Worth the work
Your guide to getting and maintaining a job on campus
While working off-campus may not be an option for some, CMU offers plenty of on-campus job opportunities for students.
Whether it is in your residence hall or at the book store, plenty of openings allow you to have a job that fits your schedule. CMU also offers jobs that may play a role into your future.
Positions are always opening up on campus, so get familiar with the people at and website for Student Employment Services. The office, which is located at Bovee University Center Room 121, maintains a digital database of all available campus jobs: If you keep an eye on the listings, you are bound to find something of interest.
Getting the gig
It's important to note that before you get hired, you'll need to do some paperwork. You will be required to complete tax forms and federal I-9 paperwork, which requires two forms of ID. The most common forms for domestic students are their campus ID card and a Social Security card.
International students will have a bit more paperwork to complete. In addition to a photo ID, international student staffers must also have forms I-94, I-20 and a passport.
Once you have completed the required paperwork, you will be issued the official "red card" -- a business card-sized document that is bright red and basically tells your bosses you're good to go. Once issued, it is good for any campus employer.
Places to work
You will find jobs all over campus. If you are able to travel, some spots may be easier to get to and might fit your interests a little bit more.
- Residence Halls offer many employment options. Whether you are working the front desk or your housing region's dining hall, many opportunities exist.
- Bovee University Center, with seven different restaurants and the bookstore on-site, is a wealth of opportunities.
- The Student Activity Center also offers lots of job opportunities, ranging from desk help to lifeguards.
- Future-based jobs and internships are all over campus! Some that exist are Central Michigan Life, University Communications, departmental and divisional offices, CMU Athletics and many more options that not only offer a pay check but give you a leg-up on your future career.
- Various other locations across campus offer other employment options, with some buildings having facilities needs, dining options and desk help built in that offer students a chance to work.
Maintaining a job on campus
Once things get going, you may get busy with class and that is OK. Your bosses will understand that you are also a student, but it doesn’t mean you get to slack.
Here are some simple tips that can help you keep that competitive position:
- Communication with your boss is huge in the workplace, especially here at CMU. If there is something that you have coming up that prohibits you from working, let them know. Odds are good they will understand.
- Show up to work, on-time and on-schedule. This is one of the biggest things to keeping your job: As long as you show up and do your work it should be smooth sailing.
- Make friends with your co-workers. One way to make work fun is to make new friend with your companions. Not only will it make time go faster, but it will allow you to have new connections early on, on campus!
