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FAQs for Students

For Students

Student FAQs

How do first-year work-study eligible students apply for an on-campus job?

In mid-May, first-year students who have received a student employment award through Financial Aid are given access to Macalester’s online job postings.

While there are a variety of positions, some departments hire a larger number of first year students than others. First year students should consider applying to work in these departments: Facilities, Cafe Mac, Athletics and ITS.

Check out the First-Year Student page for deadlines and forms.

How do returning work-study eligible students apply for an on-campus job?

  • Returning students are responsible for finding their own positions using the online job search.
  • Every Spring, students are able to participate in a job search and should have a position finalized before classes end in May.
  • Even those students who wish to remain in their present positions should re-apply and be re-hired each year.

What should I do if I haven’t been hired by the start of the semester?

If you have work-study as part of your financial aid package but are unable to find a job on campus by the start of the semester, contact Student Employment at . You may also contact the Financial Aid Office about the possibility of replacing some or all of your year’s work award with a loan.

May I split my work-study award between two on-campus jobs?

Yes, students may split their work-study award between two on-campus jobs by having both supervisors sign an Award Release Form found under Forms on the Student Employment website. Students must monitor hours in both positions to ensure they do not exceed their total award amount. Some positions require student to utilize their full award, therefore a supervisor may not agree to a release.

When will I get paid?

Students employees follow the bi-weekly payroll calendar.

How many hours should I be working each week to earn my entire work award?

On average students should be working somewhere between 8 and 10 hours per week based on their work-study award and the rate of pay for their position. Review the Hourly Calculation Chart to approximate how many hours per week you may work during the academic year. Locate your award amount from the top row and your hourly rate from the left column. The intersection of these two data indicates how many approximate hours per week you may work during the academic year. This calculation is based on 28 weeks per academic year. For example: If your award is $4,000 then you may work up to 8.9 hours per week.

Working more than what is listed below will result in reaching the max earnings faster. Once awards have been used students may not continue work.

Average Hourly Calculation Chart, based on academic year 2025-2026 award:

Award Amount$4,000$4,100$4,200$4,400$4,570$4,880
Hours/ Week8.99.19.39.810.210.9

Go to 1600grand.macalester.edu and log in.

Where can I view my award balance?

View your work-study award balance on 1600grand.

  1. Click Student Life.
  2. Locate the Student Work/Study Balance channel.
  3. Your work-study balance is as of the last payroll processed.
  4. Award balances are not available on the Student Life tab for no-need student employees.  No-need student award balances are sent to supervisors biweekly on the Student Work/Study Award Tracking report.

How can my earnings be applied to my student account?

You may have your earnings applied to your student account instead of receiving your pay directly by completing the Student Employment Check Authorization Form (PDF).

How do I sign up for direct deposit?

Sign up for direct deposit online via 1600grand.macalester.edu and your paycheck will be deposited directly into your bank account. You will need to know your bank or financial institution’s Routing Transit Number (RTN) and your account number.

How do I apply for an off-campus, work-study job?

Students may apply to earn their student employment award while working at a local nonprofit organization or elementary schools. For more information, visit the Off-Campus Student Employment Program.

How do I track my hours worked?

Student employees track time as it is worked via 1600grand or a physical timeclock. Your supervisor will notify you of your method of tracking time. For log in instructions, what to do when you forget to clock in or out, and more, check out the Time Reporting section of the Payroll website.

Are there employment opportunities for students who do not have a work-study award?

Potentially. The Program is designed for students who need employment to assist in financing college costs. Therefore, students with student employment awards are given the priority on all on-campus positions. Students without awards may seek out remaining positions on campus. However, hiring of no-need students may be delayed or denied in order to allow for available positions to be filled by students with a student employment award. When no-need students are approved for on-campus employment, they are given an earning cap corresponding to the above chart.

Are there employment opportunities during the summer for students?

Yes! There are many positions for students during the summer. Summer positions range from temporary, part-time and full-time. Students (domestic and international) are able to work up to, but not over, 40 hours a week during the summer. Macalester students are eligible for summer employment the summer after their first year through the summer after graduating.

To view summer employment opportunities, go to Find A Job > Find a Job > Quick Search > Summer Job.

What documents can be used to validate an I-9?

Reference the List of Acceptable Documents. Either one document from List A or one document from each List B and C are needed to validate Form I-9. Documents must be originals and not expired. No one is allowed to start working until their I-9 has been validated with the Student Employment Office.