How soon will I be eligible to work on campus?

As an F-1 student, you may apply for permission to work on campus at Sarah Lawrence College, provided that you have been authorized to attend SLC by the USCIS, and you are pursuing full-time studies at SLC. There is no minimum time in the U.S. required.

What is considered to be on-campus employment?

On-campus employment is understood to be working for an office at SLC (such as an academic department, or the Library), or working for a commercial firm affiliated with SLC that provides direct services to the College’s students (such as the Bookstore or the Post Office). In these situations, your employment may not displace that of a U.S. resident.

Additionally, on-campus employment includes graduate assistantships, such as teaching or conducting research within a department.

Finally, under F-1 regulations, on-campus employment may take place at a non-SLC site if a company has funded, with one of your professors, a research project directly related to your studies, and the employment compensation paycheck is issued through the research grant’s funds. The site may be located off-campus, as long as it is educationally affiliated with SLC, the work is at a level appropriate to your specific degree, and it is supervised directly by your academic advisor or professor.

What do I need to do to get on-campus work permission?

If you are applying for on-campus work for the first time, initially you must see your International Student Advisor. You need to bring your passport, I-94 and I-20. If required by your employer, the Student Employment Officer will issue you a letter, detailing your work permission. You must also fill out form I-9 with the Coordinator of Student Employment, Westlands, 1st floor.

For an off-campus location, the Office of International Student Advising requires a letter with details from your academic advisor, and/or work sponsor.

If I have a graduate assistantship, do I still need this letter from the Office of International Student Advising?

That depends upon your major field of concentration. If an employer or academic adviser wishes confirmation of your graduate assistantship, we will supply an on-campus work letter. In any case, your graduate assistantship should be noted on your current I-20. If it is not, bring a copy of your graduate assistantship award letter to your DSO (Designated Student Officer) in the graduate office, or in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, so we may update your I-20.

How many hours may I work?

You can work full-time during academic vacations, but only part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session.

Where do I find the listings for on-campus jobs?

The Student Employment Office, which is located on the first floor of Westlands, has an updated listing of currently available on-campus jobs. For internships and other job listings, you may contact The Office of Career Services, which is now located in Bates, in the Student Services Complex,or for Graduate Students, please contact your appropriate graduate advisor.