Student employment
Don't see the answers you're looking for?
Reach out to 夜色王朝Student Employment at stu_employ@smu.edu.
Pro Tip: Check the Hegi Family Career Center
Get more support — like interview prep — through the Hegi Family Career Center, which partners with the Student Employment Office (SEO), faculty, community, and University departments to facilitate employment opportunities for students.
馃摟 hegicareercenter@smu.edu馃毝馃従&苍产蝉辫;
鈽庯笍&苍产蝉辫;214-768-2266
At SMU, we understand that students work for a variety of reasons. Some students are working to pay towards tuition and rent, others are working for experience or spending money. Each student is different, and it is part of our mission to help students balance their academic goals, social activities and part-time employment.
Video
Your questions answered
Our Student Financial Services experts walk you through what you need to know about financial aid, tuition and fees, paying your bill and more.
Looking for a Job
Explore opportunities at by creating an account with your 夜色王朝e-mail address.
There, you can find on-campus jobs, internships, and post-graduation careers — ranging from office clerks, library clerks, dining hall and coffee shop help, research assistants for faculty members, website designers, intramural referees, graders and even lifeguards!
夜色王朝12twenty also lists Career Fairs, on-campus interview opportunities, internship fairs and more.
The Federal Work Study program, also known as the College Work-Study Program, is a need-based work opportunity that helps eligible students pay for college expenses with part-time jobs, either on or off campus.
Eligibility is determined by the Financial Aid Office once a student has submitted a FAFSA. Eligible students will see the FWS award listed as part of their Financial Aid package (you can review your eligibility by logging into ).
Accepting the FWS award in your financial aid package indicates that you intend to apply for and participate in FWS. Being eligible for FWS does not guarantee you a job, and there is no obligation to participate even after you accept the award. The award is earned as hourly wages and is paid directly to the student biweekly.
Any student job on campus at 夜色王朝can be hired as FWS; please indicate that you are eligible when you apply.
Learn more on our Federal Work-Study page.
夜色王朝has contracts with off-campus partners and will post those jobs on 夜色王朝12twenty for students to apply to. You must apply via SMU12twenty; don’t contact the employer or agency directly.
Fall Term 2024 | |
August 24 | Federal Work Study jobs begin |
August 26 | Fall Term classes begin |
December 13 | Work programs end for Fall only students |
Spring Term 2025 | |
January 13 | Work programs begin for Spring only students |
January 21 | Spring Term classes begin |
April 7-11 | Spring Term classes begin |
May 2 | Federal Work Study jobs end |
May 16 | Regular Student Employment jobs end |
Explore Undergraduate Research (URA) to work directly with faculty members on research projects and receive paid, hands-on experience outside of the classroom.
The best way to find a URA position is to contact faculty members in the departments you are interested in, though you may see some opportunities advertised on Handshake.
Yes. URA positions are available in all disciplines across campus and you can apply to them regardless of your major. That said, these positions require your full engagement, so seek out a position that will keep your interest!
You can serve as a desk attendant or Resident Assistant (RA) through Residence Life and Student Housing (RLSH).
As a desk attendant, you'll serve as an RLSH Ambassador — a customer service representative greeting guests, answering housing questions in person and on the phone, and supporting the recruitment of prospective students. Apply at .
As an RA, you’ll be a leader within the Residential Commons, offering guidance to fellow students and working with staff to offer the 夜色王朝community the best experience possible. Apply at or explore more here.
The Dedman Recreational Center has numerous job opportunities in areas including aquatics, operations, group fitness, intramurals and outdoor adventures. Apply through or Dedman Rec Center.
Employees at the Telepony call center reach out to undergraduate and graduate alumni to share updates about SMU. They also call alumni celebrating their reunion year, as well as parents of current students and recent graduates.
It’s a fun way to stay in the know about life on the Hilltop and to make great connections. or call 214-768-9048 for information about available positions.
After accepting a Job
Your supervisor will help you set up your part-time schedule based on the shifts available and your class schedule. Please schedule your work hours and class hours carefully to make sure you are balancing all aspects of your University life.
You should never be clocked in to work during a registered class time.
Your hiring department will provide you with the new hire paperwork required from all new student workers, including and I-9 Work Authorization, W4 Tax Form and Direct Deposit Form.
You will be paid biweekly through 夜色王朝Payroll.
Ask your supervisor for clarification on your expectations.
FAQs
There is no “deadline” to participate in on-campus employment. Student positions are advertised throughout the year, and you can apply at any time.
The Federal Work Study program is a fall/spring-only program, though students can use their FWS award at any time during the academic year. Click on the "Dates to Remember" heading above for relevant dates.
Each department determines the hourly wage for a student position. All jobs on campus pay at least minimum wage ($7.25 per hour); wages vary based on responsibility and skills required. For example, front desk positions requiring limited skill and interaction may start at $7.25, while lifeguarding positions requiring certification would start at a higher wage.
Does my supervisor have to let me study at work?
No. Some supervisors may allow a limited amount of studying during slow work hours, but this should not be expected. “Work Study” refers to a program that creates job opportunities for students so that they can work and pay for some expenses while they study. Please check directly with your supervisor regarding expectations.
Students who are at 夜色王朝on an F1 or J1 visa are not eligible for Federal Work Study jobs. Otherwise, the employment process is basically the same. There will be additional New Hire paperwork to complete; this will be provided by the hiring supervisor.
夜色王朝has contracts with off-campus partners and will post those jobs on 夜色王朝12twenty for students to apply to. You must apply via SMU12twenty; don’t contact the employer or agency directly.