Student Auxiliary Officers
Serve your campus while gaining valuable professional law enforcement experience
University Police & Public Safety employs Student Auxiliary Officers to support police and security operations while providing students with meaningful work experience and professional development opportunities.
Student Auxiliary Officers work during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, assisting with a variety of public safety and service functions, including:
Property protection and security patrols
Traffic and pedestrian control
Support for campus events and special programs
Officers also conduct highly visible foot patrols throughout:
Residence hall communities
Academic and administrative areas
University facilities
Surrounding campus areas
Through these responsibilities, Student Auxiliary Officers help promote a safe and welcoming environment while gaining valuable leadership, communication, and public safety experience.
Become a Student Auxiliary Officer
Student Auxiliary Officers (AOs) play a critical role in supporting Penn State University Police & Public Safety while gaining valuable professional experience. Open to students of all majors, including international students, the program offers flexible scheduling, paid training, and opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills in a public safety environment.
Pay and Scheduling
University Park
Starting pay: $14.38 per hour
Additional pay differentials for overnight shifts and designated holidays
Domestic students may work up to 30 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours during breaks
International students may work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and 30 hours during breaks
Penn State Altoona
Starting pay: $13.00 per hour
All Auxiliary Officers receive paid training and a department-issued uniform (excluding footwear and undershirts).
Position Requirements
Applicants must:
Be a full-time Penn State student during the academic year
Be available to work a variety of day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts
Be willing to work during key campus events and operational periods, including student arrival and departure weekends, home football games, and THON
Why Become a Student Auxiliary Officer?
Benefits of the position include:
Flexible scheduling that works around your classes and commitments
Unique experiences supporting major campus events and public safety operations
Professional skill development in leadership, teamwork, communication, time management, and conflict resolution
Advancement opportunities into student supervisory positions
Year-round employment opportunities
Strong camaraderie with fellow student employees
Meaningful work that directly supports the Penn State community
How to Apply
Visit the Penn State Careers website and search for "Auxiliary Officer" to view current openings.
Applicants should submit:
A current resume
Any additional materials requested in the posting
Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Contact Information
University Park
Sergeant Tim Townsend, Special Events Manager
Teresa McCloskey, Unit Coordinator
Penn State Altoona
Penn State Harrisburg
Sergeant Cameron Gross-Kunkel
Officer Phillip Peng
For questions about the Student Auxiliary Officer program, contact:
Email: uppsauxhiring@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-2245
For assistance with the Penn State hiring process, contact Human Resources:
Phone: 814-865-1473
Email: askhr@psu.edu