Student Employee Appointment and Salary Guidelines
The Student Appointment and Salary Guidelines were designed to assist managers with the hiring process for student employees. The guidelines include information regarding student titles, classification/specifications and proposed pay rates. The student classification specifications serve as a description of general responsibilities. Hiring managers should complete a specific job description for each position based on their operational needs.
Student employees are defined as individuals who are enrolled at the university on a full-time or part-time basis, and who are associated with the university primarily in the pursuit of an academic degree, as defined in Student Employment Policy 10.10 . Student employment is considered temporary due to the nature of the work, hours worked, rate of pay and benefit eligibility.
Student employee positions are intended to supplement operational needs, and not to replace regular employees. When appointing a student to a new position, it is important that they are not performing the same duties as a regular employee. While some duties may overlap, such as customer service or clerical duties, the majority of duties should be separate and distinct. Therefore, these duties should not be compensated at the same and/or higher rate of pay as that of a regular employee. As distinguished from regular staff positions, student positions typically have less complex responsibilities, and require fewer skills, less knowledge, experience and training.
- Salary Guidelines and Exceptions
- New/Revised Student Titles
- Student Salary Grade Table
- Student Employee FAQs
Salary Guidelines and Exceptions
The rate of pay for a student position should be determined by reviewing the following factors:
• Prior related work experience
• History of work experience in the department
• Range and complexity of duties
• Knowledge and skill requirements
• Courses completed toward related degree
• Equity, including the salary relationships with other student employees in the unit
A student's rate of pay should not be based on the number of hours worked or the funding availability. The internal market position of the individual incumbents within their units should be considered to ensure that pay is administered equitably and consistently.
The maximum of the student employee pay range is adjusted when necessary to keep up with market patterns. Exceptions to pay higher than the maximum should be rare and must be approved by the Office of Human Resources (OHR). Exceptions must be made in writing and should include written justification, a brief job description, and/or any other relevant supporting documentation. Depending on the amount of the request some exceptions may require approval from the Senior Fiscal Officer and the Office of Human Resources Compensation Manager. Determination will be made on a case by case basis.
The appropriate OHR representative will review the salary exception request and communicate the final decision to the employing unit. Exceptions must be approved prior to extending an offer to the student employee.
Salary increases for students should not be based solely on the length of time in the position. Increases should be based on merit, measuring performance along with internal equity.New/Revised Student Titles
The following are both the new and revised student titles.
- Student Assistant
- Student Assistant-Non OSU
- Student Associate
- Student Flight Assistant
- Student Guest Service Assistant
- Student Intern
- Student Medical Technician
- Student Performing Artist
Student Salary Grade Table
Current Student Salary Grade Table
For additional information regarding student employment, please refer to the Policy 10.10 - Student Employment. The Office of Human Resources (OHR) can also provide additional assistance to you. For questions, please contact Compensation.
