Guide to hiring OPT-authorized students for volunteer positions
Utilizing ASU graduates for degree-specific volunteer tasks is a win-win. A student who has been authorized for Post-completion Optional Practical Training must maintain status by obtaining employment directly related to their field of study. Offering a volunteer position could benefit a recent ASU graduate by helping them maintain their status while searching for that perfect job.
Post-OPT students must not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment, and must work for 20 or more hours per week. (Specific guidance due to COVID-19 may apply. Refer to ISSC’s updates related to COVID-19.)
If you have any questions, please contact issc.employment@asu.edu.
When offering a volunteer opportunity to a student authorized for Post-completion Optional Practical Training, please consider the following.
Do:
- Create an offer letter which includes:
- Department letterhead — may be signed by a departmental HR representative or the hiring professor.
- Description of the tasks the student will be performing, making it clear that the tasks are directly related to the student’s field of study.
- The start date.
- The number of hours required each week (must be 20 or more).
Don’t:
- Reduce a student’s hours below 20 per week.
- Request a student to perform tasks unrelated to their field of study.
- Violate labor laws.
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