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Samford Hall at sunrise

As the fall semester approaches, University Human Resources wants to emphasize the critical importance of complying with Auburn University’s student employment regulations. Understanding and adhering to these policies, procedures, guidelines and applicable laws will help ensure that the student employment experience is beneficial for our students, our departments and our campus. 

Student Employment Policy  

Please ensure that individuals responsible for student employees are thoroughly familiar with the university’s Student Employment Policy. Non-compliance can have serious consequences for both students and the university.  

Work Schedule and Hours Guidelines 

Work schedules must accommodate the students’ academic schedule without interference and adhere to applicable work hour restrictions. Please note the following: 

  • Fall and spring semesters: Student employees, including international students, may work a maximum of 20 hours per week for all university jobs combined. 

  • Summer semester and official university academic breaks: Student employees, including international students, may work over 20 hours per week for all university jobs combined. 

Important Note for Foreign National Students 

Under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, non-immigrant students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and more than 20 hours while classes are not in session or during the summer semester. Violating these laws can result in financial penalties, criminal consequences and possible deportation of the student.   

Balancing Work and Academics 

While working over 20 hours during the summer is acceptable, Auburn must prioritize students’ well-being.  The work schedule and hours guidelines aim to strike a healthy balance between employment and academics. Please ensure that our students can thrive in both areas. 

FLSA Regulations  

  • Student Employees with Nonexempt Positions: Most student employees, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), have nonexempt positions. They must receive overtime premium pay (equivalent to 1.5 times their regular hourly rate of pay) for any hours worked beyond 40 hours in a designated workweek (which runs from Sunday to Saturday).

  • Student Employees with Exempt Positions (Graduate Student Assistantships Only): Graduate Student Assistants are categorized as exempt under the FLSA. They are restricted to working the total hours approved based on their full-time equivalency (FTE) designation (see below).

Graduate Student Assistantships 

Graduate students may hold multiple assistantships but must not exceed a 0.50 FTE during the fall and spring semesters. The FTE corresponds to the total weekly work hours and should be adjusted if work hours change to ensure the stipend amount is reflective of the hours worked. 

The FTE and corresponding weekly work hours are as follows: 

  • 0.25=10 hours per week 

  • 0.33=13 hours per week 

  • 0.50=20 hours per week 

Exceptions may be requested in writing to the Dean of the Graduate School and University Human Resources (UHR) Employment Services, provided there is a compelling academic justification. For multiple assistantships from different units, coordinating approval memos from each hiring unit is required.   

We appreciate your understanding and adherence to these important responsibilities. Thank you for your commitment to compliance and supporting student success.  

For any questions, please contact: