Recruiting at the University
The talent attraction team plays a pivotal role in the university’s growth and success. Our primary objective is to actively engage, and recruit talented individuals who can contribute to our vibrant and diverse institution. By focusing on inclusivity and diversity, we ensure that our recruitment efforts not only meet the current needs of the university but also foster an environment of innovation and excellence for the future. Through collaborative partnerships and innovative strategies, we continuously strive to enhance our recruitment processes, ensuring that we remain competitive in attracting talent to join our dynamic community.
Interested in a job and want to speak to a recruiter? Fill out our new General Interest Form
Why Illinois
Our Why Illinois page offers a comprehensive overview of benefits at the university, highlighting our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It serves as a gateway for potential employees to explore over 10,000 faculty and staff positions, join our community of 56,000 students, and contribute to our status as a pre-eminent public research university with a global impact.
Jobs
Jobs page for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, highlighting the diverse job opportunities and the inclusive community at the university.
Recruitment
Our primary goal is to recruit talented individuals who enrich our diverse institution, fostering innovation and excellence through inclusivity and diversity.
Host a Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Student!
The Office of the Chancellor and Illinois Human Resources is pleased to offer the 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program. This program gives local high school students the chance to gain professional experience while supporting the work of campus units.
Departments across campus are invited to host a student and give a high school student the opportunity to gain real-world experience while contributing to your department. Students can assist with projects, administrative support, research, event preparation, and other tasks that help advance the work of your unit while they build professional skills.
Students work up to 20 hours per week for eight weeks, from June 15 through August 7, 2026. Work arrangements may be in person, hybrid, or remote depending on your department’s needs.
Cost to Unit
There is no required cost to your unit to host a student. Illinois Human Resources has limited funding available to support student placements for departments that are unable to provide funding.
Departments that have the ability to fully or partially support a student’s wages are encouraged to do so, as this allows the program to expand opportunities for more local youth across campus. Units that contribute funding help ensure that additional students can participate in the program.
Work Dates
Tentatively scheduled for June 15, 2026 through August 7, 2026.
Final work dates may be adjusted once local high schools confirm their last day of school based on snow days used.
Work Schedule
Student work schedules can be flexible but must not exceed 8 hours per day. Students may work up to 20 hours per week within the hosting department.
Students will also participate in approximately 2–3 hours of professional development coordinated by Illinois Human Resources. Departments are asked to plan for students to attend these sessions, which are typically scheduled on most Fridays.
Rate of Pay
$15.00 per hour
Department Responsibilities
Units hosting a student play a key role in their professional development by providing guidance, meaningful tasks, and a welcoming environment. Departments must:
- Complete a background check if the student is under 18 years of age
- Approve time entered in the online TimeTracker system on a bi-weekly basis
- Offer tasks and learning experiences that provide valuable skills and exposure to a professional work environment
Departments interested in hosting a student are encouraged to express interest early. Student placements will depend on both student interest and the number of available positions across campus.
For questions, contact Tori Exum at texum@uillinois.edu.