Navigating Student Dining Jobs at UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide

For UCLA students seeking employment opportunities, the campus offers a diverse range of options. Among these, dining jobs stand out as a readily accessible and often convenient choice. This article explores the landscape of student dining jobs at UCLA, covering eligibility, available positions, and the benefits they offer.

Eligibility for On-Campus Employment

Understanding eligibility requirements is crucial for students seeking on-campus employment. Here's a breakdown based on visa status and work-study eligibility:

F-1 Visa Holders: International students with F-1 visas are permitted to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year. During winter and summer vacations, they can work full-time (more than 21 hours per week). On-campus employment for F-1 students can include positions such as teaching assistantships, research assistantships, reader appointments, or roles within the campus library, bookstore, and food/dining services. This eligibility is governed by Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations.
J-1 Visa Holders: Students and non-degree students holding J-1 status are eligible for part-time on-campus work (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session. They can work full-time during quarter/semester breaks and summer vacation. To be eligible, these students must maintain good academic standing and secure on-campus work authorization from the Dashew Center, which is typically granted for a maximum of one year. Extensions can be requested within a month of the expiration date. To obtain work authorization, J-1 students need to complete the J-1 Student On-Campus Employment Authorization Form online. A new form is required for any change in employment. The processing time is approximately 5 business days.
Work-Study: Work-Study is a federally subsidized program that provides hourly-wage jobs to eligible college students. However, international students are generally not eligible for federal work-study. Despite this, many on-campus employers are willing to hire students who do not qualify for work-study.

Exploring On-Campus Dining Employment Opportunities

UCLA offers a multitude of on-campus dining job opportunities, catering to various interests and skill sets. Here's a glimpse into some potential employers:

UCLA Dining Services

UCLA Dining Services offers a variety of opportunities. Student staff are expected to be familiar with the nutrient data for various recipes and appropriate cooking and meal standards, and helping cooks with basic food preparation, in addition to other duties.

Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA)

ASUCLA is a significant employer of students, offering positions in UCLA restaurants. Working in UCLA restaurants involves cashiering and preparing food, requiring teamwork and customer service skills. ASUCLA aims to meet the campus community's daily needs through its various services. ASUCLA staff members enjoy benefits such as discounts off purchased UCLA Store items, meal allowances, and much more!

Benefits of Working in UCLA Dining

Student employees at UCLA Dining often report significant benefits beyond just a paycheck:

Flexibility: The flexibility of on-campus jobs is a major advantage, especially for students with demanding academic schedules. Many student employees appreciate how their work schedules are accommodated to avoid interfering with their course load.
Convenience: On-campus jobs eliminate the need to commute, saving time and money.
Meal Benefits: Working for UCLA Dining often comes with perks such as meals during shifts and additional meal swipes, which can significantly help manage grocery expenses.
Skill Development: Dining jobs provide opportunities to develop valuable skills in customer service, teamwork, and food preparation.

Additional On-Campus Employment Options

While dining jobs are a popular choice, UCLA offers a wide array of other on-campus employment opportunities:

Transportation & Parking Services: These roles offer experience in customer service and communication skills. Students may sell parking permits, manage traffic, and assist with event preparation.
UCLA Library: The UCLA Library system, encompassing various libraries, offers positions involving public service and technical processing work. Duties may include sorting, shelving, retrieving books, utilising computer programs, and delivering materials.
UCLA Recreation: From swim and tennis instructors to sports assistants to sales and cashiering clerks, the UCLA Recreation Center offers a wide variety of jobs that are sure to meet students’ interests! Whether students are hired to work through the John Wooden Center, the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, or the Kinross Recreation Center, students are sure to build skills in interpersonal relations and customer service through duties such as cashiering, setting up and taking down equipment, and facilitating instruction in a variety of sports.
Residential Life: Working for the Office of Residential Life provides opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills. Responsibilities can range from advising residents to mediating conflicts and responding to emergencies. Some positions, such as Residential Advisors, may offer benefits like monetary compensation or room and board.
UCLA Athletics Department: The UCLA Athletics Department offers a range of employment opportunities.
UCLA Daily Bruin Student Newspaper/Student Media: These roles offer hands-on experience in journalism and media, including covering events and managing advertising accounts.
Teaching Assistant: Many graduate students work as Teaching Assistants as a way to get valuable classroom teaching experience. A TA's duties may include teaching, holding office hours, preparing course materials, and grading under the tutelage and supervision of regular faculty members who are responsible for curriculum and instruction in the University.

Finding and Applying for On-Campus Jobs

Ackerman Union - Level A job bulletin wall: Check this bulletin board for various job postings.
UCLA Talent Community: Joining the UCLA Talent Community is a great way to stay informed about potential job openings at UCLA. By registering, you'll be among the first to know when a position that fits your skills and experience becomes available.
Department Websites: Explore the websites of departments you are interested in working for, such as UCLA Dining and Housing Services and the UCLA Office of Residential Life.

UCLA as an Equal Opportunity Employer

UCLA is committed to diversity and inclusion. UCLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities.

Safety and Security

UCLA seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCLA community. The "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" requires UCLA (as an institution of higher education receiving federal financial aid) to report specified crime statistics on college campuses and to provide other safety and crime information to all current and prospective students and employees.

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