Aimed at enhancing the student employment experience, the University of Iowa has implemented a new student employee classification system impacting more than 7,500 students.

Led by a cross-campus committee including Compensation and Classification, Workforce Operations, the Pomerantz Career Center, Recreational Services, and the College of Nursing, the project introduces standardized job functions, families, and responsibility levels.

The new classification system, effective Nov. 12, establishes minimum wage levels and improves the accuracy of job descriptions and titles for student employees. The goal is to enhance the student employment experience on campus and beyond, said Executive HR Director Trevor Glanz.

Other key features of the new system include:

• Opportunity to progress during employment at the university.
• 15 job functions and 64 job families each associated with specific classification and minimum wage levels.

Assistant = $8.50

Associate = $9.50

Lead = $10.50

Supervisor (not common) = $11.50

The changes are meant to help students describe their on-campus roles, and if applicable, demonstrate a progression of responsibilities as they approach graduation.

"The new student classification system provides a tremendous opportunity for our students to stand out within their student job and be rewarded for that work with an improved title," said Josh Frahm, senior associate director of student employment at the Pomerantz Career Center.

He emphasized that the potential for promotion facilitated by the new system could motivate students and enhance their resumes.

"I think the new student classification system will be a great way for us students to see growth opportunities within our roles," said student employee Elaina Wollerman, noting the detailed job functions provide valuable keywords for resumes.

Iowa's new student employment classification is an investment in the professional growth and development of its students, as evidenced by the Staff Success SPARC (Strategic Plan Action and Resource Committee), which prioritizes student employment as part of a broader effort to facilitate the transition from UI student to full-time staff.