Student Employment Handbook

Break & Lunch Hour Guidelines

It is recognized and customary for supervisors to grant student employees meal and rest periods. Rest periods are provided to increase productivity and reduce fatigue and the risk of injury. Rest periods are generally 15 minutes in length and are paid as time worked. Meal periods are generally 30 minutes in length and are unpaid and not counted as time worked. Employees must be relieved of all duties and be free to leave their assigned work area during meal and rest periods.

Supervisors may schedule meal and rest periods so as not to interfere with the department's normal work routine. Supervisors should make certain that staffing patterns are such that all eligible students are afforded meal and rest periods. Supervisors are encouraged to schedule rest periods as frequently as necessary. Employees who work under excessively strenuous, hot, or cold conditions may require more frequent breaks.

The following guidelines are made in an attempt to standardize meal and rest periods among employing departments.

• Student employees who work a shift of four or five consecutive hours should be permitted one, 15 minute paid rest period during that shift. Rest periods should not be taken at the beginning or end of a shift and are not cumulative.

• Student employees who work a shift of six or seven consecutive hours should be permitted one, 30 minute unpaid meal period and one 15-minute rest period during that shift.

• Student employees who work an eight consecutive hour shift should be provided no less than two 15 minute paid rest periods and one 30 minute unpaid meal period.