• What is the Institutional Employment (IE) Program?
• How are Federal Work-Study (FWS) and Institutional Employment(IE) on-campus positions similar?
• Where do I send my application?
• What's minimum wage?
• Can I have two on campus jobs? How many hours can I work?

Note: More information on Student Frequently Asked Questions or Federal Work Study FAQs.

What is the Institutional Employment (IE) Program?
The Institutional Employment Program (IE) is designed to assist students in securing on-campus employment regardless of their financial aid eligibility. Institutional Employment gives you the potential to work and earn money for living expenses while attending college. Students are paid twice a month via the Payroll system. You can only receive payment for the hours you have worked.

How are Federal Work-Study (FWS) and Institutional Employment (IE) on-campus positions similiar?
Both are part-time positions which average approximately 10 hours per week. Because of the nature of on campus employment overall, supervisors will work with students each semester as their course schedule is adjusted to assist with accommodating the needs of the student while adhering to meeting their own needs as well. Working in a FWS or IE position will also typically provide more flexibility with scheduling (including exam and break periods) than an off campus position. If there are both FWS and IE student employees in the same area performing the same functions, then the pay rates should also remain equitable amongst all of those employees. Students can find similar positions, regardless of their designation as FWS or IE. The same expectations, tasks, responsibilities, qualifications, knowledge, skills and abilities can be found in all student positions regardless of their designation as either FWS or IE as well.

Where do I send my application?
When applying for jobs posted through Page Up, you will create an electronic student application that will be stored in this system. Instructions are given on how to attach your application to a specified job posting along with any other supporting documentation, such as a resume, cover letter, references, etc. that may be requested by a hiring department. Hiring supervisors view applications electronically and typically, will only contact those students who will be invited in to interview.

What's minimum wage?
As of January 1, 2023 the minimum wage for the state of Virginia is $12.00, the federal minimum wage is $7.25.

Can I have two on campus jobs? How many hours can I work?
A student can have several on campus jobs, but between all of these positions, the student cannot exceed 20 hours per week. This policy is in place to reinforce “academics first” for student employees. For international students, it is a federal regulation and violation of exceeding the 20-hour maximum could result in deportation. Students often will have a FWS position and an IE position concurrently and is allowed as long as they do not exceed 20 hours per week.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Student Employment office at studentjobs@jmu.edu if we can provide additional assistance and/or answer any questions you may have regarding Institutional Employment. This program is in place so that students may supplement their financial needs as they pursue their educational goals while at the same time gain valuable skills and knowledge through the relationships created as part of their work experiences.