Student Employment
Guidelines
On-campus employment provides Mount Saint Vincent students with hands-on professional experience that translates directly into long-term career success. Working on campus helps you strengthen essential workplace competencies, including communication, problem-solving, digital literacy, and customer service. Additionally, building a dependable work history and securing professional references from campus supervisors will give you a competitive edge when entering the post-graduation job market.
Review the guidelines below to learn how to search for open campus positions or return to a previous student role, as well as the key policies and expectations governing student employment.
Student Employment: Eligibility and Hours
Eligibility
You must be actively enrolled at the University as an undergraduate student, full-time or part-time, to hold an hourly student job.
Graduating Seniors: If you graduate in the spring, you may continue working in your student employee role through June 30 of your graduation year.
Weekly Hour Limits
During the regular academic semester, students are permitted to work a maximum of 12 hours per week.
During designated Winter and Summer breaks, students are permitted to work up to a maximum of 19 hours per week.
Stipend Positions and Hourly Roles
If you hold a stipend role (such as a Student Ambassador, Tour Guide, FYE Peer Leader, Dolphin Dialer, or Resident Assistant), you can still work up to 12 hours per week in an hourly campus job.
Finding and Applying for Campus Jobs
Start on Handshake
The easiest way to begin your job search is through Handshake, the University’s online career and student employment platform. Log in with your Mount Saint Vincent credentials to explore current openings across campus departments, review detailed position descriptions, and the application process.
Connect Directly with Campus Departments
While Handshake is your primary resource, not every open position is posted online right away. We strongly encourage you to take initiative and visit departments directly, whether in administrative offices, academic divisions, student affairs, or campus facilities. Stop by, introduce yourself professionally, and inquire with department leaders to see if they are hiring student workers for the semester. Being proactive is one of the best ways to discover upcoming opportunities and make a strong first impression.
Student Employment Onboarding and Paperwork
New Student Workers
Once you are offered and accept an on-campus position, you must complete your required new hire paperwork before you begin working. The Office of Human Resources will send you an email with a link to the Onboarding Portal. Completing these forms promptly ensures your employment is officially processed and prevents any delays with your payroll and direct deposit. You will not be cleared to work or receive payment until all onboarding documentation is submitted and verified.
Returning Student Workers
If you have previously worked on campus, you do not need to re-submit new hire paperwork every semester. Your existing file remains active unless there are changes to your personal details or direct deposit. You are only required to submit new forms if you are updating your banking information for direct deposit.
Questions or Assistance
If you have questions about required forms, need assistance completing your documents, or need to update your direct deposit, please visit the Office of Human Resources in Founders Hall room 100 or send an email to hr@umsv.edu.
Tips for Success as a Student Employee
Treat It Like a Professional Career Role
Approach your shifts with accountability. Arrive on time, follow departmental dress codes, and stay engaged and focused during your scheduled hours.
Communicate Proactively
If an unexpected class conflict, exam, or illness arises, give your supervisor as much advance notice as possible. Clear communication is the key to maintaining a flexible schedule.
Balance Work and Academics
Your education comes first. Plan your study and work hours intentionally, and stay within your weekly hourly limits to ensure academic success throughout the semester.
Take Initiative and Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask for clarity if you are unsure how to complete a task. Looking for ways to help before being asked demonstrates leadership and leaves a lasting impression.
Build Meaningful Connections
Your supervisors and colleagues are valuable professional contacts. Use this opportunity to develop relationships with mentors who can offer career guidance and future professional references.
Questions?
