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Division of Human Resources

Student Work Schedule & Leave

The following information outlines relevant policies and best practice recommendations regarding work schedule and leave for student employees at USC.

If after reviewing this information you have additional questions, it is recommended that you start by talking with your student hire representative. Your student hire representative will be able to either answer your question or direct you to the appropriate resource.

Work hours depend on the supervisor's needs and the student's availability.

Undergraduate Students

Recommended to work no more than 20 hours per week during the academic year, cannot exceed 40 hours a week across all active positions.


Federal Work Study Positions

Limited to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during official school breaks.


Graduate Students

Recommended to work no more than 20 hours per week. Students with assistantships are not permitted to work more than 20 hours per week. With an approved appeal by the Graduate School, students with assistantships can work 21-25 hours per week. During the summer months, students with assistantships are permitted to work up to 28 hours without the requirement of an appeal. Students without an assistantship can work up to 40 hours a week across all active positions. For more information, review university policy ACAF 4.0.


International Students

Can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours during official school breaks. For more information, visit International Student Services.

Student employees are not eligible for unpaid time off. Time off without pay must be approved by the supervisor. Supervisors should establish a procedure for requesting leave and document it.

No holiday pay for student employees.

Regular hourly rate applies if working on holidays. Check the USC Holiday Schedule for more information.

Student employees are not mandatory or essential employees.

If classes are canceled but the university is open, student employees are not required to work.  Review university policy HR 1.18.Hazardous Weather and Emergency Leave for details.


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