Student Employee Resources

Panther Link

NACELink – Click here for additional support and instructions with your career endeavors.

FICA Exemption – Does this Include Me?

Under section 3121(b)(10) of the Code, services performed by a student in the employ of a college or university are generally exempt from Social Security (OASI) and Medicare, the two components of the FICA tax, provided that the student is "enrolled and regularly attending classes."

In order to be considered eligible, students must be enrolled at least half-time at PAVMU.  The law allows each institution to define half-time. PVAMU uses the definitions set forth by the Registrar.
http://www.pvamu.edu/pages/2097.asp

The student FICA exception is not applicable to career employees (e.g., TRS/ORP members).
To check to see if PVAMU Payroll has you listed as FICA Exempt please go to the following website and enter your social security number and last name.
https://www.tamus.edu/offices/bpp/fica-exemption/

Texas A&M University System Tax Manual
http://www.tamus.edu/offices/budgets-acct/tax/taxmanual/AppendixC.html

FAQs

1.     How does PVAMU Payroll know how many hours I am enrolled in to determine if I am FICA exempt?

BANNER provides the information that is put into a file and uploaded into PVAMU Payroll System – BPP.  This upload occurs several times during the semester.  The identifying tie for the two systems BANNER and BPP is the student’s social security number.

2.     I am half time student and a student worker and FICA is being deducted from my payroll payment.  Why is this happening? 

Students must make sure their social security number in BANNER is the same as the social security number in PVAMU Payroll System.

3.     How do I check my social security number in BANNER?

Students may go to the Office of the Registrar to verify their social security number in BANNER.  The Office of the Registrar is located on the 3rd floor of the MSC.  Students will be required to show a picture ID. If your social security number is wrong in BANNER, you will need to show the Registrar your social security card in order to correct the number.

4.     During the first part of the semester, no FICA was deducted from my payroll payment, but my next payroll payment had FICA deducted.  Why did this happen?

If you dropped a class, your status may have changed from a half time student to a less than half time student.  If this is not the reason for the change, then please contact Payroll Services 936-261-1904 or payroll@pvamu.edu with your question.

Update Emergency Contact Information Instructions for Students

Watch Video Instructions

Instructions to Update Emergency Contact Information:

1. Click on Panthertracks
2. Select Current Students
3. Click on "Enter PVPlace Now" 
4. Enter your PantherNet Username and Password which is also your email username and password.
5. Click Login to enter PVPlace
6. Once inside PVPlace, click on the Student tab.
7. In the center column, click on "Click here to access Panthertracks"
8. Once you are taken to Panthertracks, select Term, Click submit
9. Verify correct mailing address, and click continue.
10. On Main Menu
    1. Click on Personal Information
    2. Select update addresses and phones
    3. Select Emergency Contact, click on submit
    4. Fill the form, and provide emergency contact numbers.
    5. Click Submit

 Note: Students are responsible to keep their emergency contact information current.  Emergency Alerts will only be sent to numbers provided as Emergency Contact, Home, Business or work and Cellular. Speech Alerts to Emergency Contact, home, business or work. Text message (SMS) and Speech Alerts to Cellular

INTERVIEWING TIPS

Be sure to thank the interviewer at the beginning of the interview for the opportunity to meet with them and then again at the end for their time.

SELL YOURSELF - You must think of your interview as an opportunity to market yourself for the job. You are selling a real product – YOU!

DRESS APPROPRIATELY - Remember First Impressions!

• Wear a suit
• Be well-groomed (hair combed, pulled back, nails clean, deodorant)
• No flashy jewelry, makeup, or heavy perfume/cologne
• Cover or remove any and all body art
• Travel light – No big bags, books, magazines, etc. (a portfolio for taking notes is ok. Briefcases are typically ok.)

BE ON TIME - Arrive 15-30 minutes early. Remember to adjust for traffic.

BE PREPARED - Always bring 2-3 copies of your resume with you and any Letter of Recommendations.

WATCH YOUR BODY LANGUAGE - Employers watch for non-verbal clues during an interview.

• Be sure to give a firm handshake, sit up straight and provide eye contact.
• Place briefcase/purse on the floor.
• Hands should be in your lap.
• Remember to SMILE.

END THE INTERVIEW - Ask each interviewer for his or her business card. This will aid in completing a thank you note, if you choose.  Ask for the job: From what I have learned here today, I feel like this would be a good fit for the both of us.

Questions Often Asked in an Interview

• Tell me about yourself.  Be prepared, but do not tell too much personal stuff that would send up red flags such as religion, age, political views, family life, etc.  More about answering this question is below.
• What did you like/dislike about your previous job?
• What would former employees or employers say you need to work on?
• What are your goals in life? (keep this relevant to the job)
• What are you leaving you current job?
• Why did you leave your previous employer?
• What should I consider you a strong candidate for this job? (This is your chance to sell yourself).  You may not have all the skills that are looking for,  but you will make up  for it with  your hard work and dedication.  Skills can be taught.  Work ethic can't!

 Sample Questions for YOU to Ask in an Interview

• I researched the organization/company and learned A.B,C; however, could you tell me a little more about it? (This shows that you have done your homework.)
• How am I going to fit into the structure?
• What is the training program like or is it OJT (on-the-job-training)?
• Describe a typical day.
• What is the makeup and overall experience of the team that I will be working with? (This question shows interest, and gives the interviewer a visual of you working there.)
• When people leave, what is the reason?
• What concerns or questions do you have for me about my capabilities to do this job? (If you are going to ask this, be prepared to overcome them.)
• What are the organization’s/company's goals for the next 5 years?