Student Hiring | Human Resources

Student Employment Guide

The following information is an overview of the steps to hire a student employee.

A student is not able to start work until a form I-9 has been completed by both the student and the University representative, an EPAF has been processed, and all new hire documents have been completed and verified by the Department HR Processor.

1. Advertise and/or Post the Position on Handshake

Many departments are now using the Handshake system through Career Services to post jobs specifically for students. For more information visit the Career Services website.

2. Conduct Interviews

Learn more about conducting successful interviews.

3. Reference Checks

Departments are responsible for conducting their own reference checks for student employees.

4. Candidate Selection

Once a student has been chosen for employment, arrange for them to meet with the Department representative to complete all hiring forms before their first day of work. A student cannot work until all paperwork has been completed and approved.

Responsibilities of Department

Departments are responsible for processing the EPAF for the student employee and obtaining, completing, and submitting all necessary forms and documentation before the student begins work. The following is an overview of the steps to add the student to the department's payroll.

Check WebFocus report HRREPT006B to find out if this student is a new, current, or non-active employee or if the student needs an I-9 review. To review Student Position Numbers please check WebFocus report HRREPT006C.

New Student Employees

If the student is a new employee to the University (needs a new I-9):

Download and print the New Student Employment Packet under Student Employment Forms below.
Fill out the packet with the student.
Get a copy of the original I-9 documents.
Process a "Create Student Employee" EPAF.
Send all paper documents to Human Resources. Include the EPAF number to help expedite the transaction.

Non-Active Student Employees or I-9 Review Needed

If the student is a non-active employee and requires re-verification of I-9:

Contact Human Resources (i-9-info@mtu.edu) to find out if additional action needs to be taken before an EPAF may be processed.
Process an "Activate Student Employee" EPAF.

If the student is a non-active employee:

Download and print the Non-Active Student Employment Packet from the Student Employment Forms section below.
Fill out the packet with the student.
Process and "Activate Student Employee" EPAF.
Send all paper documents to Human Resources. Include the EPAF number to help expedite the transaction.

If the student only needs an I-9 re-verification and is an active employee:

Contact Human Resources (i-9-info@mtu.edu) to find out if additional action needs to be taken before an EPAF may be processed.
Process an "Active Student Employee" EPAF.

Active Student Employees

If the student is a current Michigan Tech employee:

Process a "New Job - Active Employee" EPAF or "Rehire to Previous Job - Active Employee" EPAF. No other paperwork is needed.

Student Employment Forms

New Student Employment Packet Forms List

Form I-9
The document selection for List A or List B and C is exclusively the new hire's choice (see page 5). Employers CANNOT specify which document(s) from the form that they will accept from a new student employee. All unexpired documents must be presented in person to the Department HR Processor.

Federal W-4

Michigan W-4

Employee Patent, Research and Proprietary Rights Agreement (Undergraduates Only)

Payroll Direct Deposit Authorization Form

Non-Active Student Employment Packet Forms List

Federal W-4

Michigan W-4

Payroll Direct Deposit Authorization Form

New International Student Employees

If the new student employee is an international student, please refer to guidelines from the International Programs and Services site. You can also contact IPS at 906-487-2160 or ips@mtu.edu.