Request form to take to the Center for Career Services, Schwartz Hall 102.   At the Career Center you will be asked to fill out the following paperwork:

a) State W-4 and Federal W-4  

You must have a valid social security number to work on campus.   If you do not have a social security number you must apply for one by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The eight-digit identification number that the university issues to you is NOT a social security number.   It is used internally for Southern Connecticut State University business only.

b) I-9 Form

This form is required to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.   It requires that you present documentation to establish identity and employment eligibility.   For a list of acceptable documents please view the I-9 document section of this website.

Arriving with the proper identification and documentation will expedite the process, so you may begin your new job as soon as possible. 

Your Student Employment Work Authorization form must be complete and stamped by the Center for Career Services and entered into PeopleSoft by the Human Resources Department before you will be put on the university student worker payroll.

c) State of Connecticut Code of Ethics

The review and signature of the State of Connecticut Code of Ethics is required of all new state employees.  Any questions concerning the State of Connecticut Code of Ethics should be directed to Human Resources Department in the Wintergreen Building.

d) University Student Worker Policy Statement

You will also be supplied with a University Student Worker Policy Statement.  Your signature on the Work Authorization Request indicates you have read and understand these policies.  Please be sure to read them carefully.  Also, take note of the payroll schedule available at the Center for Career Services.

Your Student Employment Work Authorization form must be complete and stamped by the Center for Career Services and entered into the payroll system by the Human Resources Department before you can be put on the University Student Worker Payroll.  Payroll information schedules are available at the Center for Career Services and are also available on the web (click here).

 

What documents should I bring to the Career Center when I go to complete my paperwork?

Verification of Identity and employment eligibility - With the federal I-9 form you will be asked to present a document verifying your identity and a document verifying employment eligibility.   Most students use their driver's license or Hoot Loot Card to verify their identity and their social security card or birth certificate to verify employment eligibility.  International students commonly use their passport with an attached I-9 form.   These are only examples of documents that are commonly used.   For a complete list of acceptable documents please view the I-9 documents section of this website.

 

I am an international student, what do I need to do before beginning my on campus job?

 
Because work eligibility is determined differently for international students the process of getting on to the student worker payroll is slightly different. When you are hired by a department your supervisor must write a letter to Aliya Amin in the International Students Office.  The letter should include your name and student ID number, a brief description of your duties, and your rate of pay.  Ms. Amin will issue you a letter to the Social Security Administration so that you can apply for a Social Security Card. You must receive your Social Security Card before you can begin working. Once you have received your Social Security Card (4-6 weeks) you should bring your Work Authorization Request to the Career Center, where your eligibility for an on-campus job will be determined. A member of the Career Center staff will stamp your Work Authorization form and direct you to Diane Boutaugh in the Human Resources Department to complete your I-9 and W-4s. Once you have completed your Work Authorization form you can begin to work.  If your visa status changes for any reason after completing the Work Authorization Request you should see Diane Boutaugh in the Human Resources Department.  In subsequent academic years and summers when you complete your Work Authorization Requests you will need to have your form stamped at the Center for Career Services, Schwartz Hall 102, then deliver it to the Human Resources Department in the Wintergreen Building for final approval. 

 

*Please note that Regular Program Student Employment is not to be confused with Federal Work-Study, which is coordinated by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, located in the Wintergreen building.   They facilitate the job placement process for those students who have been awarded Federal Work Study as a part of their financial aid package.