Frequently Asked Questions

How many student jobs are available at TMU?

TMU offers 350+ on-campus student jobs across all areas of campus life. The on-campus job market is competitive as the number of available student jobs and hours varies from year to year.

What is Federal Work Study Program (FWS)?

Federal Work-Study provides employment and community service opportunities for students who demonstrate financial need. Eligibility is based on the availability of funding and the student’s financial need, as determined by FAFSA.

Work Study is not considered part of the student’s financial aid package. Work Study student employees submit timecards, are paid directly through biweekly payroll, and can elect to apply all or part of their earnings to their student account.

What are the benefits of Work Study employment?

Income earned by the student through the University’s Federal Work Study program is not included as part of a family’s estimated financial contribution (EFC) on the FASFA. This can protect a student’s future eligibility for federal or state financial aid.

Contact the Office of Student Employment at for more information about the Work Study program.

Do Work Study eligible students have any advantages when applying for jobs?

TMU undergraduate students have equal opportunity and access to on-campus student jobs regardless of Work Study eligibility status. All jobs in TMU’s Off-Campus Work Study Program are exclusive to Work Study eligible students.

How do I know if I am eligible for Work Study?

Work Study eligibility is determined by the student’s current FAFSA and the Office of Financial Aid. Students can contact the Office of Financial Aid to inquire about their eligibility status.

When and where are student jobs posted?

The Office of Student Employment posts on-campus jobs on TMU Handshake as they become available throughout the year. TMU’s peak student hiring season is August/September, and most student jobs are filled at the beginning of the academic year.

Students may contact the Office of Student Employment at with any questions or assistance in utilizing Handshake.

What is the application process?

All TMU student employment jobs require applicants to submit three (3) items:

• TMU Application for Student Employment
• Resume
• Cover letter

Other items may be required depending on the position or department, such as the student’s schedule and work availability, portfolio, etc. Interviews are arranged and hiring decisions are made by the hiring department. The OSE will notify all applicants through Handshake when the position has been closed/filled.

Is there any documentation I need to bring?

Yes. Student employees must produce a valid photo ID and proof of their eligibility of work in the United States. This federal requirement is satisfied with the following:

For US Citizens:

• A valid US passport satisfies both identification requirements. Students without a valid passport (or passport card) can bring:
  • Valid Photo ID (e.g. Driver’s License or State ID Card)
  • Birth Certificate or Social Security Card

For International Students:

• Foreign Passport (including F-1 Visa)
• Form I-20
• Current I-94 (travel history)

Please note that federal employment regulations prohibit TMU from accepting scans, copies, or photos of qualifying identification. Original documents only.

Are student jobs temporary?

Yes. On-campus jobs are temporary positions which run for the academic year (August – May).

Can student employees work through the summer?

Yes, but summer student employment is limited by department staffing needs and funding. On average, the University retains around 50 student employees throughout the summer.

Do on-campus student jobs guarantee hours/earnings?

No. Factors including the student’s availability, staffing needs, and departmental funding can affect student earning potential.

Can I have more than one on-campus job?

Yes. Student employees can hold up to three concurrent positions if the scheduled hours do not exceed 20 hours/week during academic periods or 29 hours/week during non-academic periods (summer).

Will on-campus employers accommodate my class schedule?

Student jobs are tailored to complement the undergraduate academic experience, and most students successfully balance both academic and part-time work. Academically rigorous programs and/or participation in athletics or extracurricular activities may impact the number of work hours a student can realistically commit to.

How are student employees compensated?

All TMU student employees are compensated biweekly through check or direct deposit.

Can a portion of a student’s earnings be applied directly to their student account?

Yes. Student employees can enroll in a voluntary payroll deduction, which applies all or part of their biweekly payrolls to their student account.

Is there any advice the OSE has for students interested in working on campus?

Overall, we encourage students to take full advantage of all the student employment and career preparedness resources offered on campus!

Advice for Incoming Freshmen:

Don’t overload yourself with commitments. Your first few weeks on campus are critical in settling into new routines, making friends, establishing strong academic habits, etc. It’s okay to give yourselves time to adjust to life on campus and fold in work and extracurriculars organically.