Campus Jobs and Work-Study Contracts

Campus jobs and work-study programmes can help you earn while you study—but the terms (pay, hours, duties, what happens if you leave or are let go) are often in a short contract or offer letter. If you don't read carefully, you might agree to pay below minimum wage, to vague duties that stretch beyond what you expected, or to terms that limit your rights. Here's what to check in campus job and work-study agreements before you sign.

Pay and hours

• Rate. What's the hourly rate or salary? Is it at least minimum wage? In some places work-study or student jobs have different rules—check your jurisdiction. Get the rate in writing.
• Hours. How many hours per week can you work? Is there a cap (e.g. 20 hours during term)? Exceeding the cap can affect your visa (if you're on a student visa) or your eligibility for benefits—so know the limit.
• When you get paid. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly? What if pay is late? The contract or policy should say.

Duties and duration

• What you'll do. Is your role clearly described—or does it say "and other duties as assigned"? Vague language can mean you're asked to do more than you signed up for. Push for clarity.
• Duration. Is the job for the academic year, the semester, or indefinite? Can the employer end it early? Can you leave with notice? Get it in writing so you're not surprised.

Your rights

• Employment status. Are you an employee (with rights to minimum wage, leave, etc.) or a contractor? In many places campus jobs are employment—so you have statutory rights. If the contract says you're a contractor, check whether that's correct in your jurisdiction; misclassification can cost you rights.
• Termination. What happens if you're let go—or if you quit? Notice? Final pay? The contract or policy should say. If it's silent, local employment law may imply minimum notice or pay in lieu.

BeforeYouSign can highlight pay, hours, duties, and termination in campus job and work-study contracts so you know what you're agreeing to—before you sign.