Student Employment
Federal Work-Study
FWS is a federal financial aid program to provide part-time employment for eligible students. Funding is based on the information that is provided on the FISAP. Students who qualify for financial aid may participate in the Federal Work Study Program to help pay indirect educational expenses. Students who participate in this program are paid at least minimum wage for hours worked; checks are issued on a monthly basis. An effort is made to place students in jobs that further their educational and career goals.
To be eligible for FWS, students must have indicated on the FAFSA that they were interested in FWS. Students must:
- Be eligible to receive need-based funding.
- Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester hours.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
Award Amounts
The average award for a student that is offered federal work study is $1,000.00.
Student employees may not earn more than the dollar amount of their award. It is the responsibility of the Financial Aid department, supervisor, and student to monitor FWS earnings to ensure that the employee does not earn more than the awarded amount.
It is possible that a student award may change during the semester due to the prevent an over-award. Changes could be the result of changing financial circumstances, receipt of additional financial aid, a change in the number of enrolled credits, etc.
Financial Aid Department Responsibilities
- Determines student’s eligibility for Work-Study.
- Identifies Work-Study job locations and send notification to supervisors to request for student workers
- Assists student with processing all financial-related paperwork (I-9, W-2, Loyalty and Confidentiality statements).
- Process FWS contracts
Supervisor Responsibilities
- Provide proper training
- Set expectations
- Involve the student employee in the activities of department teams
- Be a teacher/mentor and role model by displaying proper work ethics.
Hiring Process
Department supervisors request a work-study student by submitting the Request for Student Workers form to the Financial Aid department. Those students who mark on their FAFSA that they are interested in Work Study and who meet all of the eligibility requirements, will receive an email containing the date, time, and place to report.
Once the Financial Aid department ensures the student’s eligibility, the supervisor will make the selection on the student who best meets the needs. The supervisor will have the option to reject a student if the student is not qualified for the position. Once the student employee is hired, (s)he completes and signs the Federal Work Study Contract from the Financial Aid department and Human resources documents.
Students who are enrolled at least six or more credit hours in their major may work a maximum of 20 hours a week, depending on their eligibility. Students cannot work during class scheduled times. Students who participate in this program are paid at least minimum wage for hours worked. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to approve, sign work timesheets and submit them by the designated deadline as determined by the Financial Aid and Payroll Offices.
Summer Employment
Federal Work Study summer employment capacity is determined by budget constraints and need.