Southeast Missouri State University's student wage will rise to at least the state's minimum wage of $13.75, starting Thursday, Aug. 28.
Holly Bauwens, director of Human Resources, said student workers on campus are paid a minimum of $10.50 per hour for no more than 20 hours per week. There is no pay maximum.
Under the $10.50 pay minimum, students working 20 hours a week would make $420 every two-week pay period before tax. However, once the minimum wage starts, students who work 20 hours a week will receive $550 before tax.
According to the United States Department of Labor, SEMO was able to pay less than minimum wage because universities could be certified to hire students and pay only 85% of the state minimum wage.
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed House Bill 567, which “extends the wage requirement to public employers as well as private,” now requiring that student workers receive state-regulated minimum wage.
Additionally, House Bill 567 will raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour, starting Thursday, Jan. 1.
Hawk Leader in the Office of Admissions and political science and Spanish double major Camilla Ricaurte said the extra money would help her be able to afford more and pay back her parents.
“I would be able to pay for my groceries,” Ricaurte said. “I'm very fortunate that my parents helped me pay for the school and, like, my apartment, but everything else is a lot harder, and obviously I would like to pay my parents back.”
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