Employment Laws for Minors

Bethel University recognizes that there are benefits for minors younger than age 18 who work. This policy describes Bethel University's general rules regarding employment of minors who are younger than age 18. Bethel University adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding employment of minors.

MINORS YOUNGER THAN AGE 16
Bethel University does not hire minors who are younger than age 16 to work in any positions at any Bethel University facilities.

MINORS AGE 16 OR 17
Bethel University hires minors who are at least age 16 or 17 but younger than age 18 only to perform work in nonhazardous jobs. Refer to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and the U.S. Department of Labor for a list of prohibited jobs.

WORK HOUR RESTRICTIONS
By state law, 16- and 17-year old high school students may not work after 11 p.m. on evenings before school days or before 5 a.m. on school days. With written permission from a parent or guardian, these hours may be expanded to 11:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. No other limit is set for the hours that 16- and 17-year-olds can work. High school graduates who are 17 years old do not have work hour restrictions.

AGE DOCUMENTATION
Proof of age must be maintained as part of the payroll records. Acceptable proof of age includes a copy of a birth certificate, a copy of a driver's license, an age certificate issued by a school, or a U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9.