For students who are searching for summer jobs to jumpstart their careers, UTM may offer opportunities to help.
UTM offers regular, budgeted positions in a wide range of areas depending on one’s prior experience and education level. Posted positions are readily available online by clicking the Employment tab on the UTM homepage. These online postings include the job description, qualifications and required skills, with examples ranging from Senior Secretary of Housing to Administrative Specialist.
“Anyone may apply for a posted position. Only those who meet minimum qualifications for education and experience are considered for a given position,” said Judy McMorries, Assistant Director of Human Resources.
The most common jobs on campus include non-exempt staff, clerical and support positions for non-student employees. The required hiring rate for these positions is $9 per hour and includes bonuses and state-awarded increases based on acceptable performance.
Hours and pay amounts at UTM are based on job grades ranging 30 to 53, depending on the amount of work involved. For example, those in the 32nd grade, earn roughly $18,700 annually at $9 per hour while someone in the 40th grade earns $32,600 at $14.50 per year.
That being said, what are the requirements and opportunities for student employment on campus?
Student jobs are required to give minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour in Tennessee. However, departments can pay up to $1 higher without special permission.
“Positions are graded based on the actual job duties, responsibility and accountability required for the position. Temporary employees are paid slightly lower rates than regular employees,” McMorries said.
Students who are searching for available jobs are encouraged to check with both their department and the department of Financial Aid, which is developing a process to better advertise available job openings by fall 2014. The process is designed to give students one place to view potential openings within their departments for better assistance.
“Financial Aid and Finance and Administration are working on a new process for departments to advertise and fill student job openings. There is an ongoing need for student workers as students graduate or quit for a variety of reasons. Students may apply once the jobs are posted,” McMorries said.
Despite being allowed to work up to 50 hours per two weeks, McMorries notes that the student’s primary focus while in college should be on their educational growth, rather than focusing on work, which could potentially take away from their educational experience.
“Students are encouraged to work no more than 20 hours per week when school is in session because completing their education is more important than working at this point in their lives. Also, we try to offer job opportunities to more students rather than have one student working for three or four departments,” McMorries said.
According to Department of Labor, both non-exempt staff and student employees working over 40 hours in a given week are eligible under FLSA guidelines for overtime compensation of $7.25 per hour over the amount of hours worked during the week.
McMorries asks those interested in available positions to work in compliance with the Financial Aid department’s program in going to their individual departments for more information or assistance.
“The new process is designed to have one place where students can go to look for job openings on campus. Plans for the new process will use the same employment opportunities website for students to view these openings,” McMorries said.
