Program Description
The Dining Student Leadership Program (DSLP) is designed to help students pay for the cost of their housing while living on campus in University Housing by working a minimum of 12 hours per week and an additional 12 special event hours per semester. Dining Services will select no more than 50 students to participate in the program for the 2026-2027 school year. This work offer is only available to Undergraduate Students who qualify for Federal Work Study and/or Nebraska Promise and who live in on-campus residence halls managed by University Housing. The goals and benefits of this program include:
- To find conscientious, dependable student employees to work in Dining Services.
- The opportunity to develop the skills needed to become supervisors and managers.
- Help students contribute meaningful work that will build their resume.
- Enjoy a fun and supportive environment to help students learn and grow.
- On campus, flexible weekly schedule (12 hours minimum).
- A FREE designated Meal Plan each semester.
- Free meal on qualifying scheduled shifts (does not count against provided meal plan swipes).
- Help students cover their housing costs by working a required amount of hours per semester.
Program students will have a scheduled 12-hour work week for each of the 17 weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters in a pre-determined UNL Dining Services location and must complete 12 special event hours each semester that may consist of catering events, tabling events, picnics, and more.
Students in this program will concurrently participate in the HuskerWork and Husker GROW programs in partnership with Career Services and Student Life.
Dining Services uses the Husker GROW program to connect student employment experiences to coursework and career goals. Through brief, structured conversations with a supervisor, students increase their ability to identify experiences that relate to the soft skills employers want.
Similarly, Dining Services is implementing HuskerWork to provide monthly training modules on subjects such as communications, campus resources, problem-solving, and financial planning that will help Student Leadership Program members grow in their jobs and other campus relationships.
Handshake and Contact
If students are interested in the dining student leadership position, search for Dining Student Leadership Program on Handshake to apply.
*Students must log in to Handshake with their UNL credentials.
About the Position
Dining operational schedules vary during the academic year. A student's personal work schedule could begin as early as 6 a.m. and extend to as late as 1 a.m., Monday – Sunday.
Through experiences in this position and the HuskerWork/Husker GROW programs, the student employee will strengthen the following abilities:
- Ability to work in a team
- Communication skills (both oral and written)
- Problem-solving skills
- Develop a strong work ethic
- Interpersonal skills
- Appreciation of other worldviews
Job Description
Student employees in Dining Services provide helpful information, superior customer service, and a clean and welcoming environment to students, staff, faculty, and guests of the University of Nebraska.
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Prepare food and beverages.
- Maintain clean and sanitary work areas.
- Restock food, beverage, and other miscellaneous items as needed.
- Work independently and as a part of the Dining Services team.
- Address customer concerns and function as a public relations liaison for Dining Services.
- Follow verbal and written instructions.
- Learn and work in all areas within the assigned Dining Services location.
- Obtain a level 3 Food Handlers Permit and complete UNL Core training requirements.
- Attend at least 2 required program meetings per semester for communication, leadership, and skill enhancement.
All employees are required to obtain a Level II Food Handler’s Permit and complete CORE training within 30 days of employment.
How it Works
Through this program, the housing costs for a traditional-style double occupancy room in a campus residence hall for the 2026-2027 academic year are expected to be $7,960. This program’s financial model is based on the student living in this room configuration and working the required hours. By working the required hours each semester, students will be approximately $1,480 short of the funds needed to pay for traditional housing charges in their entirety. If students choose to live in a non-traditional room (super-double, suites, or apartments), there will be additional costs for that style of housing. Students in the program may work extra hours to help cover any residual expenses when/if work schedules and location allow.
Summary of Costs & Benefits
| 2026-27 Cost of a traditional-style room | $7,960.00 |
|---|---|
| 14/400 meal plan | Included |
| Earned through program | $6,480.00* |
| Student makes | $1,480.00 |
*Students will earn the above amount if they work all required hours per semester (12 hours per week plus 12 special event hours). Students may work more than 12 hours per week if their schedule permits. These hours will be paid at the program rate allowing students to earn additional money.
