FAQs

To understand more about student employment at Kennesaw State University, view our frequently asked questions below:

Rules / Requirements

• Is there an enrollment requirement to be a student assistant?

  Yes. Students must be enrolled for 6 credit hours during the spring and fall semesters. They can work during the summer while not enrolled in summer classes if they are enrolled for the upcoming fall semester. Students working during summer while not enrolled are subject to two additional payroll deductions.

• What additional payroll deductions are students subject to if working during the summer while not enrolled in classes?

  Employee contribution to Medicare – 1.45% of wages. This is a required tax deduction and is non-refundable.
  Georgia Defined Contribution Plan – 7.5% of wages and fully refundable once you are back in a student assistant status. 

  Please visit this link for more information on the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan, including how to apply for a refund: https://hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits/georgia-defined-contribution.php 

• How often does HR track enrollment?

  HR tracks enrollment before initial hire and semesterly for all student assistants.

• How many hours per week may a student assistant work?
  Up to 20 hours during the semester and up to 40 hours per week during summer and breaks. 
• I am an international student. Is there a limit to how many hours I can work in the summer?

  F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session. They may work up to 40 hours per week during summer and breaks.

  J-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and more than 20 hours per week during breaks with authorization from their J-1 visa sponsor.  

  Please contact the International Student and Scholar Services office at ISSS@kennesaw.edu to ensure your visa status does not include any additional work restrictions.

  Are student assistants allowed to work in that capacity?

  Students who are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents may work through the end of the month in which they graduate. For example, if you graduate in May you can work through May 31. International students are only authorized to work through their graduation date. For example, if you graduate on May 15 that is the last day you are authorized to work.

• How many student positions may a student hold at 1 time?
  Students may hold no more than 2 student positions at a time.
• When does a student assistant need to be rehired?
  Any time they have a break in employment or go 180 days without receiving a paycheck.
• Do student positions require background checks?
  They can, depending on the nature of the duties being performed. Visit this link for more information on background checks and reach out to the Program Coordinator for Student Employment if you have questions.

Hiring Process

• What is the process for hiring a student assistant?

  Please visit the hiring guide.

• Where can I post a student position/how can I generate an applicant pool?

  To post a student position, click here.

• Where can I view/apply to student postings?
  View/apply for student postings here.
• Is recruitment required for student positions?
  No. If you know who you want to hire, you can submit a SEHF to hrstudentemployment@kennesaw.edu. 
• Where can I find the Student Employment Hiring Form?
  The Student Employment Hiring Form may be found here.
• When does HR hold appointments for student employees to present I9 (work authorization) documents?
  Appointments are available every Tuesday from 9 AM to 11:30 AM, and every Wednesday from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Student employees will receive a link to schedule an appointment as part of the onboarding process.
• I am an external employer. Is there somewhere that I can post a job for KSU students to apply to?
  Yes. KSU uses a website called Handshake, which is managed by the Department of Career Planning and Development. Please visit this page for more information if you would like to post a position. You can call 470-578- 2724 if you have questions.

Compensation

• How much can I pay my student assistant?

  Please visit the hiring guide.

• Are student assistants eligible for pay increases?

  Yes. Contact the Program Coordinator for Student Employment for guidance and the approval process.

• My student assistant’s pay increase was approved by HR, now what?
  Submit an ad-hoc salary change request via OneUSG MSS. You can search for a job aid here.  

Using OneUSG and MSS

• Where can I find job aids for MSS transactions?

  Job aids for MSS transactions can be found here.

• Where can I learn more about using OneUSG as an employee or manager?

  For information on Manager Self Service, click here.

  For information on Employee Self Service, click here.

Performance Management and Evaluation

• Are performance evaluations required for student assistants?

  No.

• Are departments allowed to conduct performance evaluations on students?

  Yes. However, please contact the Program Coordinator for Student Employment for assistance in designing/reviewing your evaluations.

• Is training for managers regarding performance evaluations available?
  Yes. Please contact the Program Coordinator for Student Employment.
• Does KSU have a set disciplinary protocol for student assistants?
  No.
• May departments create their own disciplinary protocol?
  Yes, if it meets the following criteria: Students whose performance is not meeting expectations must be fully informed of specific issues and given a chance to remediate their performance.
• Is coaching available for managers regarding performance management?
  Yes. Please contact the Program Coordinator for Student Employment.
• What steps must I take if I want to terminate a student employee for cause?
  All student terminations for cause must be approved by the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Legal Affairs. Contact the Program Coordinator for Student Employment for guidance/approval prior to terminating a student assistant for cause.

Separation

• My student has resigned or is finished working. What do I need to do? 

  Submit a termination request via OneUSG MSS. A job aid can be found here.

• I would like to terminate a student assistant for poor performance or a violation of rules. What do I need to do?

  All terminations for cause must be approved by the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Legal Affairs. Contact the Program Coordinator for Student Employment for guidance/approval prior to terminating a student assistant for cause.

• Are student assistants allowed to work in that capacity past graduation?
  They may work through the end of the month in which they graduate.
• What are my options if my student assistant is graduating and I still need them?
  With some exceptions, student assistants must maintain half-time enrollment to be able to work in that capacity. However, we understand that you may need to retain a student worker who graduates or otherwise ceases to be enrolled half-time. In these situations, please reach out to the Program Coordinator for Student Employment via email or by phone at 470-578-3948. 

Miscellaneous

• Where can I find information about the Federal Work Study (FWS) Program?
  Information on the FWS Program can be found here.
• Where can I find information about graduate assistantships?
  Information about graduate assistantships can be found here. 
• Where can I get information about additional student employment requirements for international students?
  Click here for more information on student employment requirements for international students.
• Is training on professionalism, customer service etc. available for student assistants?
  Yes. Please reach out to the Program Coordinator for Student Employment via email or by phone at 470-578-3948 to discuss your specific needs.