Graduate student employment at COM

Looking for an assistantship or other student job while earning your graduate degree? Graduate students can find opportunities to work with COM faculty, support research and teaching, and hold other positions across Boston University.

Before accepting a position, make sure you understand the University’s student employment limits:

  • Full-time graduate students are limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week of university employment.
  • International students in F-1 status are also generally limited to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and should confirm their employment eligibility with their ISSO advisor before beginning work.

The Student Employment Office is a helpful resource for students interested in working on or off campus.

COM graduate assistantships

COM graduate students are typically eligible to pursue assistantship opportunities at the College of Communication.

Faculty are often the best resource for identifying available positions. Speak with your professors and other COM faculty members to learn about opportunities such as:

  • Graduate assistant
  • Teaching assistant
  • Research assistant

Assistantship opportunities vary by semester and depend on faculty and departmental needs. Positions are also emailed out in the bi-weekly COM Graduate Newsletter.

Assistantship deadline

All assistantship contracts must be submitted to COM Graduate Affairs by 5 pm on the University’s official last day to add a class for the semester in which you will hold the position.

How to submit your assistantship contract

You must complete these steps each semester you hold an assistantship:

  1. Complete the Assistantship Contract. Read the contract carefully before completing it; detailed instructions are available on the second page.
  2. Obtain the required signatures. Your assistantship advisor and department chair must sign the contract.
  3. Submit your signed contract. Send the completed form to Jackie Cummings at jmcummin@bu.edu after your supervisor and department have approved it.
  4. Submit a new contract each semester. A new assistantship contract is required every semester, even if you’re continuing in the same role.

Getting set up on student payroll

If this is your first job at BU, you’ll need to complete several steps before and after being added to student payroll.

  1. Complete Form I-9: If this is your first BU job, you must complete Form I-9 to verify your identity and authorization to work.
    • Complete Section 1 of Form I-9 through the JobX Portal. You’ll receive instructions by email once your Assistantship Contract has been processed.
    • To complete the second part of the I-9 process, you’ll need to present acceptable identification documents in person at the Student Employment Office, 881 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd floor.
    • Acceptable documents vary and may include a passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, and other approved identification.
    • International students may need to present their passport, Form I-20, and Form I-94.
    • Depending on your position, you may also be prompted to complete FERPA, confidentiality, or international student forms through JobX. If these are required, the instructions will be included in the same email you receive about completing your I-9.
  2. Complete Form W-4.
    • You’ll also need to complete Form W-4 for tax withholding.
    • After you’ve been added to payroll, go to BUworks Central and log in to Employee Self-Service. From there, you can access your W-4 information and, once eligible, set up direct deposit.
    • If you have questions or concerns, please email ntaylor@bu.edu.
  3. Set up Direct Deposit:

Social Security Numbers for international students

If you’re an international student and have never worked in the United States, you can begin the process for applying for a Social Security Number (SSN).

A Social Security Number is not required to receive your initial payment for your position, but you should begin the application process as soon as you’re eligible.

Visit ISSO’s Social Security Cards page for application instructions.

Copies of the SSN Certification Form on BU letterhead are available in the Graduate Affairs Offices in COM Room 130, 130A, and 132.

Other on-campus employment opportunities

Graduate students can also search for other on-campus jobs through BU’s JobX Board.

Positions vary widely–from administrative roles in University libraries and offices to jobs at the Fitness & Recreation Center (FitRec)–and new opportunities are posted regularly.

For questions about positions advertised through JobX, contact the Student Employment Office directly.

International students should review the Employment Guide for International Students before starting any position.