Student Employee Handbook

This Student Employee Handbook is provided as a guide for student employees and their supervisors and does not constitute a contract of employment.

Mesa State College recognizes the significant impact employment can have on our students' ability to fund their education and to facilitate entry into careers. As an integral part of the employment opportunities for students, the Financial Aid Office monitors student eligibility for on-campus employment. To check open job listings, click here.

For additional handbook info, click here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mesa State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital or veteran status in its programs or activities. Departments are required to comply with this policy when conducting student employment functions. Persons having equal employment opportunity inquiries may contact the Department of Human Resources at 970.248.1266.

Types of Work Programs

There are three types of student work programs available at Mesa State College:

• Federal Work-Study: A federally funded program where the government subsidizes 75% of the student's wages. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted and a student may be placed in the program as a part of the financial aid package if funds are available. A student must have demonstrated financial need to be eligible, and must accept the work-study award.
• Colorado Work-Study: A state-funded program where the state subsidizes the student's wages. A FAFSA must be submitted, and a student may be placed on the program as a part of the financial aid package if funds are available. A student must accept the work-study award.
• Student Assist: The student's salary is paid entirely through the department's budget. It is not necessary for the student to complete the FAFSA.

Interviewing

• An interview for an on-campus position may be the student's first experience with employment searches. By conducting effective interviews, an employer can not only increase the likelihood of placing the best person in the position, but can also provide an excellent educational opportunity for applicants. An important aspect of the hiring process includes familiarizing the student with the duties and responsibilities of the position. An employer should provide the student with a job description and payroll information, and outline job performance expectations. A supervisor may also use this opportunity to discuss how and when employee evaluations are conducted, and to what extent these appraisals may affect raises and promotions.

• The Equal Employment Opportunity Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit employers from requesting certain information that could be used for discriminatory purposes.

Hours & Timesheets

• The scheduling of hours to be worked by a student will be arranged between the supervisor and the student. Students may not work more than eight hours per day and should not work more than 20 hours per week when classes are in session. Students may work up to 40 hours during the summer when classes are not in session. This will help ensure that a student can work for the entire academic year using work-study funding. Once a student employee earns the full amount of the work-study award, the student's employment will be terminated unless the department chooses to continue the employment under the Student Assist Program. In that event, the department will be responsible for 100% of the student's salary.

• Timesheets will be delivered to the departments usually on the 11th and 26th day of the month. Completed timesheets will be collected on the same day. Paychecks may be picked up in the accounting office on the 5th and 20th of each month. If those dates occur on a weekend, payday will be on the Friday prior.