Hiring a Graduate Student into a Student Position

When hiring a graduate student there are items to consider in determining the correct classification including course registration, hours of work per week, and bargaining unit requirements.

Working more than 14 hours per week and/or more than 67 days per calendar year

A graduate student who is or will be working more than 14 hours per week and/or more than 67 days per calendar year must be hired into the equivalent bargaining unit classification.

Working 14 hours or less per week and/or less than 67 days per calendar year

A graduate student who will be or is working 14 hours or less per week and/or less than 67 days per year has two available options based on their current course registration:

• A graduate student may be hired into the appropriate 2xxx student classification provided they are registered and maintain registration of at least 3 credits per semester. Placing the student in a 2xxx series classification will provide exemption from FICA withholdings, provided the student maintains the required credit registration. For this reason the minimum course registration must be strictly followed.

  Note: The 2xxx classification series is for STUDENT classifications, not specific to Undergraduate or Graduate. Only the classifications 9522, 9523, 9512, 9513 are specifically designated for Undergraduates.

• If the graduate student is not properly registered or drops below the required registration of 3 credits, the graduate student must be hired into a Temporary or Casual appointment.

If the Hiring Authority hires a graduate student, supporting documentation – including Minnesota State Retirement System form and an HRIF – must be completed for these appointments. Work-Study can not be used to fund these appointments. In addition to becoming a union employee and having union dues deducted, the student will have Social Security, Medicare, and Minnesota State Retirement System withholdings deducted from their paychecks.