FAQs for Students

Who can work?
Graduate and Undergraduate students are eligible to work as long as they are registered at least half-time in a matriculating program. At Seton Hall University, half-time enrollment is 6 credits for Undergraduate students and 5 credits for Graduate students.

How do I find a job?
Open positions are posted to our job board at Jobs.SHU.edu. Select the “Student Employment” filter to see and apply for jobs.

When can I start working?
Students are not permitted to begin working until they have received official confirmation e-mail from the Office of Student Employment advising the eligibility to begin working. This e-mail is automatically generated and sent once paperwork has been processed, including the I-9 Form and offer acceptance. Access to timesheets in WebTime Entry will be granted the following day. Students are prohibited from working prior to receiving the clearance notification via email from the Office of Student Employment.

Do I have to reapply if I am returning to the same position that I had last year?
Yes. Students are hired based on eligibility for a specified time and their employment is terminated at the end of that contract. Positions are typically annual, and supervisors/hiring managers must complete a new requisition each award year. Student eligibility is evaluated each award year.

Can I have more than one position on campus?
No. Students are permitted to work 1 position at a time through the Student Employment program regardless of the number of working hours.

If I am a Graduate Assistant (Provost approved) can I work outside of my Graduate Assistant assignment?
No. Graduate Assistants are typically contracted for 20 hours and it is considered their one and only position. Graduate Assistants cannot simultaneously work a position through Student Employment.

What is Federal Work Study (FWS)?
Federal Work Study is a federal grant that eligible student receive working in a part-time position on campus. In order to be students must have filed a FAFSA and have financial need. Because financial aid can change throughout the year, FWS eligibility can also change.

What is University Funded (UF)?
University funded is funding paid directly from the budget in the department of which the student works. University funded students do not have to demonstrate financial need, therefore all students are eligible for employment under UF. Students who are no longer eligible for FWS may be switched to UF if the department's budget allows it. In the event a student has reached their FWS award, the assignment will be terminated. It is up to the student to discuss being switched to the department’s budget with their immediate supervisor. If the student will be switched to departmental funding the supervisor is required to submit that request via email to the financial aid department. Departmental funds are maintained and allocated by the hiring department.

Does getting a Federal Work Study award on my Financial Aid Notice guarantee me a job?
No. There may be more job-seeking students than open positions at a given time. Students must apply and be hired for a position to earn this funding. The Office of Student Employment does not assist in job placement.

Do I have to complete an I-9 form every year?
No. The I-9 Form must only be completed upon initial hiring. The only exception is for temporary I-9 Forms, typically issued to international students based on documentation expiration.

Where do I submit my I-9 Form?
You can submit your I-9 Form to the Financial Aid Office, located in Bayley Hall on the Main Campus. You must bring the original form of your supporting document(s) as indicated in the I-9 instructions. You will sign and date this form in the presence of a representative from the Financial Aid Office.

Do I have to complete a W-4 form every year?
No. However, if you wish to change any information, you must complete and submit a new form to the Payroll Office, located in Bayley Hall. This office maintains all W-4 forms and Direct Deposit forms. The Student Employment Office is not responsible for the collection of or the processing of W-4 forms or Direct Deposit forms.

Where do I submit my Payroll forms?
You must complete W-4 and NJ W-4 Forms to receive your compensation as a student worker. These forms are available online through the Payroll Department’s site. You can submit these forms to the Payroll Office, located in Bayley Hall Room 10.

How do I get paid?
Paychecks are issued according to the University's biweekly payroll schedule. Checks are sent to the mailing address on file with SHU. Students can elect to enroll in Direct Deposit through the Payroll Office. Funds, including Federal Work Study, are not paid directly to the student’s SHU account or bill.

How much can I earn?
Student employees earn at least the current minimum wage; NJ minimum wage is $15.13/hr beginning 1/1/2024. FWS awards indicate the total amount that a student may earn in this program, and can be found on the award package on your SHU Portal.

How many hours can I work?
Students may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, and 29 hours per week during University break periods. Weeks are calculated beginning on Friday and ending the following Thursday.

Can I change positions during the year?
Yes, however you are required to notify your current supervisor and the Office of Student Employment. You are not permitted to begin working in your new position until you receive a clearance notification email for this position. It is strongly recommended that students remain within their position through the end of the pay period.

Can I work over the Summer? 

Students can work over the Summer, however they must be registered at least half-time for the following Fall semester and meet the other terms of eligibility for Student Employment. Graduating students cannot work beyond the date of Commencement.