Student Employment Workplace Policies
Workplace Policies
Contact
Student Employment questions:
WWU has workplace policies in addition to, or in conjunction with, applicable state and federal employment regulations:
Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policies
Members of the WWU community have access to several avenues for resolving concerns or complaints. The office to contact or procedures to use varies according to the type of concern and the complainant’s status as a faculty member, employee, or student.
The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (CRTC) is the primary internal resource for processing complaints of illegal discrimination. No individual shall be penalized or retaliated against in any way by a member of the University community for their participation in this complaint procedure.
Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
Drug-Free Workplace
All employees and students are expected to review the University Drug and Alcohol Policy in full:
University Drug and Alcohol Policy
Student Employment Exemptions
Washington State Civil Service Exemption
In accordance with WAC 357-04-040, student hourly employees are exempt from Washington State civil service law unless they exceed 516 hours in a 6-month period.
Hours worked in temporary position(s) during the summer and other breaks in the academic year are not counted in the 516 hours. Departments should keep student hourly employees in student hourly employee job profiles during summer and other academic breaks.
Unemployment Exemption
Student positions do not pay into the unemployment benefits via their paychecks. Therefore, student positions are exempt from unemployment compensation under RCW 50.44.040 subsection 7(a).
FICA Tax Exemption for Student Employees
Student employees who are enrolled half-time may qualify for the FICA exemption under Section 7 in the IRS Rev. Proc. 2005-11, provided the student is not classified as full-time, professional staff, or receiving employment benefits which are exclusions noted in Section 6.
Driving on Behalf of WWU
There may be instances when employees drive a vehicle in the scope of their WWU role. There are requirements relating to driving a vehicle on behalf of WWU, including Basic Driver Safety Program training offered by the State of Washington.
Risk Management - Transportation
Using Your Personal Vehicle for Business
Inclement Weather and Suspended Operations
Weather can impact the ability to safely report to work. WWU has policies for when operations are suspended.
Inclement Weather and Suspended Operations
Reporting Abuse or Neglect
Mandated Reporting
According to subsection 1(f) of RCW 26.44.030, if a student employee “has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to the proper law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 26.44.040.” This is referred to as being a Mandated Reporter or a Responsible Employee.
For more information:
Guide for Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
On-the-Job Injuries and Illnesses
Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage for on-the-job injuries or illnesses is purchased by Western Washington University from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). Coverage begins the first day of employment for all employees. All injuries and illnesses occurring while acting in the scope of an employee’s duties must be reported to HR.
POL-U5950.10 Providing Workers' Compensation and Transitional Return-to-Work
Health & Safety
WWU complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the safety and health of employees, volunteers, and visitors.
POL-U5950.01 Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection
For ESEs - please see Article 10 of the WAWU WWU CBA
Employing Relatives
Applicants and employees must disclose a family or significant other relationship to Human Resources when a potential conflict or interest has, or may, occur.
POL-U5410.01 Employing Family Members and Significant Others
Bringing Children to Campus
POL-U5315.20 Bringing Children to Campus
Travel Policies
Please refer to the link provided for a list of travel-related policies: