Work Schedule & Leave
The following information outlines relevant policies and best practice recommendations regarding work schedule and leave for student employees at UNC. If after reviewing this information you have additional questions, it is recommended that you start by talking with your supervisor. Your supervisor will be able to either answer your question or direct you to the appropriate resource.
- You should not work more 40 hours per week.
- Your work schedule (i.e., the number of hours works, and specific hours worked) is typically based on the needs of your supervisor and your availability.
- If you are an undergraduate student employee working multiple jobs, it is important to remember that you may not work more than a combined 40 hours per week. For example, if you work two separate jobs and work 30 hours per week for the first job, then you may not work more than 10 hours per week for the second job.
- If you are a graduate student employee, it is recommended that you work no more than 20 hours per week. For more information, review the Graduate School Handbook.
- If you are a student employee holding a work-study position, under program regulations, you may not work more than 20 per week in that position.
- If you are an international student employee with F-1 or J-1 immigration status, you cannot work more than 20 hours per week. For more information, visit International Student and Scholar Services.
Student employees are not eligible to receive vacation or sick leave. Talk to your supervisor about their preferred means of communication and documentation when you are unable to work.
Although student employees are not eligible to receive vacation or sick leave, there are days throughout the year when UNC is closed in recognition of national holidays. When UNC is closed for a holiday, you are not required to report to work. For more information and a list of holidays review the UNC Holiday Schedule.
Your supervisor may designate an alternate holiday for you for the following reasons:
- Religious observances
- The holiday falls outside of your regular work schedule
- You are scheduled to work actual weekend holiday
Review the Office of Human Resources policy on alternate holidays for more information.
It is important to note that as a student employee, you are NOT considered a mandatory employee. In the event that classes are canceled but the University has reduced or suspended operations, as a student employee you are not required to report to work. For more information on adverse weather and emergency closings, review the UNC System’s Adverse Weather and Emergency Event Policy.