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Eligibility

GPA

A University-wide GPA requirement for student employment does not exist. However, individual departments may set a minimum GPA per position if they so desire. Students should carefully read the Required Qualifications section of each on campus job posting to determine whether a position for which they wish to apply has set a minimum GPA.

Enrollment

Student employees who work for the University during the fall/spring semesters must be enrolled at Illinois State for at least part-time (6 undergraduate or 5 graduate credit hours) during the semester of employment.

Students who wish to work for the University through the summer months must be enrolled at Illinois State for at least part-time (6 undergraduate or 5 graduate credit hours) during the preceding spring or following fall semester. Student employees are not required to be enrolled in summer semester hours in order to be employed by the University.

Spring graduates who met minimum enrollment hours during the spring semester may continue to work through the following summer, but employment must end prior to the start of the fall semester.

Enrollment Exemption

Student employees who do not meet the enrollment requirement during the applicable fall or spring semester must either register for the remaining hours or obtain an approved enrollment exemption justifying the reason for not meeting the enrollment requirement. Typical justifications for an enrollment exemption are:

  • Student is taking Thesis Dissertation Hours (Regular or Audit)
  • Student is in last semester and no additional hours are required

Enrollment exemptions can be requested by the student or the student’s employing department and must be approved by Human Resources.

Those student employees not enrolled in the required hours or not having an approved enrollment exemption on file in Human Resources by a given deadline may have their appointment terminated.

Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study is a need-based financial aid award program that makes it more affordable for a campus department or non-profit organization to hire student employees. Some departments require students to have been awarded Federal Work Study, so students should carefully read the Required Qualifications section of each job posting to determine whether a position for which they wish to apply requires Federal Work Study.

Find Federal Work Study eligibility information through the Financial Aid Office.

Additional Requirements

Employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Criminal Background Investigation Policy

In addition, all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, required all new employees to file an I-9 in person and no later than the first day of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at here. Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.