Term-Time details
Most on-campus jobs are eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program, and most non-profit organizations qualify as off-campus Work-Study employers. It’s easy to find a job when you’re eligible for FWSP.
On-campus jobs posted in the Student Employment Office and on the SEO jobs database include library work, office work, and research assistant positions. Many students have successfully created jobs for themselves by approaching a faculty member or department and requesting a Work-Study position.
Employment off-campus may include just about any job for a non-profit employer, providing the student's work is not partisan, political, or religious and in the general public interest. Off-campus job listings, both in and outside the Cambridge-Boston area, for such organizations as hospitals and social service agencies, are also listed in the SEO jobs database. For more information, click here.
During term time, undergraduates eligible for Federal Work-Study may apply for Public Service Work-Study Awards. These funds will be used to pay the employer's share of the student's Work-Study earnings up to the student's earnings ceiling. Students may conduct their own public service projects under the sponsorship of the Phillips Brooks House or they may arrange to work for an existing nonprofit community organization which is otherwise unable to pay the employer's share of the student's wages. Please note: This award may not be used to support students volunteer work in Harvard College student public service organizations. For more information, please click here Harvard College Term Time Work-Study Awards for Public Service.
Wages and earnings ceilings
Undergraduates have varying ceilings for the maximum amount they may earn in term-time Work-Study wages. Graduate students' ceilings are determined by their financial aid offices. Any additional wages must be paid in full by the employer.
The pay range for 2007-08 (including summer 2008) is $9.00 to $11.80 per hour, and you may work up to 20 hours per week. There is no compensation for lunch or break times, sick days, vacation days, or holidays. Students who work on holidays must submit a note along with his/her time card verifying the number of hours worked. Students who work during breaks (Winter Recess, etc.) may work up to 40 hours per week.Employers willing to pay more than the FWSP maximum per hour (or more in total wages than the student's earnings ceiling) must do so on their own payroll. This additional compensation, however, will not be reimbursed by the Work-Study Program.
Procedure
Find your own job from our many listings.
Undergraduate students
Graduate students
- Click here if you plan to work off campus.
- If you plan to work on campus, retrieve the on-campus paper referral form from your financial aid office.
You may NOT begin work until all forms have been completed and returned. Students will NOT be paid for work done before contract approval.
Payment
All students, both on-campus and off-campus employees, are paid weekly, on Fridays, by a University check. Wages are not credited to your term bill.
On-campus jobs:
Students working at Harvard are paid directly by the department employing them.
Off-campus jobs:
Students working in off-campus agencies are paid 100% of their earnings by the Student Employment Office upon receipt of properly authorized time cards. The SEO then dispenses the checks in the manner the student chooses (direct deposit, US mail, campus mail, or pickup at the SEO). At the end of the term, Harvard bills the agencies for their share of each student's earnings. The off-campus package will provide more information about submitting time cards.
Dates and Rates:
- First day of term 2007-08: September 17
- Pay rates (term 07-08):
- Undergrads: $9.00-$11.80
- Grads: $9.25-$17.65
