Nonacademic Year Employment

On-campus student employment during January Break, Senior Week, Commencement Reunion Weekend, or summer break is considered nonacademic year employment. A student's work allotment is not affected by earnings from these employment periods. Wages earned are charged to departments' operations budgets. Students hired must complete the Request for Hire/Work Authorization Form so that they can be placed on the nonacademic year payroll.

The SEO will advertise department job openings for nonacademic time periods upon request.

On-Campus January Employment

Supervisors who wish to continue employing academic-year student employees during the January Break must file new Request for Hire/Work Authorization Forms. Student work forms will be processed on the nonacademic payroll system. The supervisor should clearly indicate on the form that the employment is for January only. Pay rates are set by the department (See Nonacademic Year Wage Guidelines.).

On-Campus Commencement/Reunion Weekend and Summer Employment

The summer Student Employment Program begins immediately after the last day of exams and continues until the first day of classes in the fall. Summer employment, therefore, includes Commencement/Reunion Weekend. Supervisors who would like to employ students during this employment period should complete the Request for Hire/Work Authorization Form for the period of employment; i.e. commencement/reunion week or summer. During this period, wages are charged to departmental operations budgets. Pay rates are set by the department (See Nonacademic Year Wage Guidelines.).

Supervisors should try to anticipate openings well in advance of the close of school. Most students secure summer jobs at home during the spring break.

Payroll Process During Nonacademic Year Employment Periods

During the Senior Week, Commencement/Reunion Weekend, and Summer, the payroll system continues to operate biweekly. Students' paychecks are directly transmitted to student-designated bank accounts.

Nonacademic Year Wage Guidelines

Students who are hired to work during this period must be paid at least the existing state minimum wage. The following guidelines have been established to assist supervisors when hiring Wheaton student employees for nonacademic year employment.

To determine the appropriate category, consider the simplicity or complexity of the work, the amount of supervision or direction given, the amount and kinds of decisions made, and the special skills required for the position. Select the category that bests describes most of the work, recognizing that some jobs may include elements of more than one category.  Consult with the Student Employment Office before offering a pay rate above the recommended pay rate for each category.

1. Basic (no experience required): Student performs simple tasks under clear direction requiring little or no independent decision-making. Examples include filing, stuffing envelopes, answering phones and taking messages, opening and sorting mail, routine physical labor.   Recommended hourly wage: Year 1, $8.00; Year 2, $8.50
2. Intermediate (experience required): Student performs routine assignments where steps in the process are clearly outlined. Some independent judgment is required. Student applies special skills or uses special equipment requiring on-the job training (less than two weeks). Examples include: simple data entry, word processing, performing more complex mathematical computations, performing office and clerical routines. Recommended hourly wage: Year 1, $8.50; Year 2, $9.00
3. Advanced (special knowledge, expertise required): Student performs non routine assignments where steps are not clearly defined. May coordinate a process or project. Independent judgment is required. Applies special skills and/or uses special equipment requiring moderate on-the job training (more than two weeks). Examples include simple research, simple programming, computer desktop publishing, etc. Recommended hourly wage: $9.00 - $10.00
4. Special Certification:  Rarely, some positions may require special certifications or training.  Examples include lifeguards, power plant.  Recommended hourly wage: starting at $10.00; consult with the Student Employment Office.