When you work part time, in addition to earning money, you establish a work record, develop skills you can use in other jobs, develop career contacts, learn time-management skills, and enjoy social interaction with co-workers. The experience you gain working as a student will be invaluable when you are in the market for a job after graduation. Success in part-time employment often means success in full-time work. Also, on-campus employees make important contributions to the university.

How can I get a part-time student job?

At Ball State, the Career Center in Lucina Hall 220 coordinates all on-campus student jobs; lists off-campus part-time jobs and internships; and works with graduating students and alumni who are seeking full-time jobs.

The Career Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the academic year and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the summer.

Both on- and off-campus part-time job opportunities, including internships, are listed on Cardinal ViewJobs on the World Wide Web.

If you are regularly enrolled at least half-time during an academic period, you may be eligible to work that term. If you are a new student beginning your first classes at Ball State in the fall, you may be able to work the preceding summer. Check with the Career Center to find out whether you are eligible.

Students not currently enrolled in Ball State degree programs and people only auditing classes are ineligible to work on campus.

On-Campus Employment

If you are an incoming student, you may apply for on-campus positions as soon as you have graduated from high school, been admitted to the university, and paid your enrollment deposit, but you may not work until you meet enrollment requirements.

To apply for on-campus work, come to the office and fill out an application and W-4 tax forms. You may look at current job listings on Cardinal ViewJobs at any computer lab on campus or using any computer with World Wide Web access. Then make an appointment to get details and referrals for specific job openings. You must get a referral from the Career Center for each job for which you want to apply.

Is there a deadline for applying for an on-campus job?

No. However, to maximize your student employment opportunities during the busy first week of fall classes, we recommend that you submit a student employment application and tax forms to the Career Center before fall classes begin.

What do I need to bring to my first appointment with the Career Center?

For your first appointment, you will need to show documents to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. A list of Required Employment Eligibility Documents is available at this link on the World Wide Web or at the Career Center.

What kinds of jobs are there? How many jobs are available?

The on-campus job market is competitive. However, if you are persistent and have marketable skills and available time, you have a good chance of finding a job.

Many types of jobs, skilled and unskilled, are available. Students work as clerical assistants, receptionists, tutors, computer assistants, recreation workers, newspaper staff, food service workers, and facilities and grounds helpers, as well as in various other types of jobs. Student employees contribute greatly to the work force of the university. About 5,500 students work on campus each year.

How will I be paid?

The university will issue you a biweekly paycheck based on an hourly rate. Federal and state taxes will be deducted from your check. FICA (Social Security and Medicare) tax will not be withheld while you are attending classes; it may be withheld if you work during breaks and vacations.

What restrictions will be placed on my work?

You may work up to twenty hours a week during the fall and spring semester and up to forty hours a week during the summer. Most jobs average ten to fifteen hours a week. A few students may have special limits placed on their earnings. Check with the Career Center for more information.

What is Federal Work-Study?

Federal Work-Study is a government-sponsored financial aid program. To be considered for the work-study program, you must have applied by the deadline for financial aid through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. (The only difference between regular and work-study employment is that the federal government pays part of work-study wages.)

Can I apply for any on-campus position?

If you have been awarded work-study, you can apply for any on-campus job. If you were not awarded work-study but are eligible to work, you may apply for any on-campus job except those advertised for work-study applicants only.

Off-Campus Employment

Many local employers hire students for part-time jobs. The Career Center lists many of these part-time opportunities on Cardinal Career Link. If you are interested in career-related work experience, internships are other options you may want to investigate through Cardinal Career Link. You can get the information about off-campus positions and contact employers directly.