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- Information for Parents
Information for parents
Is your student considering employment with University Housing? Not sure if they will be able to work while they're trying to get adjusted to this new phase of their life? Want to know more about University Housing jobs in general? Keep reading, and with any luck, we'll be able to answer all your questions!
For additional information about campus, please visit the University's Parent Program.
- Why should my student choose University Housing as their employer, versus other campus employment?
- Won't working interfere with my student's academic success?
- How many hours will my student have to work during the school year?
- What employment forms will my student need to complete?
- My student will be under 18 when they start work. Do they have to do anything differently or bring any special documentation?
- How does scheduling work?
- I am concerned about my student working late night shifts and then walking home alone.
- Are Housing jobs approved for Work Study?
1. Why should my student choose University Housing as their employer, versus other campus employment?
A: University Housing is the largest employer of student employees on campus. We employ approximately 1,700 students during the academic year and about 300 over the summer. With such numbers, we attest we have mastered the art of employing students. Students find that our full time staff is in-tune with the concerns of student life, while we are focused on excellence and customer service. We aim for every work experience with us to be a positive one and hopefully full of personal and professional growth and accomplishment.
Additionally, by working for the University, your student is eligible for a Medicare and Social Security (FICA) tax exemption. If your student is taking over 6 credits and is employed with the University, while they are attending UW-Madison, they do not need to pay FICA. This FICA exemption is effective during the dates that school is in session, and should they work for us in the summer, they will be eligible for exemption if they are taking summer school classes as well.
2. Won't working interfere with my student's academic success?
A: Research shows that students tend to be more successful and get better grades when they hold a part time job during their time on campus. Working helps to improve time management and prioritization skills. In addition, many of our entry level positions will lead to promotional opportunities, all of which will enhance their resume and reinforce their academics, rather than detract from their schoolwork.
3. How many hours will my student have to work during the school year?
A: Many students work an average of 7-10 hours per week, although that can vary depending on the position, and your student's availability. Students are discouraged from working more than 20 hours per week.
4. What employment forms will my student need to complete?
A: All newly hired workers will need to bring two forms of identification to fill out the necessary paperwork: an ID that proves their identity, as well as an ID that proves they are eligible to work in the United States.
- Common forms of identity are either a driver's license or campus ID.
- Common forms of eligibility are either a birth certificate or social security card.
- A U.S. passport will satisfy both these requirements.
Please keep in mind that we need to see original documents - we cannot accept photocopies. Additionally, all documents must be unexpired. If your student does not have these documents with them on campus, they will need to be mailed to them.
Students are also required to have direct deposit. They will need to bring a voided check with them to complete this process.
5. My student will be under 18 when they start work. Do they have to do anything differently or bring any special documentation?
A: Yes, if your student will be under 18 on their start date, they must present a Child Labor Permit when they fill out their paperwork. Child Labor Permits can be obtained from any high school or Job Service Center in Wisconsin. If you live outside of Wisconsin, the Child Labor Permit must be obtained from a high school in Madison. The high school closest to campus is West High at 30 Ash Street (corner of Regent and Ash Streets). Your student can call Madison Metro at 608-266-4466 for assistance in determining bus routes which service this location.
If your student needs a child labor permit, they should take all of the following items with them when applying for the permit:
- Social Security Card
- Original birth certificate or passport
- Appointment letter from University Housing (available under the 'Employment Information' tab in your online application)
- A letter from you, their parent or guardian, granting permission to work
- $5.00
University Housing will reimburse your student for the cost of the Child Labor Permit after the permit has been turned in to Human Resources.
6. How does scheduling work?
A: University Housing knows that school is everyone's top priority, and so we offer flexible scheduling. During orientation your student will work with their supervisor to come up with a work schedule that works well with their class schedule. Scheduling tip: Our dining halls usually need more employees who are available to work at lunch. When scheduling classes, your student may want to try and keep lunchtime hours open to give themselves the most options for part-time job opportunities and the choice of shifts throughout the week.
7. I am concerned about my student working late night shifts and then walking home alone.
A: An advantage of working in University Housing is the close proximity to where your student lives. Some positions may actually be available in their residence hall or right next door.
When possible, our late night shifts are designed to end in teams. This facilitates groups leaving at the same time. Our employing units also connect students with other students that live in their area or direction.
Additionally, campus has a free service called the "Safe Walk" to accompany students at night while getting around on campus. For more information, visit www2.fpm.wisc.edu/trans/Safe/SafeEscort.htm.
8. Are Housing jobs approved for Work Study?
A: Yes! All of our jobs are approved for Work Study. If your student uses up their Work Study allotment, we will continue to offer them employment. Our jobs do not end when the work study runs out.
If you have a question that was not answered, feel free to contact us!
University Housing Human Resources
Slichter Hall, Room 34
625 Babcock Drive Madison, WI 53706
608-262-6111
hr@housing.wisc.edu
TTY/TDD 608-262-6830