Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I get a Federal College Work-Study (FWS) job?
A. You must apply for financial aid and meet the eligibility requirements.
Q. How do I go about looking for a FWS position?
A. Once you have been awarded FWS, you will be sent an email on how to apply for a job.
Q. How will the hiring department know I am eligible for work-study?
A. Before you go to any interviews, you can print your Financial Aid award letter from your OSCAR account, which tells your employer the amount of your award and terms in which you can work.
Q. Why did I not receive a FWS award even though I applied?
A. You did not meet the priority deadline. Check with the work study coordinator to see if there are funds available.
Q. I received a FWS award and I DO NOT want it. What should I do?
A. You should decline the award. Notify the work study coordinator in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) to cancel it.
Q. Can I use FWS money to pay for tuition?
A. Yes, but you must first earn the money you are awarded. If you save your money, you can use it to pay any expense related to your education.
Q. What types of jobs are available under FWS?
A. Positions vary from clerical work to lab assistants to reading, math, and science tutors for elementary school aged children.
Q. Are all jobs only on campus?
A. No. CEISMC, JumpStart and all other community service jobs are at off campus locations.
Q. What are the advantages of participating in the FWS program?
A. The money you earn helps to meet your college expenses and will not be counted as income for your financial aid eligibility determination next year. You will also get on-the-job experience to give you an edge in the job market after graduation. You will be able to work with accomplished professionals in your field which will provide you with valuable references in the future.
Q. Should I show FWS earnings on the FAFSA for the following year?
A. Yes. Include earnings in the Adjusted Gross Income and fill out the worksheet for exclusions (Worksheet C). FWS will be considered as an income exclusion and will not be counted in determining your financial aid.
Q. How many hours can I work?
A. You may work up to 20 hours a week. YOU SHOULD CLOSELY MONITOR YOUR HOURS SO THAT YOU DO NOT EXCEED THE FWS AMOUNT LISTED ON YOUR AWARD LETTER.
Q. How will I be paid and what are the FWS hourly wages?
A. You will be paid bi-weekly. Your salary is determined by the hiring department and position type.
Q. Can I work two FWS jobs?
A. No.
Q. Can I work a Student Assistant job and a FWS job?
A. No. You may only work as a student assistant OR work-study student.
Q. Do I need to apply for FWS every year to receive FWS?
A. Yes! You must apply each year by the priority deadline. The forms are available in January for the next academic year.
Q. When can I begin working in my FWS job?
A. Once you have completed all hiring documents, you may begin work. You cannot work before the first day of classes.
Q. What is the PSF Requirement?
A. The Personnel Services Form (PSF) is the hiring form that must be completed by the hiring department, OSFA, and OHR. Once you have been hired the hiring department will complete this form. You will then bring it to OSFA for approval. Then you must take it to OHR for completion of your hiring packet.
Q. Will the PSF requirement influence the disbursement of my financial aid?
A. No. Your other financial aid awards will disburse without the PSF requirement being satisfied.
Q. Where do I get the PSF form?
A. Once you have been offered a position and you accept, the hiring department will give you the PSF form.
This website last updated on 03/24/08