Job Opportunities
Responsibilities
PSR depends on the dedicated work of its students and is pleased to offer on-campus employment opportunities. These jobs allow students to contribute to the PSR community and work in an environment that appreciates a student’s need to balance academic work and employment. A number of positions are available across various aspects of the school’s work, from admissions to facilities.
Students are a vital part of the operation of most departments. Students should be aware of the fact that departments are reliant on the services students contribute just as they depend on the work performed by the career staff. For this reason, the following student responsibilities are listed to give students an idea of what is expected of them as employees.
Scheduling: PSR recognizes that for student employees their priority is their academic work. there is a level of flexibility for many student employment positions that would not exist in other job environments. However, both student employees and supervising staff are responsible for ensuring that work hours and duties are understood at all times. Students rely on work as a source of income and staff rely on students to accomplish a great deal of work. If either the student or staff member need to change hours or will not be available during scheduled hours, they must communicate this to the other in a timely manner. Students should notify their supervisors in a generally within 24 hours whenever it is necessary to be absent from work.
Adhere to Policies: Abide by the policies and guidelines of your employing department and observe appropriate workplace behaviors. Remember you represent your department’s interests to other students, faculty, and visitors to the school.
Perform Work Duties: Students should report to work on time and remain working until the specified hours are completed. While on the job, all of your tasks should be work related. Homework and other personal activities should be saved for times when you are not working.
Maintain Confidentiality: Students should maintain confidentiality regarding workplace issues and information including, but not limited to, releasing or sharing information about other students. This includes not discussing job-related information in an off-the-job context. PSR takes violations of confidentiality very seriously, and may discipline employees for breaching it.
Additional Responsibilities: Students should notify their supervisor of any change in class schedule which may affect their work schedule. Students should also give their supervisors as much notice as possible (1-2 weeks preferable) if they plan to terminate employment.
Every position is different, and not every department has the same policies. Obligations and responsibilities (except for those listed above) will vary. Ask your supervisor for the obligations that pertain to your position and your department.
International Student Employment
International students attending Pacific School of Religion and other member schools in the Graduate Theological Union on an F-1 Visa are eligible to work on-campus jobs at PSR. The BCIS limits students in F-1 status to working on a campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year. Students may work full-time during academic breaks.
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is a part-time employment program for students contingent upon the availability of federal funds. Eligibility is based on the federal methodology using the information provided on the FAFSA. When applying for financial aid, you will automatically be considered for Federal Work-Study eligibility. If you are deemed eligible, a Federal Work-Study offer will be included in your financial aid package as shown in SONIS.
What is the benefit to me of taking work-study rather than non-work-study employment?
PSR supervisors are strongly encouraged to hire PSR students with Federal Work Study (FWS) grants and PSR international students who are ‘non-resident aliens’ in this country on an F1 visa.
How do know if I have Federal Work-Study (FWS) as part of my financial aid package?
FWS is usually included on the print out sent to students illustrating expenses, scholarships, loans, and estimated costs. If you are unsure about whether or not you qualify for work study, or are unsure about how much work study you qualify for, you can contact the PSR Financial Aid.
How do I find a Federal Work-Study (FWS) position?
Finding a Job: When seeking jobs on campus, check the Web site and Holbrook student mailroom notice board for information on available positions. As with any job, a resume and possibly an interview will be required. Be sure to inform the employer that you qualify for work-study status.
Federal Work-Study students may interview for a variety of jobs either on or off-campus, including opportunities to provide community service. Most student positions are available to students with FWS. PSR does not assign job positions. When seeking student employment on campus, check the employment opportunities listed on the Student Employment Information under the “About” tab on the PSR website. As with any job, a resume and possibly an interview will be required. Be sure to inform the hiring manager employer that you qualify for work-study status.
Once placed in a position of your choice, you may begin working when all of your financial aid and hiring documents are completely processed and approved. Your Federal Work-Study earnings will be deposited directly into the bank account you designate based upon the number of hours you work.
Before a student starts to work any Federal Work-Study job, all necessary hiring forms must be on file with Human Resources. The responsible supervisor for the student must complete all hiring paperwork and the hiring approved by Human Resources.
FAQ
Does the money I earn in a student position go directly towards my student account with PSR?
No, you receive the money you earn in the form of a paycheck. You will need to budget it towards your school expenses.
Can I work more than one job as a student?
Yes, but while enrolled in classes your total hours per week may not exceed 20. Limited exceptions may be made with approval of the Academic Dean. Also, you may work no more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week during academic breaks.
How do I balance work with school?
A national study showed that students who work 10-15 hours per week have a higher graduation rate than the overall student body. However, the graduation rate begins to decline as the number of hours worked increases above 15. Students who try to work more than 20 hours per week and go to school full-time have the highest dropout rate. But remember, you know yourself better than anyone, so pay attention to how you handle a workload. You are here first as a student, and student employment is meant to support that endeavor, not detract from it. You may decrease or drop your work hours at any time, such as if you plan on needing more time during finals week, though you should discuss this with your supervisor beforehand so that they can prepare and the work can still get done in your absence.
How do I get paid, and how often?
As a student employee, you will submit your hours through an online portal. The typical pay period at PSR is two weeks, and hours must be submitted (online)time according to the pay schedule (provided). A direct deposit option is available.
Do I get to take breaks?
Student workers are considered non-exempt employees. All employees who are non-exempt (covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act and thus entitled to overtime) must be provided a meal break of at least one half hour (unpaid) for every work period of more than five hours. However, if six hours of work will complete the day’s work, the employee may voluntarily choose not to take the meal break. Student workers are also entitled to a rest break of not less than 10 minutes for each four hours worked, to occur as nearly as possible near the middle of the work period. These breaks are paid, and are not noted on time sheets.
For any additional questions, contact our Assistant Dean for Academic Programming:
tweekes@psr.edu
(510) 849-8205
