Student Employment Handbook: For Parents

At Augustana College, we believe that student employment can be a valuable and enriching part of your student’s college experience. Whether your student is working to help finance their education, build a resume, or simply gain confidence in a professional setting, on- and off-campus jobs offer meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Why student employment?

Working during college can enhance time management skills, build responsibility, and create important campus connections. Research shows that students who work a reasonable number of hours, typically 10–15 per week, often perform better academically and are more engaged on campus.

Student employment at Augustana supports:

• Financial empowerment through earnings.
• Career readiness via skill-building roles.
• Campus involvement and a stronger sense of belonging.

Types of jobs available

Students at Augustana can pursue a variety of part-time jobs both on and off campus:

• Campus dining services, the library, residence halls, and academic departments.
• Research and teaching assistantships with faculty.
• Community-based jobs at nonprofit organizations (for eligible Federal Work-Study students).
• Assistance with searching for internships and employment through the CORE Career Development Office.

Many jobs are designed to align with students’ academic and career goals, providing real-world experience in a supportive environment.

Work hours and academic priorities

Augustana prioritizes academic success. Most students work between 8 to 12 hours per week, allowing ample time for coursework and extracurricular activities. Current work hour policy upholds Domestic students can work up to 10 hours per week and International students can work up to 20 hours per week. We work closely with students to ensure their work schedule supports, not hinders, their academic progress.

Pay and earnings

• Most on-campus jobs pay hourly wages
• Students are paid biweekly via direct deposit.
• Federal Work-Study eligible students may access certain off-campus community-based positions.
• All student employees complete necessary tax and employment forms (W-4, I-9) before starting.

How students find jobs

Students can explore job opportunities through Handshake, our online job and internship platform. New positions are posted year-round, especially before each academic term.

To support your student:

• Encourage them to attend our job fairs and career readiness events.
• Suggest they meet with a career coach at CORE for help with resumes and interview skills.
• Remind them to check Handshake early and often, especially in August and January.

Your role as a parent

We know how much you care about your student’s success. The best way to support them is by encouraging independence and helping them balance priorities.

Here’s how you can help:

• Ask open-ended questions about their schedule, stress level, or budgeting habits.
• Support their efforts to manage responsibilities, but let them take the lead.
• Refrain from contacting employers on their behalf (employers are required to speak directly with student applicants).

Have questions?

We’re here to help you and your student navigate the student employment process confidently.

Contact Student Employment in CORE

• Email: studentemployment@augustana.edu
• Phone: 309-794-7430
• Location: Olin, 1st Floor (Career Development Office)

Let us partner with you to ensure your student makes the most of their college journey, on the clock and in the classroom.

Parent FAQs

Q: Will working on campus negatively affect my student’s grades?

A: Not necessarily. Research and our own experience show that students who work up to 10–15 hours per week often perform as well or better academically than those who do not. On-campus jobs are designed with student schedules and academic priorities in mind.

Q: How does my student find a job on campus?

A: Students can search for jobs using Handshake, Augustana’s career and job platform. They can also attend job fairs, read campus announcements, or visit the CORE Career Development Office for personalized help.

Q: Is my student guaranteed a job if they qualify for Federal Work-Study?

A: No, Work-Study eligibility means a student can apply for Work-Study jobs, but they are not guaranteed a position. They must actively search, apply, and be selected for a role. We encourage students to apply early and to multiple positions.

Q: What’s the difference between Federal Work-Study and regular campus employment?

A: Federal Work-Study is a need-based financial aid program that subsidizes wages for eligible students. However, many campus jobs are also open to students who are not eligible for Work-Study, and the hiring process is similar for both.

Q: How many hours can my student work per week?

A: During the academic year, Domestic students may only work up to 10 hours per week and International students may only work up to 20 hours per week at ALL on-campus positions. During school breaks or summer sessions, they may work more hours depending on the department and employment guidelines.

Q: Can my student use their earnings to pay tuition directly?

A: No. Earnings from student employment go directly to the student, not the college. These wages can be used for personal expenses like books, meals, or savings, but they are not automatically applied to the tuition bill.

Q: What if my student is overwhelmed and wants to quit their job?

A: That’s okay. We understand that academic demands can shift. Students should communicate with their supervisor if they need to adjust their schedule or resign.

Q: Can I talk to my student’s employer directly?

A: In most cases, no. Due to FERPA regulations and our focus on encouraging student independence, employment matters are handled directly with the student. If a situation arises where support is needed, we recommend the student reach out to the Student Employment Office.

Q: What paperwork does a student need to complete to work on campus?

A:

• Federal I‑9. Student must complete their I-9 form in-person with original ID documents (drivers license, SS card, birth certificate, passport)
• Federal & State W‑4. Withholding forms for federal and Illinois/Iowa
• Direct Deposit Form. With bank information or voided check
• Paycor Setup. Complete remaining payroll forms online sent to student’s Augustana email from the Payroll Office
• TimeClock Plus Setup. Obtain ID & PIN for clocking in/out
• International Students need additional documents: Passport, I‑20, I‑94, SSN, ISSS letter

Questions regarding paperwork or assistance completing forms: Please visit the Payroll Office located in Sorenson Hall (second floor) or contact them via email at payroll@augustana.edu.