A forty hour work week is basic for most departments. General working hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. Certain operations require different hours or rotating schedules for weekend assignments. The calendar work week at Black Hills State University is from 12:01 a.m., Sunday to midnight the following Saturday. Hours in excess of forty per week may constitute overtime, and will be authorized only in emergencies or unusual circumstances.

Employees are allowed short breaks (twenty minutes or less) in the morning and in the afternoon. Occasionally, workload may preclude a rest break. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to schedule breaks that do not disrupt the regular operating procedures. Breaks are not required by any law, and do not accrue if not taken.