Student Work Schedule & Leave
The following information outlines relevant policies and best practice recommendations regarding work schedule and leave for student employees at UNC. If after reviewing this information you have additional questions, it is recommended that you start by talking with your hiring representative. Your hiring representative will be able to either answer your question or direct you to the appropriate resource.
- A student employee’s work schedule (i.e., the number of hours works, and specific hours worked) is typically based on the needs of the supervisor and the student employee’s availability.
- Undergraduate student employees working multiple jobs may not work more than a combined 40 hours per week. For example, if a student employee works two separate jobs and works 30 hours per week for the first job, then they may not work more than 10 hours per week for the second job.
- It is recommended that graduate student employees work no more than 20 hours per week.
- Student employees may not work more than 20 per week in a work-study position under program regulations.
- International student employees with F-1 or J-1 immigration status may not work more than 20 hours per week. For more information, visit International Student and Scholar Services.
Student employees are not eligible to receive vacation or sick leave. Make sure to discuss your preferred means of communication and documentation regarding absences with your student employees.
Although student employees are not eligible to receive vacation or sick leave, there are days throughout the year when UNC is closed in recognition of national holidays. When UNC is closed for a holiday, student employees are not required to report to work. For more information and a list of holidays review the UNC Holiday Schedule.
As a supervisor, you may designate an alternate holiday for a student employee for the following reasons:
- Religious observances
- The holiday falls outside of your regular work schedule
- You are scheduled to work actual weekend holiday
For more information on alternate holidays, review the holiday policy at the Office of Human Resources.
It is important to note that student employees are NOT considered mandatory employees. In the event that classes are canceled but the University has reduced or suspended operations, student employees are not required to report to work. For more information on adverse weather and emergency closings, review the UNC System’s Adverse Weather and Emergency Event Policy.