List of Questions
It is my first year at Calvin; should I work?
What is the difference between on-campus and off-campus jobs?
What are the advantages of working on-campus?
How do I apply for a student position at Calvin College?
I have the job! Now what do I need to do?
What should I ask my supervisor on my first day of work?
What happens if I am an international student?
Are there options for working in the community?

It is my first year at Calvin; should I work?
Before you begin seeking employment options, consider whether working during your first semester is the right choice for you. Statistically, students who work 10 hours per week or less have a better than average G.P.A. and higher retention and graduation rates. However, the best option is the one that is right for you. Consider your class schedule, adjustments to living away from home and study time. If you decide to work during your first year of college, consider a job that requires less than 10 hours per week. You can usually increase the number of hours per week after you are comfortable with the commitment. You may want to take a few weeks to adjust to college life before you make a decision either way.

What is the difference between on-campus and off-campus jobs?
The Calvin College JobShop posts job opportunities on KnightVision to allow students to see the options available and select the positions for which they are interested in applying.

Off-Campus Jobs: Many community businesses and individuals are interested in hiring Calvin College students. The JobShop posts off-campus opportunities by category to allow students to pursue the type of work best suited to their needs. The Calvin College JobShop is a posting service only, and therefore makes no recommendations or referrals. The JobShop is not responsible for safety, wages, training, supervision, working conditions or other aspects of employment, and it is understood that individuals, companies, and students will hold each other and Calvin College harmless in any liability situation.

On-Campus Jobs: All on-campus job openings are also listed on KnightVision. Supervisors post their positions, list the qualifications and often the times they need students to work. Students may apply on-line for any of the openings. On-campus jobs are available all through the year. Students do not have to apply for a job before they arrive on campus or even during the first few weeks of classes. Job openings occur during all times of the year and students may decide when they are ready to begin applying for positions. Students may view the job postings once they have registered for classes.

What are the advantages of working on-campus?
Calvin College employs approximately 1,400 students each semester to clean, serve meals, assist professors, checkout library books, shovel snow, lifeguard at the pool and complete a plethora of other tasks that need to be accomplished to keep Calvin College functioning and beautiful. Here is a list of advantages of having an on-campus job:

1. It assists in financing your education 2. It develops valuable skills 3. You learn about career opportunities 4. It adds to your professional references 5. No FICA taxes are withheld 6. You can work between classes 7. No transportation vehicle is required 8. You get paid every two weeks 9. Your supervisor understands that your academic commitment is a priority. Whether working at Calvin College is your first job or you are a seasoned veteran in the work force, on-campus jobs offer valuable experience and are often fun and rewarding.

How do I apply for a student position at Calvin College?
After students have enrolled for fall classes they become members of the "Student Organization" on KnightVision and have access to the JobShop postings. The jobs are listed by categories and students looking for on-campus jobs should select that category. Many of the listed positions allow students to apply online. A link will be provided right in the posting. Each on-campus supervisor follows their own hiring method. This is often done by interviewing the students who have applied and making sure their class schedule is compatible with the times they are needed to work. This is also a great time for students to ask questions about the expectations for the job. Looking, applying and interviewing for on-campus positions can be a wonderful experience for student workers. The same skills will be needed once they graduate and enter the workforce.

I have the job! Now what do I need to do?
Before you start your new position there is paperwork for you to fill out. All employees working in the United States are required to complete W-4 forms and the I-9 form. The I-9 form requires specific pieces of identification to be shown to establish employment eligibility. The documents required to complete this form are listed on the Payroll's website. Make sure you have the required identification with you as you will not be allowed to work until the form is completed. Original documents must be shown to complete this process, so if you are interested in an on-campus position come prepared to show appropriate identification.

What should I ask my supervisor on my first day of work?
The first day of work is the perfect time to ask your supervisor what is expected of you as a student worker. Here is a list of questions you may want answered as you begin your new job:

1. How should I dress for work? 2. If I am sick, how should I let you know I will not be at work? 3. How would you like me to answer the phone at work? 4. How do I fill out my timesheet and when is it due? 5. Where and when should I pick up my paycheck?

What happens if I am an international student?
International students who have been granted F-1 student status by Immigration may accept on-campus employment without prior approval from Immigration. Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States are eligible to work on-campus if they maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester as required by Immigration. On-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week during the school semester. During vacation periods (Christmas, spring break and summer) students may work up to 40 hours per week. International students will need to apply for a U.S. Social Security Card after they have found an on-campus job. The Calvin College Student Employment Services will assist all international students with paperwork involved with on-campus work. Once a student has been hired, he or she should make an appointment with Karen Hollebeek in the Human Resources office. The following documents will be needed during the appointment: I-94, I-20, U.S. Visa, Passport, Calvin College ID Card, and U.S. Social Security Card or the receipt proving application for a Social Security Card.

Are there options for working in the community?
Interested students may choose to participate independently in service activities with a select community organization. They use service-learning to explore career options or get valuable experience in their prospective fields. Examples include working with inner-city children in Big Brother/Big Sister programs, tutoring in adult literacy programs, assisting in hospital labs or emergency rooms, working with people who have physical or mental handicaps, community organizing in a low-income neighborhood, or working on a campaign for an elected official. The Service Learning Center has partnerships with many community and/or nonprofit organizations and keeps updated information on opportunities for both short-term and long-term involvement. Job opportunities and applications are available in the Service Learning Center or online on KnightVision under Student Organizations and then click the JobShop button to see both JobShop and Service Learning opportunities.

If you have more questions, please stop by Student Employment Services in the Human Resources Office (370 Spoelhof) or contact Karen Hollebeek at (616)526-7001.