Exploring On-Campus Employment

Exploring On-Campus Employment

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Welcome to Exploring On-Campus Employment:

• This course provides international students with essential information about working legally on campus.
• On-campus employment helps you gain experience, build connections, and get involved at Illinois State University. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, there are multiple resources available to help you find, apply for, and succeed in on-campus roles.

Objectives

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• Describe what qualifies as on-campus employment and the eligibility rules for F-1 and J-1 students.
• Locate current on-campus job opportunities using ISU resources, including jobs.illinoisstate.edu.

• Utilize provided tips on how to submit a complete job application.

• Understand the onboarding process, including necessary employment paperwork and other requirements.

• Identify campus resources—such as ISSS, Career Services, and HR—that support finding, applying for, and succeeding in on-campus roles.

Module Navigation

Move at Your Own Pace

Interactive Learning

Accessibility Features

Tracking Completion

Understanding On-Campus Employment & Eligibility

Understanding Rules for F-1, J-1, and GA Positions

Modules

Finding On-Campus Jobs

Click the modules to learn more about each subject.

Where and How to Find On-Campus Jobs

Applying for a Position & Onboarding

Steps to Secure and Begin Your Campus Job

Campus Resources and Support

Campus Resources to Help You Get Hired

Module 1 - Understanding On-Campus Employment & Eligibility

1. On-Campus Jobs:

On-campus jobs are student worker or GA positions that are paid by Illinois State University.

2. F-1 Students:

• May work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session (all positions combined cannot exceed 20 hours per week)
• During official breaks or vacations: up to 28 hours/week (all positions combined cannot exceed 28 hours per week)
• If summer is your first or last semester, it is not considered a vacation period and you are limited to 20 hours/week.

3. J-1 Students:

• Must get written authorization from ISSS before beginning any job, even on-campus.
• Same hour limits as F-1: 20 hours/week during semester, 28 hours/week during breaks.
• More information will be provided at your mandatory exchange meeting.

4. Graduate Assistants (GAs):

• GAs have a contract with an FTE (e.g. 0.50 FTE = 20 hrs/week). Those hours count toward your weekly work limit.
• You cannot take additional on-campus jobs while classes are in session if your GA hours already reach the 20-hour limit.

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Module 1 - Understanding On-Campus Employment & Eligibility

4. Considerations and Warnings:

• Unauthorized employment is a serious violation of visa status and can affect your future visa or immigration options.

• Off-campus work is not allowed unless you have appropriate authorization (e.g. CPT, OPT).
• Independent contractor work, such as working for companies like Door Dash or Uber, is strictly prohibited and considered unauthorized employment

Go to Module 2

Module 2 - Finding On-Campus Jobs

1. Use the Correct Job Searching Database:

Visit jobs.illinoisstate.edu (link) to explore current on-campus job listings.

• Jobs.IllinoisState.edu is the official ISU job listings website, providing a trusted and up-to-date source for all on-campus and graduate assistant positions.

• Each posting includes the job description, qualifications, pay rate, hours, and department contact information.

2. Be sure you Qualify:

Review the minimum requirements carefully—you must meet all of them to qualify.

• Confirm with the contact listed on the job application or Career Services if unsure.
• Be sure to check your application for completeness before submitting.

Go to Module 3

Module 3 - Applying for a Position & Onboarding

1. When Applying:

Follow the instructions listed at the bottom of each job posting carefully.

• Upload any required documents (e.g. resume, cover letter).
• Answer all required questions truthfully and completely.
• When answering the Selective Service Question, mark that you are not a U.S. Citizen.

2. After Applying:

Monitor your email or phone for communication from departments.

• You can check the current status of your application in your application portal
• Do not reach out too quickly or too often to check on your application — the review process takes time.

• When to Contact:
• Follow up 1–2 weeks after applying (unless the posting says otherwise).
• After an interview (within 24–48 hours).
• If you need to confirm receipt or clarify next steps, be polite and professional.

• When not to Contact:
• Immediately after applying.
• Repeatedly in a short period.
• If the posting explicitly says not to.

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Module 3 - Applying for a Position & Onboarding

3. Once Hired:

Follow department and HR instructions for completing the hiring process, which may include forms such as a background check and I-9.

• You must go to the Nelson Smith Building, Room 101 (link) to complete your I-9 (Open M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm).
• An I-9 is a document that all hired individuals must complete to verify ther identity and employment authorization.
• An I-9 must be completed no later than your first day of work.
• Let your department know once you have completed your I-9.
• Bring required original documents: passport, I-20/DS-2019, printed I-94, social security card (if you have one).
• J-1 students will also need to bring a letter from ISSS prior to completing their I-9.
• All documents must be presented in physical form and not as photocopies or digital images.

• If you don’t already have an SSN, you’ll need one soon after starting employment—see the Social Security page (link) on the ISSS website for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a SSN.

Go to Module 4

Module 4 - Campus Resources and Support

1. ISU Offices and Tools:

Finding an on-campus job is easier when you know who can help. Several ISU offices and tools are designed to guide you through the process:

• ISSS (International Student and Scholar Services) - Assists and advises international students with employment eligibility, authorization, documentation, and maintaining visa compliance.

• Career Services – Offers resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and job search support for both on-campus and off-campus employment. Students can schedule appointments or attend drop-in advising to get feedback on their application materials.
• Career Events and Fairs – Career Services hosts job fairs, workshops, and networking events throughout the year. These events help students connect with hiring departments and explore potential career paths.
• International Student Career Series – Each semester, Career Services offers this series to help international students explore global career paths and get the guidance they need to succeed.

• Human Resources (HR) – Oversees job applications and the hiring and onboarding process, including I-9 verification.

• Manages the job Listings Site – jobs.illinoisstate.edu (link) lists all open student worker and graduate assistant positions at ISU.

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What To Do Next:

If you’re ready to start looking for on-campus work, here’s how to move forward:

• The next few pages will guide you through the process step by step—from exploring job postings and preparing your application to completing hiring steps and starting your position.
• Follow each section carefully, use the campus resources available, and you’ll be ready to succeed in your on-campus role!

Finding and Starting Your On-Campus Job

Step 2

Step 1

Apply Early and Prepare Your Application Materials

Explore Job Postings

Step 3

Step 4

Prepare for Interviews

Reach Out for Help

Step 5

Step 6

Start Working and Stay Informed

Complete Hiring Steps

Certificate

Achievement Certificate

This certifies that the student has completed the Exploring On-Campus Employment for International Students learning module.

Congratulations!

Sincerely,

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• Visit jobs.illinoisstate.edu (link) to view open student positions.

• Filter by “Student” or "GA" to see roles within university departments.
• International students are not eligible for federal work study jobs.
• You need prior permission from ISSS to qualify for anything labeled "off campus."

• If you’re unsure where to start, Career Services can review your materials.
• Visit Career Services (link) for resume or cover letter reviews, interview prep, and more.

• Contact ISSS if you have questions about your employment eligibility.
• You can submit a help ticket or check when Express Advising hours are on the ISSS Website (link).

• Your progress is automatically saved.
• Mark each module completed in the ISSS portal when done. Completion will be tracked by our staff.
• You can then download or print your Certificate of Completion as proof that you’ve successfully finished the module.

• This module is self-paced, meaning you can complete it on your own schedule. You can stop at any time and pick up right where you left off.
• Take time to review each section carefully and revisit any topic that you’d like to understand more deeply.

• Many departments conduct short interviews.
• Be ready to talk about your availability, reliability, and interest in contributing to the work environment should you be chosen for the role.

• Once you begin work, monitor your ISU email for updates from HR or your supervisor.
• Follow the steps to apply for your SSN (link), if you don't already have one.
• Keep track of your work hours to make sure you don't exceed your F-1/J-1 status limits.
• It is recommended to arrive 5 minutes prior to your scheduled shift.

You should now be prepared to apply for an on-campus job. Have fun!

• Read each posting fully before applying.

• Refresh your resume and prepare a short cover letter tailored to the on-campus job you are applying for.
• A blanket resume for every job, regardless of the specifics will not likely make your application stand out.
• Remember, jobs are competitive.
• Double-check that you meet all minimum qualifications and upload all required documents.

• Once hired, you’ll complete paperwork with Human Resources in the Nelson Smith Building, Room 101, including the I-9 form.
• Bring your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 record.
• J-1 students will also need a letter from ISSS.
• Contact Human Resources (HR) (link) with any questions or concerns regarding your hiring paperwork process.