Student Jobs
Not only do you get to help create the best Illinois Residential Experience for your peers, but it’s also a great way to get involved, make friends, build your resume and develop valuable leadership skills to help with your future. Did we mention there is a way to keep a wage increase twice a year? Learn more about the Student Wage Policy below.
Fact: students who work a part-time job do academically better than students who choose not to work.
Student Jobs
- Dining and Catering Jobs
- Desk Clerks
- Inclusion and Leadership Mentors
- Residence Hall Library Clerk
- Housing Information — Student Office Assistant
- Resident Advisors - undergraduate halls
- Graduate Upper Division Resident Advisors
- Professional Graduate Assistant - University Apartments (download Word doc)
- Neighborhood Assistants
- Summer Conferences
- Communications and Marketing — graphic designers, writers, social media, videographers
- Child care assistant
- Inclusion & Talent Development
Student Wage Policy
University Housing offers scheduled wage increases to reward student employees for ongoing service and strong performance. Eligible student employees can earn a $.25/hour increase twice per year—up to $1/hour above their starting rate—by remaining in good standing and meeting employment requirements. Students who leave University Housing employment forfeit any earned increases and will restart at the base rate if rehired.
Eligibility Requirements
When does a student become eligible for a wage increase?
After completing one semester of employment.
Are attendance and performance factors considered?
Yes. Students must work scheduled shifts including those during finals week and must meet performance expectations.
Are there hiring deadline requirements for eligibility?
Yes. October 1 (January increase) and March 1 (July increase).
What happens if a student is hired after the deadline?
The student must wait until the next increase cycle.
Wage Increase Structure
How often are wage increases given?
Twice per year (January and July).
When exactly do increases take effect?
At the start of the first full pay period on or after January 1 or July 1.
How much is each wage increase?
$0.25 per hour.
What is the maximum total increase a student can earn?
Up to $1.00 total (four increases).
Can a student receive more than four increases?
No, the maximum is four increases.
Employment Changes
Do wage increases carry over if a student changes positions within Housing?
Yes, increases follow the student across all Housing positions.
What happens if a student leaves University Housing employment?
They forfeit all previously earned increases.
If a student is rehired after leaving, do they keep their previous rate?
No, they restart at the base rate for the position.
Can a student keep their increased wage after a break in service?
Yes, if the break is approved in advance (e.g., study abroad).
What happens if a break in service is not approved beforehand?
The student risks losing their increased rate.
Exceptions
Are all student employees eligible?
No. Only hourly, non-exempt student roles are covered.
Which positions are excluded?
Resident Advisors, Bartenders, Conference Services Student Employees, Graduate Assistants.
Practical Scenarios
A student is hired on September 15—when are they eligible for their first raise?
January, assuming all eligibility requirements are met.
A student is hired on October 10—when is their first raise?
July (they missed the October 1 cutoff for January).
A student misses shifts during finals week—are they eligible for an increase?
No, they must fulfill all employment obligations including finals week shifts.
A student receives disciplinary action—what happens to their eligibility?
They are not eligible while they have formal discipline.