Student Employment

Types of Student Titles

Accurate job titles and descriptions are crucial for effectively hiring and managing student workers. A primary goal of the new student employment framework is to provide a mechanism to professionalize student employment titles. We want their department specific titles to be more reflective of the work a student performs and demonstrates their professional experience acquired while attending UTA.  The ‘professionalized titles’ can be captured on the eForm in the “position description” field.  Both the job title and position description should be used in the handshake job posting.

In professionalizing student job titles, there are a few guidelines to follow.  A position description for a student should not be identical to any staff member job title.  Additionally, the position description for a student should not have formal supervisory descriptions such as Assistant Director, Director, Supervisor, etc. 

Some examples that could be appropriate, when properly used, could include coordinator, specialist, assistant, or even lead.  As an example, a student employee in TCE who has gained experience by returning for consecutive semesters might have the following job title and position descriptions:

Some other possible examples:

The combination of Job Title and Position Description for a student employee should be used on the job description, job posting, and eForms.  Students may use the Job Title or Position Description when applying for jobs, on their LinkedIn profile, or on their resume.

Fillable job description templates are provided which will serve as (1) the foundation for job postings in Handshake, (2) setting job expectations, and (3) evaluating the student’s performance. It is the hiring department's responsibility to accurately complete the job description with the specific duties required.

Work-Study

Work-Study is a federally and state-funded employment program overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. At the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), federal and state funds cover 75% of a student's wages, with the remaining 25% funded by the respective department.

Eligibility and Funding Determination

The Office of Financial Aid is responsible for determining student eligibility and the amount of work-study funding awarded. Neither Student Employment nor the Career Development Center has any influence over these decisions. Students must demonstrate financial need to qualify for a work-study award.

Award Calculation

Students are not permitted to earn more than their allocated work-study award during the academic year. Therefore, it is crucial for students and employers to collaborate in monitoring work hours.

Divide the total award/how many weeks are in the semester. Then divide that number by the hourly wage.

Award Calculation Example:

• Total Award:  $2,000
• Weeks in Semester:  16
  • Weekly Award:  $2,000 / 16 = $125 per week
• Hourly Wage:  $8.00
  •  Weekly Hours:  $125 / $8 = 15.5 hours per week
  • Department Contribution:  $500
  • Work-Study Award:  $1,500