Summer Staff FAQs

Q: How does the summer staff get from location to location during the summer?
A: Each team travels together from location to location in Student Life Vehicles. Team members 21 years of age and above are eligible to drive.

Q: Can I bring my own vehicle if I want to?
A: Please do not bring your car to travel with during the summer. If you chose to do this, you will not be reimbursed for gas/mileage. There will be an assigned place if you would like to keep your car at the Student Life office during the summer while you are gone.

Q: What if I am graduating from college after training week starts?
A: Arrangements need to be made ahead of time. We will make sure you are able to attend your graduation, however please note your graduation date on your application.

Q: How much do Student Life summer employees make?
A: Salaries range between $1500 and $3200, depending on the position.

Q: What if I need to leave for an event (wedding, emergency, etc.)?
A: Every effort should be made to avoid any absence during the summer. If an emergency occurs, you will be able to leave to be with your family. Concerning weddings, a lot depends on the summer schedule. It may be that a wedding you are in is scheduled on an off weekend for your team. This will be a decision that is made between you and your Event Director. All these arrangements need to be clearly communicated ahead of time during your interview and on your application as they may affect which team you are placed on.

Q: How do I schedule arriving and departing for the summer?
A: Student Life will reimburse for travel expenses up to $250 for flights and $100 for mileage/gas. When teams are assigned, you can make arrangements based upon your assigned arrival date. If you need to leave before your assignment is completed, it must be noted on your application and may affect your pay.

Q: Can my friends and family come visit me during the summer?
A: Guests are welcome! If a guest wants to visit and stay overnight in a local hotel or on campus when available, they are encouraged to visit towards the end of the week. When staying on campus, fees for overnight stays will apply. The schedule is extremely busy early in the week and guests naturally distract staff members being visited. Please do not have guests on the 1st day of camp. Guests do not need to stay more than 2 nights/3 days.

Q: What are the rooming arrangements for the summer? Where do we stay?
A: You will stay on the campus/conference center/hotel nearby. Since all teams travel, this means a lot of dorm rooms/conference center rooms. You, as a staff member, are responsible for bringing appropriate bedding for the summer to make sure you are comfortable. You will be informed of these details prior to arrival. When possible, staff will stay in the best facility available on location.

Q: What if I am required to come in early for Tech/Drama Rehearsals, where will I live?
A: If you are coming to Birmingham for rehearsals, housing will be taken care of if needed. You will either be housed in homes around the area or in a local hotel.

Q: What do we do when we have a day off?
A: Generally, this is considered a day of rest. Most people will be tired and need to catch up on sleep. Usually, the Event Director and Event Coordinator will come up with options for the team. Ex.- day at the beach, amusement park, baseball game, nice dinner (all depending on where you are when your break occurs).

Q: What expenses will I have during the summer?
A: You will be given a per diem check at the beginning of the summer to help with some of the food expenses you have when traveling. While on a campus, you do not have to pay for food in most circumstances. You will need money for laundry, Wal-Mart runs, supplemental money for when your team goes out for a nice meal, and any other spending you intend to do (trips to the mall, music store, etc). The summer provides a great opportunity for you to save money because expenses are few.

Q: Can I pick the locations at which I would like to serve?
A: Each team has a very specific schedule, so choosing locations is not an option.

Q: When will I find out about a job?
A: We will begin notifying people on March 5. Teams are announced April 1.