Below you'll find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions of the Office of Student Employment. If you don't find the information you're looking for below or elsewhere on our web site, please contact us in person or by phone,
or send your question to us via our Ask Student Employment
service.
What is Work Study?
Work Study is a Federally funded employment program designed to aid students who have demonstrated financial need. A Federal Work Study (FWS) award is given as part of the financial aid package. The Office of University Financial Aid determines a student’s eligibility for this program and the amount of the work award. The Federal Government pays a portion of the student’s wages, and the University department pays the remaining portion. FWS recipients are limited in employment to the amount of the award granted and the eligibility dates specified. Employment may be in an off-campus agency. The Work Study amount awarded to each student represents total gross earnings, not just the Federal portion. There is no guarantee that the student will earn the full amount awarded. FWS students who have earned their entire award prior to the completion of the academic year may continue to work with their current employer if the department will pay 100% of the student’s wages, or the student may seek employment through a campus job placement.
Regulations governing the FWS program require application of FWS earnings toward the cost of the student’s education. This cost includes tuition, housing, meals, books, supplies, health insurance, necessary travel, and personal expenses.
How do I apply for Work Study?
Students must apply each year and meet federal eligibility requirements to receive a Work Study award. The Office of University Financial Aid calculates students’ awards in the student’s financial aid package.
How do I find a Work Study Job?
There are three recommended ways of finding a Work Study job:
- Work Study jobs are posted in the Office of Student Employment, Yost Hall, room 410A.
- A Work Study job fair is held during the first or second week of class.
- You may wish to contact departments directly. (please note that employers must be on-campus departments or an off-campus agency that has a Work Study contract established with Student Employment)
What kinds of jobs are available?
The types of Work Study and Campus jobs vary widely. Student Employment positions are available in almost every department on campus as well as several off-campus agencies, however you must be eligible for Federal Work Study in order to work at an off-campus agency. There are also community service opportunities through the Office of Student Community Service. Some jobs may be substantial and directly related to your major, and others may be more administrative in nature. Student Employment positions may very well be the first step in your career path. Carefully evaluate what you hope to gain from this experience and choose the job that best meets your needs.
What if I’m not eligible for Federal Work Study? Can I still work on campus?
Yes, you may find a job on campus. The non-work study positions are also posted in the Office of Student Employment. About 2/3rds of students working on campus are employed in non-work study positions. The department pays 100% of the students’ wages if the student is not eligible for Work Study.
How and when do I get paid?
Students complete blue payroll vouchers with the hours worked on a weekly basis. The payroll voucher is turned in to their supervisor for verification of hours worked and a signature. The signed, completed vouchers must be submitted to the Office of Student Employment every Monday by 5:00 p.m. Paychecks are issued on the 15th and the last working day of the month unless the student receives a stipend. If that is the case, payday will be only on the last working day of each month. Final voucher cut-off dates are posted on our web page. All vouchers that are in the Office of Student Employment by the final cut-off date are paid on the following payday. Paychecks are delivered to the department where the student works as long as the student has an updated Referral Form in the Office of Student Employment. If the student works at an off-campus agency, paychecks are delivered to the Office of Student Employment.
How many hours can I work per week?
Students are allowed to work up to a total of 20 hours per week during academic enrollment periods no matter how many jobs they hold. During breaks and summer, they may work up to 40 hours per week.
Does my paycheck go directly to my student tuition account?
No, checks go directly to you and it is up to you to apply the Work Study earnings to your student account.
Can I have more than one Work Study position?
Yes, students can hold more than one Work Study job, however, you are responsible for notifying your supervisors that you have more than one job and your earnings must be monitored to ensure you don’t exceed your earnings limit. Also combined hours for all jobs cannot exceed 20 hours per week.
Should I complete new Referral Forms every year?
Work Study Refferal Forms are needed for each academic period, Fall/Spring (September - May) and Summer (May - August).
Where do I get the blue payroll vouchers?
The blue payroll vouchers used by student employees are given to students by their supervisors. The supervisor orders them from Printing Services.