The Catholic University of America

Federal Work Study

 

What is Federal Campus Work-Study? / Campus Work-Study Fall Semester
Campus Work-Study Spring Semester
Campus Employment Fair / Changing Your Campus Work-Study Job
Non Work-Study Campus Employment

There are two types of student employment positions on campus, work-study and non work-study.

What is Federal Work Study?

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides subsidized part-time employment for students with financial need. The FWS amount in your aid package is the allotment of money that you may earn during the academic year. Earnings are used to help cover expenses such as books, travel, and other personal expenses. Students are paid twice a month for hours worked. Students who have questions regarding their paychecks or timesheets should contact their campus supervisor. FWS awards are not credited to your bill.

The University offers a variety of jobs on campus and in community service settings. Students choose their own jobs and must apply and interview directly with the employer. Pay rates range from $7 to $11 per hour for undergraduate work-study positions.

Both work-study and non work-study job listings are available on Cardinal Connection. Student employees may hold only one FWS job at a time. A student with a FWS award may simultaneously hold a non work-study job so long as he/she does not work more than a total of 19 hours per week.

What do I need to do to get Work-study?

Determination of eligibility for the FWS Program is made solely by the Office of Financial Aid (link to http://financialaid.cua.edu/), based on federal regulations and confidential information regarding the student's financial status. Students awarded FWS funds must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours per semester.

Work Study Fall Semster

How do I find a Work-study job?

· To begin this process the student must first be offered and accept Federal Work-Study.

· The student may then pick-up their Federal Work-Study Authorization Form at the Campus Employment Fair the Wednesday of the first week of classes. After that they will be available at the Career Services Office, 202 Pryzbyla Center until the last official day of the Drop/Add period. Authorizations that are not picked up by the end of Drop/Add period may be canceled and will not be reinstated. The authorization form identifies the student as a participant in the FWS Program and the amount awarded. Actual earnings will depend on the number of hours worked and the hourly rate of pay.

· The FWS authorization form must be signed by the student and the employer and returned to the Career Services Office, 202 Pryzbyla Center.

· In addition to the FWS authorization form, students must have completed and signed I-9 and W-4 forms on file. Once this paperwork is completed and processed the student and the hiring supervisor will receive an email authorizing the student to begin working. Only then is the student to begin working.

Campus Employment Fair

The Campus Employment Fair - First Wednesday of the Academic Year
Pryzbyla Center Great Room
Representatives from many campus offices will be on hand to describe the jobs (work-study and non work-study) they have available and to hire those students who are interested. Work-study students can take this opportunity to get all their work-study paperwork processed including the authorization forms, I-9 form and W-4 form.


What do I need to work?

Before you begin your Federal Work-Study job there are a few forms that must be completed and signed and documents presented.

· Documents that establish identity and employment eligibility. For example, but not limited to:
U.S. passport, driver's license or state ID card,

· Work-study authorization form

· I-9

· W-4

· Students are also strongly encouraged to use direct deposit for their paychecks.



Spring Semester Work Study

If you have your FWS paperwork:
The student completes the Student Section of the FWS form and searches for a position. Available positions are posted on Cardinal Connection and on our home page (http://careers.cua.edu). The hiring supervisor will complete the FWS form. The form is then returned to the Career Services Office, Room 202 Pryzbyla Center. First-time student workers will require additional paperwork: a completed and signed I-9 and W-4 form. Once this paperwork is completed and processed the student and the hiring supervisor will receive an email authorizing the student to begin working. Only then is the student to begin working.

If you do not have your FWS paperwork:
Paperwork is available in the Career Services Office, 202 Pryzbyla Center, Monday through
Friday, 9-5pm or at the Mid-Year Job Fair on Thursday, January 14, 2010 from 11am-1pm.

Changing Your Work-Study Job:
If you are changing your current work-study position come to the Career Services Office and you will be given new paperwork to complete. Available positions are posted on Cardinal Connection.

Non Work-Study Campus Employment:
Many offices on campus hire non work-study students, and are available at the Campus Employment Fair (held in the fall) to hire students. After the fall Fair, please contact individual departments (Finding Jobs on Campus) directly in inquire about possible openings. Some positions may be posted on Cardinal Connection.