Frequently Asked Questions about Student Employment at Ball State University
What benefit does student employment offer me as a college student?
The experience you gain working as a student will be invaluable when you are in the market for a job after graduation, and on-campus employees make important contributions to the university. In addition, on-campus jobs give you the opportunity to
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Build your résumé
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Establish a work record
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Develop career contacts
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Learn time-management skills
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Develop skills you can use in other jobs
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Earn money that can be used as you see fit.
How can I get a part-time student job?
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Check the Web site for eligibility requirements.
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Complete the application.
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Check Cardinal ViewJobs for available on- and off-campus positions.
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Visit the Career Center, Lucina Hall 220, to complete forms and pick up job referrals.
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Arrange for interviews with campus employers.
The Career Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the academic year and from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the summer.
If you are regularly enrolled at least half-time during an academic period, you may be eligible to work that term. If you are a new student beginning your first classes at Ball State in the fall, you may be able to work the preceding summer. Check with the Career Center to find out if you are eligible.
Students only auditing classes are ineligible to work on campus.
Is there a deadline for applying for an on-campus job?
No, but we recommend that you submit a student employment application and tax forms to the Career Center before classes begin.
What do I need to bring to my first visit to the Career Center?
For your first visit, you will need to show documents to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. Most students use their
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photo I.D. (Ball State or driver’s license) and
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either an original birth certificate or an original social security card.
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A valid passport may also be used in lieu of the above.
A complete list of Required Employment Eligibility Documents is available on the World Wide Web or at the Career Center.
What kinds of jobs are there? How many jobs are available?
The on-campus job market is competitive. However, if you are persistent and have marketable skills and available time, you have a good chance of finding a job.
Many types of jobs, skilled and unskilled, are available. Students work as clerical assistants, receptionists, tutors, computer assistants, recreation workers, newspaper staff, food service workers, facilities and grounds helpers, and in many other campus jobs. Student employees make important contributions to the work force of the university. About 5,500 students work on campus each year.
How will I be paid?
The university will issue you a biweekly paycheck based on an hourly rate.
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Federal and state taxes will be deducted from your check.
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FICA (Social Security and Medicare) tax will not be withheld during the academic year.
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FICA may be withheld if you work during breaks and vacations.
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You can participate in Direct Deposit.
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You can participate in Employee Self Serve and eliminate the need for pay stubs.
How much can I work?
Generally, and upon availability,
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You may work up to 20 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters.
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You may work up to 40 hours a week during the summer.
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Most jobs average 10 to 15 hours a week during the academic year.
A few students may have special limits placed on their earnings. Check with the Career Center for more information.
What is Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study is a government-sponsored financial aid program. To be eligible for the federal work-study program, you must have applied by the deadline for financial aid through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Can I apply for any on-campus position?
If you have been awarded work-study, you can apply for any on-campus job. If you were not awarded work-study but are eligible to work, you can apply for any on-campus job except those indicated for work-study (FWS) applicants only. The only difference between regular and work-study employment is that the federal government pays part of work-study wages.
Off-Campus Employment
The Career Center lists many part-time opportunities from local employers on Cardinal Career Link. If you are interested in career-related work experience, internships are other options you may want to investigate through Cardinal Career Link. You can get the information about off-campus positions and contact employers directly.