Student Employment
Policies & Procedures for Students
Eligibility Requirements
Definition of a Student Employee: an individual whose employment is incidental to the pursuit of a full-time course of study at the university. Individuals who have been admitted to the university, who take a full course load during an academic year as defined by the particular school or college in which they are enrolled, and who simultaneously are employed will be classified as student employees.
Individuals may remain student employees during vacation periods-including summer-provided that they maintain their enrollment status for the following academic term. Upon graduation, these individuals will no longer be considered student employees of the university.
Financial Aid
Students may receive Federal Work-Study or Pepperdine Work (See section on Job Programs) as part of their Financial Aid Package. Students may utilize these funds for on-campus or community service employment. Eligibility for these programs is determined by the Financial Aid Office. In general, these work awards are awarded to students who demonstrate a financial need.
Documentation
I-9 Form
The Immigration and Reform Act of 1986 requires each employee to provide documentation that verifies the employee's identity and eligibility to work (Ex. U.S. Passport, Social Security Card or Birth Certificate with Picture Identification) prior to or on the date of employment. In addition, each student employee must complete an I-9 Form. Students are considered temporary employees for I-9 purposes and must complete a new I-9 Form every 3 years. Upon completion of this process, the student will be issued an I-9 Authorization Card. Students must obtain a "new" I-9 Authorization Card each academic year before reporting to work.
W-4 Form
All on-campus employment is taxable income. Students must complete a W-4 Form prior to employment. Students are subject to Federal and State taxes. The student may, however, claim exempt status if eligible. Students are exempt from FICA taxes (Ex; Social Security, State Disability) while enrolled Full-time at the University. International Students are FICA exempt. All students must have a valid Social Security number.
Job Programs
Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
The Federal Work-Study Program is a federally funded financial aid work program offered to students who demonstrate a financial need. Awards are determined by the Financial Aid Office. The program is partially subsidized by the Federal Government. The Federal Work-Study Program is "generally" offered to new students.
Pepperdine Work Program (PWP)
The Pepperdine Work Program is an institutional work program offered to students who demonstrate a financial need. Awards are determined by the Financial Aid Office. The program is funded entirely by unrestricted scholarship money. This program is "generally" offered to returning students.
Departmental
Students not eligible for Federal Work-Study or Pepperdine Work may apply directly to departments for employment. However, due to funding, many departments may not be able to hire a student without FWS or PWP. Consult the on-campus job directory for availability.
Community Service
Pepperdine University's Community Service Program is designed to encourage students to participate in service activities that will provide the students with a sense of social responsibility and commitment to their community.
What defines a community service agency?
Agencies that are nonprofit, governmental and community-based, that are designed to improve the quality of life for community residents in areas such as:
- Health Care
- Child Care
- Education
- Welfare
- Social Services
- Transportation
- Housing Improvement
- Public Safety
- Crime Prevention and Control
- Recreation
Who is eligible for this program?
Students must demonstrate a financial need and be awarded Federal Work-Study by the University's Financial Aid Office.
Pay Scale
The student compensation system at Pepperdine is based both on the level of responsibility of the position and students’ experience in the position. Pay increases are based on the criteria established by each departments and individual job performance. (Effective January 2008)
Level 1: These positions include all regular office and customer service duties (desk monitoring, answering phones, filing, word processing, greeting customers or clients, processing payments, assisting with department events, etc.) Most on-campus positions fall in this category. (Range: $8.00-$9.00)
Level 2: These positions are differentiated from Level 1 positions. They typically require 1-2 of the special criteria listed below in addition to Level 1 duties. (Range: $8.25-$9.50)
Level 3: These positions are differentiated from Level 1 and Level 2 positions. They typically require 3-4 of the special criteria listed below in addition to Level 1 duties. (Range: $8.50-$10.00)
Level 4: These positions require a college degree, special certifications, or a highly specialized skill held by a very small percentage of the student body.
Special Criteria:
- Position is responsible for leading or supervising other students.
- Position requires responsibility for a project or program with minimal staff supervision. (Student employee uses independent judgment to make decisions related to the project or program.)
- Position requires a high level of confidentiality. (I.e., student employee works with University information systems having access to private and confidential information.)
- Position has a direct and significant impact on the community, alumni or other friends of the University.
Job Search Procedures
The Student Employment Job Listing Service is designed to provide a Job Search method that will enable students to match their specific skills and interests with available employment opportunities. Before beginning your Job Search, please review the sections on Eligibility Requirements, Documentation, Job Programs, and Pay Scale.
Step 1
Log on to CareerSpace to search for available jobs.
[NOTE: If you are a new student, you will have login access to this database after you arrive on campus, but not prior to the new term]
Step 2
Once in CareerSpace, you may choose one or several selections, depending on your needs and/or interests.
If you are interested in jobs that are available on-campus, click on the On-Campus Job Listings.
If you are interested in jobs that are available off-campus, click on the Off-Campus Job Listings.
If you would like to participate in Pepperdine University's Community Service Program, click on the Community Service Jobs Listings.
Step 3
On-Campus Job Search:
First select which “student” list you wish to search (Seaver, SPP, GSEP or GSBM)
Sign in using your Pepperdine email address as your log-in with your assigned password. If you do not have your password select “Forgot Password” and a new one will be sent via email.
You may search on-campus jobs using one of several methods. You may search jobs by:
- Position type (Pepperdine Work, Federal Work-Study, Departmental)
- Job Function (ex; clerical, recreational, marketing, etc.)
- Keyword (athletics, human resources, etc.)
Off-Campus Job Search
You may search for off-campus jobs by:
- Position type (Student employment off campus, Childcare, Tutoring, Part-Time)
- Job Function (ex; clerical, childcare, tutoring, recreational, etc.)
- Keyword (family name, business name, job title, etc.)
Community Service Job Search
You may search for Community Service Jobs by:
- Position type (Volunteer Assignments)
- Job Function (ex; education, recreation, tutorial, childcare, etc.)
- Keyword (ex; school or facility name)
