Student Employment FAQ’s

 If I don’t have work study in my financial aid package, can I still work?
Due to the number of work study students vs. the number of jobs available, there are limited jobs that can be considered payroll for students who do not have work study in their financial aid package.  Jobs that require a special skill or talent can hire students as payroll if someone with work study is not available to take the position.  These positions are ones such as tutoring a foreign language, computer tech positions, teaching assistant positions, building sets or sewing costumes for plays in the drama department, raising support from alumni, life guarding, playing a musical instrument, etc. All departments intending to hire a student for a payroll position must clear it through the Student Employment Office, however.  Also, if a department has not filled all of its positions by the 3rd week into the semester, the department can hire a payroll student ONLY until the end of the year.  At that time it needs to be opened back up to a student with work study in his/her financial aid package.

Is there anything I need to do before I can start working?
Yes, United States law requires anyone who is employed to complete the I9/W4 employment forms. You will need to show documents that establish both identity and eligibility to work in the United States before the forms will be considered complete.  Examples of acceptable forms that establish identity include: a school ID, driver's license, state ID or a passport. Examples of forms that establish eligibility to work in the U.S. include social security card, birth certificate, or a passport. A complete list of documents is listed on the back side of the I9 form.  Federal regulation states that the documents must be the original, with exception of the birth certificate which must be a certified copy if not the original.  Copies and faxes cannot be accepted. 

Where can I find these required employment forms?
The Financial Aid Office will have these forms.  As an incoming student with work study as part of your financial aid package however, these forms will be sent home during the summer. 

Where can I find out what jobs are available?
Most jobs on campus are classified as work study.  Work study is a type of need based aid that is awarded based on financial need and will be listed in your award letter if you qualify for the award.  Available positions will be posted on the job web site. Jobs are not guaranteed as you must secure a position on your own. 

How many hours can I work per week?
Typically students are awarded a student employment amount of $2325 for the school year.  In order to earn this amount over the course of the school year, a student will need to work 10 hours per week, or 150 hours per semester or 300 hours for the school year.  If a student works more than 10 hours per week, once the $2325 amount is earned, the student will be contacted that his/her work study amount has been earned and will be asked to stop working. (Please refer to the student employment handbook for more information on the student employment program).

Can I work more than one campus job?
It depends.  Typically students are allowed to work only one job but occasionally students who are working a 10 hour per week work study job are also asked to work one of the specialty payroll jobs mentioned earlier.  If it is approved, the student is allowed to work both jobs but can only work up to 5 hours at the payroll position if working the full 10 hours with the work study job.  Only on rare occasions through an appeal process is a student allowed to hold two 10 hour per week positions that are considered work study only jobs.   Holding two work study positions is allowed if the student is splitting the full time hours between two departments, or picking up extra hours because he/she has fallen behind in earnings toward the financial aid package award, however.

How much will I get paid?
Illinois Wesleyan University pays the minimum wage rate which is currently $8.00 per hour. 

How often will I get paid?
Students receive payment once per month.  The pay date is currently on the tenth of each month or the Friday before if the tenth falls on a weekend.

 Where can I pick up my checks?
Paychecks are available in the Business Office, located at 109 Holmes Hall.