University Guidelines for Student Pay
Guidelines for determining position level
Note: position level does not necessarily determine pay rate; see overlapping recommended pay rate bands below instructions for determining pay rates.
| Attribute | Entry-level (SE1) | Mid-level (SE2) | Senior-level (SEQ) |
| Previous relevant experience required to learn the job | None | Some | A lot |
| Training provided to the student employee | Complete - how to complete all job related tasks/requirements | Some - how to complete tasks needing to be done in a specific way | Little - relying on previous experience or will be developing work processes themselves |
| Professional supervisor providing supervision to student employee | Direct | Mix of direct and indirect | Indirect |
| Student employee directing the work of other student employees | None | Simple direction (ex - confirm pens went into the storage room) | Developmental direction (ex - may review performance of other student employees) |
| Student employee performs work independently | Seldomly | Sometimes | Often |
| Student employee is trained and supported to make independent judgement calls within job description | No | Sometimes | Yes |
Instructions for determining pay rate
- Review the job description, identify the minimum required skills, select the appropriate position level from the table above.
- Select the appropriate job title from this list.
- Determine an appropriate pay rate based on the recommended pay ranges, other pay rates in your office or department, and your budget.
Recommended student employee pay rate ranges effective August 21, 2023
| Position Level | Recommended Minimum | Recommended Maximum |
| SE1 | $10.33* | $12.00 |
| SE2 | $11.00 | $17.00 |
| SEQ | $15.00 | Rates above $50.00 per hour require prior approval from Career and Student Employment Services in order to be processed. |
Departments are encouraged to pay within the recommended ray rates, but have discretion to pay different rates as needed and budget allows. Preference is to ensure position level is accurate vs using a higher position level to match the recommended pay range.
*Please be aware that Michigan's minimum wage will be adjusted from $10.10 to $10.33 per hour, effective January 1, 2024. At WMU, this change primarily impacts some student employees and temporary workers. The new rate will be included in the pay period that begins on December 25, 2023, and concludes on January 7, 2024, and will first be reflected in paychecks on January 16, 2024. Other than making your hourly staff aware of this forthcoming adjustment, there is no need for action on your part.
Rate changes
Change in rate requires submitting a new transaction via PSHR Manager Self Service. Please contact WMU Human Resources for assistance accessing the system.
In the rare instance when a pay rate above $50 per hour is justified, documentation must be provided by the hiring agent. These exceptions are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.