Federal Work Study Program

The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) is funded by the Federal Government. It is intended to promote and encourage part-time employment of students to assist the University and its surrounding community.

FWS may be available for students who meet the priority deadline date and the Federal Government's eligibility criteria. This program allows students to earn money to assist in paying for educational expenses. These awards are not available to pay tuition and fees because they are earned throughout the semester.

Applying for FWS

In order to receive FWS you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The priority deadline is February 1; however, funds may be depleted before the priority deadline is met. Therefore, you should apply as soon as possible after the FAFSA opens October 1.

Recipients must be in good academic standing, be enrolled at least half-time and have financial aid need.

Job Placement

If awarded FWS, you will receive an award notification in your AP e-mail. Detailed award information is viewable in AP OneStop. You will need to accept or decline the offer online through AP OneStop within 14 days of your award notification. If accepting, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to schedule an appointment for job placement.

Payment

Income earned through FWS does not have to be repaid. The hourly wage is determined by the department of employment. Students are paid strictly by the hour on a bi-weekly schedule. Earnings from FWS will be direct deposited into the student's designated bank account.

Periods of Non-Enrollment

A student may be employed under FWS during a period of nonattendance, such as a summer term. To be eligible for this employment, a student must be planning to enroll for the next period of enrollment and must have demonstrated need for that period of enrollment. Students must be pre-registered or submit a written statement of intent to enroll for the following term to be awarded FWS during a period of non-attendance.

A student’s net FWS earnings are considered Estimated Financial Assistance (EFA) during the following academic year. Net FWS earnings are determined by subtracting taxes and job-related costs (transportation and food) from a student’s earnings.

Student Responsibilities 

The Student must:

• Complete all required documentation.
• Maintain good academic standing.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 1.8.
• Be enrolled at least half-time.
• Not work during scheduled classes, exam times, or beyond the approved end date.
• Work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Note that once you have earned the maximum yearly amount of your award, you will not be able to work further. In general, students should work less than 20 hours per week in order to maintain funding throughout the term.
• Work no more than 7.5 hours per day. If you work 6 consecutive hours, you must take a 30 minute unpaid break.
• Notify a supervisor in advance of absence or tardiness.
• Submit a timesheet on the web time entry system before the scheduled deadline. Late or unsubmitted timesheets will delay direct deposit earnings.
• Adhere to the general dress code.
• Arrive at the department prepared to work. FWS does not imply that you can study while working.

A student may be terminated from a FWS assignment at the request of the supervising employee of the assigned department and/or due to an unacceptable evaluation. There may be circumstances where a student may not be eligible for a reassignment, which will result in the loss of FWS. Examples include, but are not limited to, unacceptable behavior in the workplace, incorrect reporting of time, poor attendance, and/or poor job performance.

You must stop working once you have earned your award limit. For position reassignment, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Department Responsibilities

Departments must submit completed Placement Forms along with copies of job descriptions to the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Department supervisors and students will receive e-mails from Human Resources with the approved start date. Students may not start before approval from HR or work during class times or exam times.

The department supervisor must:

• Establish a work schedule with the student and explain the duties and responsibilities of the job.
• Notify the Office of Student Financial Aid if a student does not report to work.
• Monitor hours worked to ensure student does not exceed the yearly award or work beyond the approved end date. Exceeding 20 work hours per week (when classes are in session) or 8 hours per day in any scenario is not permitted.
  • Additional hours are permitted during school breaks, if student is not attending courses, not to exceed 40 hours per week, the yearly awarded amount, or the maximum of 8 work hours per day. 
• Verify the accuracy of student web time entry before approving. Timesheets are official records subject to audit by the federal government. Supervisors are accountable for accuracy of these records.
• Provide evaluation of student's work performance and supervise accordingly. Evaluations are sent to each department during April.
• Notify the Office of Student Financial Aid and Human Resources if a student's placement is terminated.