Hiring Student Workers
Contact
Student Employment Labor Relations Partner, Joelle Pulver.
Hiring A Student Worker
Please refer to the Student Job Type Table for the appropriate hiring forms, position numbers, and approval or routing requirements for each type of Student Worker position.
Pay Rates
Effective September 16, 2026, Student Worker wages shall increase by 2% across the board.
- If you extend an appointment, please calculate the 2% increase in the new hourly rate.
- If you are hiring for a new role, or refilling an existing role, be sure that the rate is at least equal to the new minimum for the job level.
The minimum pay rate for each job level, as of September 16, 2026:
Hourly Student Workers
| Job Level | Minimum Hourly Rate |
| 1 | $20.19 |
| 2 | $21.72 |
| 3 | $23.25 |
| Job Classification | Quarterly | Monthly | Hourly |
| Graduate Teaching Assistant: 50% Appointment | $6,328 | $2,109 | N/A |
| Graduate Teaching Assistant: 25% Appointment | $3,164 | $1,054 | N/A |
| Undergraduate Research Trainee (WURT): 100% Appointment | $5,250 | $1,750 | $20.19 |
Hiring Checklist
Information coming soon!
Performance Management
WWU is committed to supporting student worker success through fair, consistent, and constructive performance management. Performance and conduct concerns are addressed early through coaching and counseling, clear communication of expectations, and opportunities for improvement. When these measures are not effective, or when concerns involve more serious issues, WWU follows a progressive discipline approach designed to address concerns at the lowest effective level. Throughout the process, departments are encouraged to partner with Human Resources to ensure consistency and support.
Student Workers can request a Union representative join them in meetings that they reasonably believe could result in disciplinary action.
Performance Evaluations
Performance evaluations should be completed at least once per academic year for Student Workers who have had a continued appointment in the same position for two (2) consecutive quarters.
Student Employee Performance Evaluation
Course Evaluations
Course evaluations will be administered to Student Workers in teaching positions, according to department practice. Results will be provided to the Student Worker within six (6) weeks of the University’s receipt of the completed evaluation.
Student Worker Travel
Student Workers may occasionally be asked to travel. If a department plans to schedule travel for a Student Worker, it is important to determine if the travel is for an academic purpose or as part of the employment experience.
Please see this flow chart to make that determination:
Graduate School Workers
Most Graduate School Workers are appointed to Graduate assistantships. For more information visit Graduate School | Western Washington University
Please note, Graduate Students are able to fill roles defined as Undergraduate positions.