Student Jobs at UCLA: Requirements and Opportunities

For students seeking to finance their education and gain valuable work experience, UCLA offers a variety of employment opportunities. These jobs range from on-campus positions to off-campus work-study programs, each with its own set of requirements and benefits. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of student employment options at UCLA, including eligibility criteria, job search resources, and important considerations for both domestic and international students.

Work-Study Programs

Work-study is a need-based financial aid program that allows students to earn money through part-time employment, either on or off-campus. The program aims to alleviate loan debt while providing valuable work experience. A portion of the student's salary is covered by work-study funds, incentivizing employers to hire them. Crucially, earnings from work-study do NOT affect a student's aid eligibility for subsequent academic years.

Types of Work-Study Programs

UCLA offers several work-study programs, each with its specific focus and eligibility criteria:

Federal Work-Study: This is the primary work-study program, encompassing a wide range of on-campus positions. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $3,000.
University Work-Study: This program is specifically for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) eligible DREAM Act students, offering opportunities during the summer and academic year. Awards range from $500 to $5,000.
JUMPSTART: In partnership with AmeriCorps, this program focuses on promoting literacy among local preschoolers. UCLA undergraduates from any major can apply. Participation may allow students to petition for an increase in work-study funds, up to $5,500; this may decrease student loans.
AMERICA READS UCLA BruinCorps: A community service-learning program, BruinCorps provides equal access to educational opportunities for under-resourced communities in Los Angeles County through tutoring and the VISTA Project. Students hired under this program are eligible to petition for an increase in work study up to $5000; this may decrease student loans.
Community Service: These positions, both on and off-campus, benefit the wider community. Students in these roles can also petition for a work-study increase of up to $5,500; this may decrease student loans.

Eligibility for Work-Study

To be eligible for work-study at UCLA, students must meet the following requirements:

Submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or Dream Application by the priority deadline (March 2).
Demonstrate financial need, with a Parent Contribution (if dependent) or Student Contribution (if independent) of $12,000 or less for California residents.
Be enrolled at least half-time (Undergraduates: 6 units, Graduates: 4 units).
Have a Work-Study award on their award letter, valid only for the specified Financial Aid Notification (FAN) period.
Meet other requirements, such as US citizenship or permanent resident status for certain programs.

Finding Work-Study Jobs

The UCLA Work-Study Job Bulletin, accessible through MyUCLA, lists currently approved work-study positions.

Log in to MyUCLA.
Select "Finances and Jobs."
Select "Work-Study Job Search."

The bulletin provides details about each position, and students can also find work-study opportunities at ASUCLA and UCLA Handshake.

The UCLA Career Center offers resources to aid in resume building and interview preparation:

Resume: The UCLA Career Guide provides assistance in creating a resume. VMock offers 24/7 feedback after you upload your resume.
Interview Tips: InterviewStream offers interview tips and the opportunity to practice interview skills 24/7.

Hiring Process and Payment

After accepting a work-study position, students must complete the hiring process, which includes submitting hiring paperwork and an online referral form by the specified deadline. For off-campus and ASUCLA positions, students can request a hiring appointment through the Message Center. During the appointment, they must present their hiring documents. The Off-Campus employer is given access to the online referral form to complete and submit.

Students are paid bi-weekly, based on the dates specified for each pay period. Time records must be submitted on time via the TRS system (except for ASUCLA employees, whose time records are submitted automatically).

General Work-Study Information

Students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Students can only hold one work-study job at a time.
Students must be paid at least the minimum wage, commensurate with the position and similar roles.
Summer work-study is available for students enrolled at least half-time who submit the summer application on time.

Non-Work-Study Job Resources

The UCLA Career Center provides services and event sign-ups exclusively for UCLA students seeking non-work-study positions. Handshake lists available student positions.

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Current Open Positions

UCLA Recreation offers a variety of non-work-study positions, including:

Aquatics - Lifeguard: Enforces pool rules, prevents accidents, and responds to emergencies. Requires a 300-yard continuous swim, underwater brick retrieval, and 2-minute treading water. The pay rate for UCLA students is $20.00 - $21.87. Paid training includes American Red Cross Lifeguard, Blood Borne Pathogen, and Emergency Oxygen certifications.
Competitive Sports - General Manager: Checks in participants, provides customer service, keeps score, and helps set up events.
Competitive Sports - Intramural Sports Official: Referees intramural games and enforces rules with fair judgment.
KREC/BFIT - FITWELL Consultant: Supervises and ensures the safety of participants in cardio and strength areas, assisting with equipment use. Accepting applications for Summer 2025.
Martial Arts - Lead and Assistant Instructor: Develops and leads UCLA Martial Arts instructional classes.
Member Services & Support - Customer Relations Specialist: Provides information and support regarding Recreation services.
Marketing - Graphic Designer: Designs materials for print, web, and social media.
Esports Team Positions: Arena Staff Member, Broadcast Coordinator, Design Coordinator, Logistics Coordinator, Marketing Coordinator, Marketing Lead, Photo/Videographer Coordinator. (Note: These positions may not be currently hiring).
JWC - FITWELL Consultant: Supervises and ensures the safety of participants in cardio and strength areas, assisting with equipment use.
Marketing - Marketing Assistant: Creates social media content to promote UCLA Recreation programs and facilities.
Rec Tech (Recreational Mechanical Technician): Performs maintenance and repairs on Recreation facilities and equipment.
Sports Venues & Event Operations - Operations and Events Assistant: Provides maintenance and operational support for Pauley Pavilion, Drake Track Stadium, and the Los Angeles Tennis Center. Requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Student Activities Center - Operations Assistant: Provides customer service and enhances the experience of facility users.
Swim Instructor: Requires a current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or Basic Swim Instructor (BSI) Certification. Pay starts at $21/hr.
Marina Aquatic Center Instructor Positions: Kayaking, Rowing, Sailing, Surfing, Windsurfing. Pay starts at $18/hour.
Marina Aquatic Center Positions: Dockmaster and Maintenance Assistant. Pay starts at $17/hour and $18/hour, respectively.
Marketing - Photographer: Photographs programs and events for marketing materials.
Marketing - Videographer: Films and edits videos for marketing materials.
Outdoor Adventures Positions: Bike Shop & Rental Center Employees, Challenge Course Team Building Program Assistant & Facilitator, and Rock Wall Staff.
- Gymnastics Supervisor: Responsible for supervision and safety of all participants of open recreation in Yates Gymnasium.

General Requirements for UC Student Employment

UC student employment provides financial support to students pursuing their educational and career goals. To be a student employee, one must be enrolled at a UC campus (minimum six units per quarter). Exceptions exist during the quarter/semester following graduation or between enrolled quarters/semesters. A location may also allow student employees to take one quarter or semester off and retain their student employment.

Student positions are governed by the Personnel Policies for Staff Members (PPSM) and are designated as Professional and Support Staff (PSS) with Casual Restricted employee class.

An employee may be classified as a UC Student Employee (Employee Class 5 = Casual Restricted) if all of the following conditions are met:

The employee is a registered undergraduate or graduate student at the University of California.
The appointment is temporary.
Work is secondary to the student's academic and student life.
Work schedules are flexible enough to support the student's academic priorities, resulting in irregular work hours.
Student assistants normally work less than fifty percent time, except during quarter breaks or summer, when they may work up to full-time.
Students may perform jobs similar to Staff jobs but should not perform the full range/scope of work that a staff employee performs.
Student employees may work under closer supervision, may not exercise the same level of independence or discretion, may not perform certain duties or tasks, may not fully participate in department operational responsibilities, and/or may not have the same level of overall individual responsibility given the sporadic nature of their work schedules.
Students should coordinate through their location's financial aid and/or work-study offices if they are eligible.

Possible Tax, Benefit, Retirement, Leave, Work Study and Visa Impacts

FICA Tax: Students employed by the University who are not members of the University of California Retirement Plan (UCRP) must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for the FICA exemption. Student employees not enrolled at least half-time must contribute 7.50% of their earnings to the Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) and 1.45% to Medicare.
Benefits Eligibility: Students may become eligible for Core Benefits if they work equal to or greater than 75% FTE time for three months or more.
Retirement Eligibility: Student titles are not eligible for retirement system benefits, regardless of time worked or appointment percentage.
Sick Leave Accrual: Students may become eligible for sick leave accruals if they work a total of 50% FTE in a monthly or quadri-weekly cycle, depending on their exemption status calculated by the time and attendance system.
Work Study: Departments may require student workers funded by work study to limit their work hours due to the maximum funding allowed per student.
Visa Restrictions: International students are restricted to on-campus employment of no more than 50% FTE during the academic terms - no exceptions. Employment may increase up to 100% during intersession breaks (winter break, spring break, and summer break). International students should check with the campus international office on restrictions.

Job Code and Title Specifications

UCLA utilizes specific job codes and payroll titles for student employees:

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4948 Student Camp Program Onsite (non-exempt): For students working as camp counselors for on-campus programs.
4928 Student Artist or Performer BYA: For students performing at theatre productions, musical recitals, or similar work.
4930 Student Clinical: For students working in labs or clinics.
4932 Student Events: For students working as ushers, event staff, or similar work.
4934 Student Information Technology: For students performing help-desk duties, web page design/programming, programming, network maintenance, etc.
4936 Student Intramural Sports: For students serving as intramural sports coaches, officials, supervisors, scorekeepers, or functioning in similar roles.
4938 Student Peer Counselor: For students working for a peer counseling program; coaching and advising students, providing academic assistance to other students in an established program.
4940 Student Recreation: For students facilitating, teaching, leading recreation activities such as swimming instructors, lifeguards, sports/fitness trainers, exercise assistant/trainer, etc.
4942 Student Researcher: For undergraduate students working under the supervision of faculty performing research work. Approval from the Graduate Division is required for use by graduate students.

International Students

International students at UCLA have specific regulations regarding employment:

F-1 Visa Holders

F-1 students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time (more than 21 hours per week) during winter and summer vacation. On-campus employment options include teaching assistantships, research assistantships, reader appointments, or student positions at the campus library, bookstore, or dining services.

J-1 Visa Holders

Students and non-degree students on J-1 status may work on campus part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session and full-time during quarter/semester breaks and summer vacation. Students must be in good academic standing and obtain on-campus work authorization from the Dashew Center. Work authorization is given for a maximum of one year and can be extended. To receive employment authorization, students must complete the J-1 Student On-Campus Employment Authorization Form.

Work-Study and International Students

International students are generally ineligible for federal work-study programs. However, many on-campus employers are willing to hire non-work-study students.

Suggested On-Campus Employers

UCLA offers a wide array of on-campus employment opportunities:

Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA): Students can work in administration, UCLA restaurants, or UCLA stores. ASUCLA aims to meet the daily needs of students and the campus community through retail and student union services. Benefits include discounts on UCLA Store items and meal allowances.
Transportation & Parking Services: Students can gain customer service and communication skills by working on the parking and events teams.
UCLA Library: Students can work in various libraries within the UCLA Library system, performing public service and technical processing tasks.
UCLA Recreation: Offers a wide variety of jobs, from swim and tennis instructors to sports assistants and sales clerks.
UCLA Dining Services: Students can assist with basic food preparation and learn about nutrient data and meal standards.
Residential Life: Staff members for the Office of Residential Life can develop leadership and communication skills through advising, conflict mediation, and emergency response.
UCLA Athletics Department: Offers a range of employment opportunities.
UCLA Daily Bruin Student Newspaper/Student Media: Provides hands-on experience in journalism and media business.

For other job opportunities, students can check the Ackerman Union â Level A job bulletin board.

Graduate Student Employment

Graduate students also have access to employment opportunities at UCLA:

Teaching Assistant

Many graduate students work as Teaching Assistants (TAs) to gain valuable classroom teaching experience. TA duties may include teaching, holding office hours, preparing course materials, and grading under the supervision of faculty members.

Work-Study for Graduate Students

Graduate students with demonstrated financial need may be eligible for federal work-study to complete part-time paid internships, community service, research projects, or other endeavors related to their academic program.

Work-Study Programs for Graduate Students

Federal Work Study Program: Awards up to $3,000. Students must request this award from the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office by submitting the Work-Study Award Request Form.
Graduate Work Study Program: Awards up to $15,000 to graduate students with demonstrated need to complete part-time paid internships, community service, research projects, or other endeavors closely related to their academic degree program. Students must apply for a specific job and be approved by the Graduate Division-Fellowships & Financial Services.

Student Eligibility for Graduate Work-Study

To participate in the Graduate Work Study Program, students must meet the following conditions:

Complete the FAFSA by April 2 annually.
Have a Parent Contribution (if Dependent) or Student Contribution (if Independent) of $12,000 or below.
Be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Be identified as eligible for Graduate Work Study.
Complete the GWSP Application participation request by the deadline for summer and/or academic year.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Be enrolled half-time (4 units) per quarter. If employed as Teaching Assistants/Associates/Fellows, Readers/Special Readers, Tutors/Remedial Tutors, or Graduate Student Researchers, students must be enrolled in 12 units per quarter.
For summer appointments only: be enrolled during the summer and the preceding Fall term (due to federal guidelines).

Application Process for Graduate Work-Study

Submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online by the priority filing deadline.
Review the aid letter for eligibility notification.
Select the link provided on the aid letter to confirm interest in GWSP.
Search for a job at the Online Work-Study Job Bulletin (WSJB).
If a suitable position is not available, students can seek out potential employers to participate in GWSP and have them post a position that meets their needs.
Submit the GWSP application to the Graduate Fellowships and Financial Services Office (1228 Murphy Hall) for initial review and processing. The Department must also submit the application.
After approval by Graduate Fellowships and Financial Services, the application is forwarded to the Financial Aid and Scholarships office for verification and final approval.
Once approved, students will receive an approval notification from Financial Aid and Scholarships.
The work-study referral form serves as a confirmation to the employer that the student is eligible to work under the work-study program.

Off-Campus Hiring Paperwork Process

After students accept the work-study award, they can request a hiring appointment through the Message Center. During the hiring appointment, students will present their hiring documents. The Off-Campus employer is given access to the online referral form to complete and submit.

Permissible Working Hours for Graduate Work-Study Students

Work-Study students may work a maximum of 20 hours during the academic year. During winter and spring breaks, along with the summer period, students may work up to 40 hours per week. The employer must mentor, supervise, and monitor the activities of student hires.

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