Office of Student Employment

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Student Employment

What is work study?

Students awarded work study have satisfied requirements through their FAFSA filing that makes them eligible for either Federal or State Work Study. This gives a student the opportunity to earn money that can be put toward their living expenses or their tuition that is actually paid out of either Federal or State funds. One of the benefits of any money earned through work study is that it is not considered as an income resource on the next year's FAFSA.

How do I know if I have work study (either Federal or State)?

You will receive notice on your Financial Aid Award that you have been awarded Federal or State Work Study. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Can non-work study students still get jobs on campus?

Yes, any enrolled PLU student is eligible to apply for on campus jobs. These on campus jobs are ones paid by the department that is hiring the student, not from Federal or State Funds. To find these jobs you may check our online JobX postings on our website, OR you may contact various departments to determine if employment exists.

What is the best time to start looking for a job?

Students should start looking for a job as close to the start of the semester as possible. You can view all of our job postings, both work study and non-work study, online through our JobX database. If you are unable to look for a job at the beginning of the semester, continue to check back the website for new job postings throughout the year.

How do I apply for a job?

If you have found an on campus position for which you would like to apply, submit an online application via JobX. Remember which positions you apply for and write down the contact information for the hiring supervisor. Check in with the hiring supervisor after a few days to make sure that they know you are serious about the position you are applying for. If you have found a state work study job for which you would like to apply, contact the listed hiring supervisor. Make sure to be very specific about the position you are applying for. The hiring supervisor will then let you know what the interviewing and hiring procedures are. Once again, check in with the hiring supervisor after a few days to make sure they know you are serious about the position for which you are applying. For off-campus SWS jobs make sure to have a resume ready to present to the hiring supervisor.

What jobs do you apply for?

You decide which jobs you apply for. You may want to select jobs to apply for based on your individual personality traits, work experience, physical/mental aptitudes/skills, prior education and interests. Where would you best fit in? Keep in mind that there is more opportunity in some areas than others. For example, Dining Services has many positions available due to the size and required staff to keep in trunning efficiently. However, you will not find that volume of opportunity in the smaller departments on campus.

How do I know which positions are available?

Check out the ‘Students' section on our JobX page to find a complete listing of all on campus and state work study positions. The site will indicate which departments or organizations have positions available for a given term and whom to contact.

What do I do if I am offered a job? What documents do I need to complete my hire paperwork?

If you are offered an on campus position, your first stop is the Student Employment Office to process your mandatory hiring paperwork. This paperwork must be done before your first day of work. You will be required to complete a Department of Homeland Security I-9 "Employment Eligibility Verification" and a W-4 before you begin working.  Original documentation, such as a social security card, passport or certified copy of a birth certificate, is required to complete this paperwork.  Please bring your original documents to the Student Employment Office. If you are offered a SWS position, you must pick up your State Work Study Referral Agreement Form in the Student Employment Office. The SWS Referral Agreement Form must be completed by your employer and returned to the Student Employment Office prior to your first day of employment.

How many hours can I work each week?

While school is in session, a student can work up to 19 hours a week in a state work study position or 20 hours in an on campus position. Most students work an average of 10-15 hours a week while taking classes. During holidays and school breaks you are allowed to work more hours, which may vary based on your award, the need of the department you are working in, or the employer. A student cannot work more than 40 hours a week.

What happens if I choose not to use my work study award?

Nothing happens other than a resource to earn money for tuition or expenses was not taken advantage of. A work-study position can help you build employment experience, employer references for the future and in some cases (state work study) permanent placement upon graduation. If you do not plan on using your work-study award, please notify the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible.

Must I earn my entire work-study award?

No. You may earn some, all or none of your award while you are eligible to work. If you do not earn your entire award during this period, you may not access the remaining amount.

How do I get paid?

Wages are paid directly to you whether it is through the University or an off-campus employer. All on-campus student workers will be paid by the Payroll Office and paychecks will be made available in the Business Office.  Students working on campus are paid once per month, on the 25th day of each month.  If you have an off-campus position, your pay periods will be set by your employer.

When will I receive my W-2?

The W-2 is an official record of the total amount of your wages for the calendar year. It also shows federal, state, and Social Security (FICA) taxes withheld. W-2 statements are mailed to each employee by January 31 of the year following the end of the tax year. It is important that the Payroll Office has the most current mailing address where you would like to have your statement mailed.

Office of Student Employment, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma WA 98447