General Questions
What is the federal work-study program? Work-study is a federally funded form of financial aid that is based on your financial need. Work-study dollars are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Students work in various positions, most are on-campus positions.
What if I do not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form? Without this form, the Financial Aid Office cannot determine your eligibility for any aid program, including loans, grants, and work-study.
What are the eligibility requirements for the federal work-study program? At least a half-time credit load (6 credits or more) during the school year. (To be eligible for the federal work-study program.) Student Employees must carry at least one credit or more each semester during the school year. Maintain satisfactory academic progress while enrolled in college. Generally, this means a 2.0 GPA (grade point average) You must have a calculated need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Summer work-study students must be accepted in a program and plan to attend the upcoming Fall Semester.
Getting a Job.
How do I locate a job? There are many types of jobs available on our campus. Once you have completed this application, return it to the Financial Aid Office. Your skills are matched with the job listings on file. Students who have the qualifications, which match the job listings, will be referred to the supervisor of that job. One or more students may be referred for the same position. Supervisors will decide whom they wish to hire. Supervisors will then notify the Financial Aid Office of their choice. Students interviewed by more than one supervisor and selected by more than one shall be given their choice of work sites.
What do I do once I’ve been hired?
- Go to Human Resources to secure a work authorization, I-9, and tax information forms. Human Resources will assist you in the completion of these forms.
- Return all of the above to Human Resources. To complete authorization, you must present a state driver’s license and a social security card or birth certificate. You must do all of the above before you can begin work.
How many hours per week can I work? Work-study, Student employees, and tutors are limited to working a maximum of 29 hours per week for the summer and school year. Exceptions may be granted for short periods of time. During the school year, students on work-study and student employment are limited to the hours identified on their work authorizations that are set up prior to employment. In most cases, work-study students are limited to 8-10 hours during the school year. Sometimes students work in more than one department so please keep in mind that they not exceed 29 hours in total.
The Payroll System
Do I have to fill in a time sheet? Yes, you must complete a time sheet each pay period for the hours you’ve worked. In the summer and fall/spring students are paid twice a month. The time sheet is used by the Financial Aid Office to process your paycheck. Pink timesheets are used for the federal work-study students. Blue timesheets are used for student employment.
Where do I go to get my pay advice? Checks are electronically deposited to your checking or savings account. Contact Human Resources for instructions to receive pay advice.
How much will I make? Most jobs pay between $9 -$12 per hour.
What about taxes? You must complete the tax information forms that will be provided to you when you pick up your work authorization. You should refer questions about tax forms to the Business Office. You will be provided with W-2 earning statements for the previous calendar year in January.
What if I forget to hand in my time sheet on the due date? You will be paid the following payroll.
Summer Employment
Is student employment available in the summer? A small number of work-study awards are available in the summer. Most positions are about 20-29 hours per week. In the month of August, if needed, hours may be extended to exceed 29 hours per week.
How do I apply for summer work-study? Applications for summer work-study are available beginning April 1 at the Financial Aid Office. Students must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form and have a financial need. Returning (2nd year) students will receive priority in assignment of positions.