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How to Hire

Minimum Wage

Effective 1/1/25 the new minimum wage in California will increase to: $16.50.  The adjustment of any student earning less than the new minimum wage will automatically increase effective 12/22/2024 in accordance with UC mandate.  No action required by the department.

Request to Post A Position

  • Download and complete the Student Employment Job Description *Updated 1.25.29  

  • Use the Student Assistant Classification Guide to aid you in determining the proper Student Assistant Classification.

  • Use the 2025 Student Assistant Pay Schedule to determine the appropriate salary for the classification selected.                                             

  • Obtain the necessary funding approval(s) from your assigned/authorized department representative based on your department's business process. 

  • Complete the Job Posting Request webform and attach the completed job description (JD).

    • Departments must have a Handshake Employer Account established to post a job. The department will be listed on the Job Posting webform if an Employer Account has already been created. If not, please go here to request an Employer Account.
  • Job Postings are added to the on-campus Handshake Employer Account by Student Employment Services.
  • Student Employment Services will process the Job Posting Request and respond with a confirmation email that to the requestor and Applicant Reviewers.

Please Note:  At this time, hiring managers do not have access to manage applicants directly in Handshake.  

Review & Interview Applicants

Applicant information for jobs on Handshake will be delivered to the Applicant Reviewer(s) via email.  For more information on the Applicant Reviewer role, please go here

Contact the applicants you wish to interview by clicking their email addresses as listed on their applications.

Establish Your New Employee's Record

Meet with the new student employee prior to their first day of work (virtual meetings are also acceptable). During the meeting, both you and the new student employee are required to sign the Job Description. Employing departments/units are responsible for completing and retaining signed Student Assistant job descriptions.

Complete the Student Intake Request and instruct the student hire to be on the lookout for an email from SES with instructions for how to schedule an appointment to complete the intake process.  

Students should come prepared with the original document(s) they wish to provide to complete the Form I-9. Photos/copies of these documents are not acceptable. A list of acceptable documents can be found here. The average intake process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Upon completion of all the necessary documents, the student employee and hiring manager will receive a "Clear to Work Notice" email stating that the student employee is able to begin work. Do not allow your student employee to begin performing services until you have received this email. 

 

Important Update: Misconduct Disclosure Requirements 

Modifications to UC Merced Student Employment Services Hiring Process:

The University of California is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and diverse workplace that supports our employee’s success and wellbeing.

What is SB 791 & AB 810?

Two new bills were signed into California state law that require applicants to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions issued within the last seven years related to misconduct, including sexual harassment, as defined in the statute.

Who must comply with SB 791 & AB 810?

SB 791: All staff, including student employees.

AB 810: Athletic Head Coach, Athletic Assistant Coach, Athletic Trainer, Supervising Athletic Trainer roles, and Volunteers in the athletic department.

When does UC’s implementation of SB 791 & AB 810 take effect?

Effective December 1, 2024:

Notification of Employment Misconduct Disclosure will be required in Handshake Job Postings.

Effective January 1, 2025:

Final candidates for staff/student positions who accept a conditional offer of employment for any job posted for recruitment on or after December 1, 2024, will be required to complete an Employment Misconduct Disclosure prior to employment.

Is the Misconduct Disclosure questionnaire required to move forward with UC employment?

Yes. As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to complete the Misconduct disclosure questionnaire.

Is the disclosure required for internal employees who receive an offer of employment for a new job?

Yes. Disclosure is required for all internal employee final candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of employment for a new job.  

What if the final candidate does not complete the Employment Misconduct Disclosure questionnaire. Can we still move forward with hiring the student?

No. The Misconduct Disclosure is required for all final candidates who accept a conditional offer of employment.