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Office of University Financial Aid

College of Arts & Sciences

Student Employment

More than 1,000 students work on campus at Bethel University in a variety of jobs. The Office of University Financial Aid facilitates the placement of new, work-study-eligible College of Arts & Sciences students in on-campus jobs for the fall semester, but students are ultimately responsible for securing their own employment position.

Rate of pay varies (minimum of $7.25/hour for 2009-10). Students normally work 6-15 hours per week and are paid bi-weekly, based on hours worked. Typical annual earnings range from $1,200 to $2,200.

Students demonstrating need are paid from either Minnesota Work Study or Federal Work Study programs. Other students are paid from the Bethel student employment program. In addition, some students work in off-campus federal work study community service positions.

Student Employment FAQs

Are students required to work on campus?

No. Students are not required to accept an on-campus job, just as they are not required to accept a student loan. Declining the job opportunity will not affect the amount of gift aid a student receives.

How do I know if I can work on campus?

Any Bethel student may work on campus provided he or she:

  • applies for financial aid,
  • secures a job, and
  • completes the required employment forms (an I-9 form and a W-4 form).
What kinds of jobs are available?

Students work in all areas of the university (e.g., athletics, bus driving, clerical, computer, child care, food service, library, facilities management, security). Most new College of Arts & Sciences students work in either facilities management or food service. Some students work in off-campus federal work study community service positions, including reading tutors and child care workers.

How do new students find a job?

The Office of University Financial Aid helps new students in the College of Arts & Sciences locate on-campus employment provided they meet the following criteria:

  • will begin classes in the fall in the College of Arts & Sciences,
  • submit a Student Employment Application by May 10 (available online starting in March), and
  • are awarded either federal or state work study.  

Applicants will be notified by mid-August if a job is reserved for them. 

How do continuing students find a job?

To locate campus jobs, students may access the online job listing of current on-campus student employment openings. Students seeking off-campus jobs may visit the online Career Services off-campus employment opportunities listing.

Am I guaranteed to earn the full amount of work study listed on my financial aid award letter?

No. Work study eligibility reflects earning potential. An offer of $2,200 work study on the financial aid award letter is neither a guarantee of employment, nor a guarantee of $2,200 in earnings. Students may be hired for up to 20 hours per week (3-10 hours/week is common). The 2009-10 student pay rate starts at $7.25/hour for campus employment.  Total earnings will vary depending on the rate of pay and the number of hours worked.

What documents do I need?

You will need to bring either (a) your driver's license AND your Social Security card OR (b) your passport to complete an I-9 Form (required of all employees). You also must complete a W-4 Form BEFORE beginning work. Most new students complete these forms during Welcome Week.

How am I paid for the hours I work on campus?

Students are paid either by a check placed in their P.O. box or by direct deposit each two-week pay period. Students interested in direct deposit should contact the Business Office. Currently one-third of the student worker population receives payment by direct deposit.

What are supervisors looking for in student employees?

Demonstrate Royal Care in doing your best, as demonstrated by the following:

  • Arrive to work on time.
  • Dress appropriately for your work setting.

  • Work through scheduling challenges with your supervisor.

    • For legitimate reasons (illness, scheduled class events, etc.) arrange time off with your supervisor in ADVANCE of your scheduled work hours.
    • You may not take time off for your own convenience (to study, get together with friends, etc.) unless your supervisor is agreeable to this.
  • If a work-related problem arises, discuss the situation with your supervisor.
  • If you need to quit your job, you must give your supervisor a two-week notice. You are encouraged to talk over this decision with your supervisor.