Both programs allow students to earn money to meet educational expenses. The available jobs and levels of pay under the Student Labor and Work-Study programs are the same. Students receive bi-weekly paychecks for hours worked under both payrolls. The difference between these two programs is the funding source for the hourly wages.

• Student Labor is a work program open to all students, regardless of financial need. Student Labor positions are funded by individual on-campus departments.
• Work-Study is a need-based financial aid work program. Funds are limited and are awarded based on financial need and in order of application filing date to eligible full-time students who’s FAFSA has been received by the Federal Processor by the on-time deadline of February 15. Students may only earn up to the limit of their Work-Study awards for a given term or academic year.

• For funds awarded for the academic year or fall semester, a Work-Study job must be secured by a deadline established each year by the Office of Student Financial Aid Services (usually mid-September). Failure to meet this deadline will result in the loss of the Work-Study award for the entire academic year.
• Students who plan to work only in the spring semester must notify Student Employment by the deadline to “hold” the spring portion of their Work-Study awards.
• Only the fall portion of the Work-Study award may be earned during the fall semester. Any unearned portion from the fall semester will roll into the spring semester’s earnings eligibility.
• Students may not earn more than the Work-Study award amount. It may be possible, however, for a student to continue employment using Student Labor funds if the employing department has funds available. Students are encouraged to discuss this possibility with employers in advance..
• Work-Study earnings are taxable income and specified on an annual W-2 form.
• Work-Study earnings, as reported on a W-2 form, should be indicated in the appropriate section of the following year’s FAFSA.

All Student Labor and Work-Study positions are posted on the website. Students may search and apply online under the finding source appropriate to them:

• Storrs Student Labor
• Storrs Work-Study
• Regional Campus Student Labor
• Regional Campus Work-Study
• Off-Campus Work-Study Community Service (for any work-study student)

Students also may also learn about Work-Study opportunities through the Office of Community Outreach (www.volunteer.uconn.edu) or by direct contact with various on-campus departments.

Employers will select students for phone or in person interviews given the information provided in the job application, so students should ensure applications are complete and free of errors.

There is a wide variety of jobs, including administrative support, information technology, library services, arts & media, recreational services, childcare, tutoring, dining service, and maintenance. All positions are considered temporary and are subject to renewal each semester or academic year. Most positions are located on-campus.

Students with Work-Study awards may elect to earn those awards working off-campus. These community service positions must be in the public interest. Employers include pre-qualified non-profit, federal, state or municipal agencies. Search the website for off-campus community service jobs or contact Student Employment at 860-486-3474 for additional opportunities. Work-Study students who choose off-campus employment must contact Student Employment prior to beginning work. Each off-campus employment opportunity requires prior approval.

The rate of pay is based on the skills and level of experience required. The pay rate is determined by the hiring supervisor and is subject to approval by Student Employment. Students’ pay is based on an established pay scale which ranges from the CT minimum wage for entry-level positions all the way to over $34.39 per hour for the most advanced jobs.

Note: this pay scale is effective 1/01/2024

Class, Requirement, and Pay Rate

I: The position does not require a specific degree of skill or prior work experience.

$15.69

II: The position requires a reasonable degree of skill, prior experience and a fair amount of responsibility.

$15.84 – $17.04

III: The position requires a high degree of skill and entails an extensive amount of responsibility.

$17.09 – $19.04

IV: The position requires advanced skill, market/environmental demand, knowledge and/or training in a scientific, academic or specialized study.

$19.09 – $34.39

While there is no minimum number of hours a student must work, there are recommended maximums. It is recommended that full-time students not exceed 20 hours per pay week (Friday through Thursday) in all jobs. During semester and summer breaks, it is recommended that students not exceed 40 hours per pay week in all jobs. Work hours vary depending upon the job requirements. Work schedules are arranged directly with the hiring department. On average, students work between six (6) to twelve (12) hours per week. The number of hours a student works is typically based on the following considerations:

• the student’s class schedule
• the department’s staffing needs and fiscal restraints
• the student’s award amount (for students working under Federal Work-Study)

Students may not work during times in which their classes are scheduled.

International Students: Per United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, failure to comply with the following policy is a violation of the student’s visa status that could ultimately result in deportation:

• During the fall and spring semesters, international students who are eligible for employment in the US may not work more than twenty (20) hours per pay week, Friday through Thursday, in all jobs combined (including graduate assistantships).
• During semester and summer breaks, if the student is eligible and intends to register for courses for the next semester, an international student may work full time, up to, but not more than, forty (40) hours per pay week, in all jobs combined.

Minors under 18 years of age: Student employees under 18 years of age, who are matriculated University of Connecticut students, are subject to the University policy regarding work schedules. For student employees who are still enrolled in high school, state law restricts not only the total number of hours per week but also the time of day and total number of hours per day. These non-UConn students also need to submit a Statement of Age (“working papers”) prior to beginning work. Contact Student Employment for more information or refer to details about the employment of minor students within the Employment Guide.

In most circumstances, students may not be paid for internship work through Work-Study if they are receiving academic credit for that work. Students with Work-Study typically may only earn money for hours worked above those for which they receive credit. Please contact Student Employment at 860-486-3474 for details about the approval process. An off-campus job for a non-profit organization requires prior approval.

No. Students studying abroad cannot earn Work-Study during the time they are out of the country. If a student has Work-Study for the entire academic year, but is studying abroad for a single semester, the financial aid package will be adjusted so Work-Study eligibility will be maintained only for the semester in which the student is enrolled in classes at UConn (in CT).

To remain eligible for Work-Study, students must be enrolled full-time by the end of each semester’s Add-Drop period. An exception is made for graduate students in the Schools of Social Work and Law, who must have half-time status. Students who do not meet the enrollment requirements will lose their Federal Work-Study Awards and will be terminated from their Work-Study positions. If they withdraw from school, students must notify their employers and stop work immediately.

No. Unlike other forms of aid, Work-Study must be earned. Students must secure a Work-Study job and work to receive a bi-weekly paycheck.

Departments enter payroll authorizations for their student workers prior to the employees’ start dates. Once the department payroll contact receives documentation of hours worked, these hours may be entered according to the established payroll deadlines for that academic year. Only students who have completed all their pre-employment paperwork may have their hours entered in the system and receive payment. Students will receive payment for hours worked two weeks after the end of the payroll period in which they worked. They may have their checks mailed to their home address or have funds electronically deposited into their bank accounts. New student workers may need to wait up to 6 weeks to receive their first check due to processing requirements.

About Lump Sum Payments: In rare circumstances, Student Labor workers may by paid in lump sums. Students may not be paid on a lump-sum basis using Work-Study funds.

Student Labor employees under 18 years of age are not required to provide a Statement of Age (commonly known as "working papers") before starting work.