FINANCIAL AID

Work Study Information

Listed below are the responsibilities of college work-study students. For in-depth information and resources for work-study information, please view the entire Financial Aid Handbook.

Responsibilities of College Work-Study Students

1. In the Federal College Work-Study Program, the job provides you an opportunity to earn money to defray educational costs plus use and further develop your skills and sense of responsibility. At the same time, many worthwhile services are being performed which would otherwise be left undone due to a lack of money or staff on behalf of the college. Since you are also a student and on occasion need study time, discuss time release with your supervisor. Before taking work time for studies, you should first investigate using your personal free time.
2. You must meet all eligibility requirements for federal student financial aid and demonstrate financial need to be considered for work-study. Your financial need is the difference between the Cost of Attendance and the Family Contribution (the amount the student and/or family is expected to contribute towards his/her education). You cannot earn more than your award allotment. To apply, complete the following steps:
   1. Federal Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA)
   2. Return any items requested to complete your Financial Aid File
   3. Complete an Application for Work-Study and return it to the Financial Aid Office
   4. Be enrolled in at least 6 financial aid eligible credits
3. If you qualify for work-study, you will receive an email notifying you of your placement in the program and a supervisor to contact for an interview.
4. Once hired, you will present your hired memo and two forms of identification (driver’s license and social security card) to the Financial Aid Office. You will receive an email from Human Resources for completing your new hire paperwork. Once new hire paperwork has been completed, HR will notify the Financial Aid Office and you and your supervisor will be sent your start date. If you have a name change you must provide us with a copy of your new Social Security Card. Anyone completing a new Social Security Card Application will not be able to work until we receive a copy of your new card on file. The Social Security Administration indicates that it takes approximately two weeks to receive a new card.
5. The maximum number of hours you can work is 30 hours per pay period. No hours may be counted on days that the college is officially closed. Your supervisor must approve any exceptions to this policy and initial your time sheet.
6. All time sheets are due the final day of the pay period in the Financial Aid Office. The student will have entered the time he/she worked during the current pay period in the HRMS system and print a copy for the student and supervisor to sign. If you are sick the day timesheets are due, you must contact the Financial Aid Office for further instructions.
7. You will be paid by direct deposit. Pay checks will be distributed by the Payroll schedule and will be directly deposited into your savings or checking account provided when completing new hire paperwork.
8. Workers are expected to get approval from the supervisor of the hours to be worked. These work times should be determined by the supervisor and the student.
9. You, as a FWS student, are responsible to your supervisor and must perform your duties satisfactorily. If you do not perform as required, you will be requested to leave your work assignment and be removed from the Federal Work-Study Program.
10. You, as a FWS student, are responsible for knowing the number of hours for which you are eligible to work. Any student working over his allotted hours, without the knowledge and permission of the Director of Financial Aid, will not be reimbursed for overworked hours.
11. In case of absence from work, it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor immediately of your reason for absence. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the Federal College Work-Study Program.
12. You are expected to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled in classes.
13. In an effort to evaluate your work performance as a Federal College Work-Study employee, your supervisor is requested to complete an evaluation of your work annually, this evaluation is maintained in your financial aid file.
14. If you have any questions about your Federal College Work-Study position or responsibilities, you are encouraged to make an appointment with a member of the Financial Aid office staff.
15. Federal Work-Study awards are defined as financial assistance to help students in their educational expenses. You are expected to save from 60 percent to 80 percent of your earnings for this purpose.
16. Your work-study job may expose you to college and student records. Confidentiality must be maintained. Breaches of confidentiality and/or any act of dishonesty may result in your dismissal from the program.

Non-Discrimination Statement:
This College promotes and maintains educational opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), veteran status, or other non-merit factors.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the college’s non-discrimination policies: Dr. Mark C. Rowh, Vice President for Workforce Development and External Relations and Equal Opportunity Officer, 217 Edwards Hall, 540-674-3600, ext. 4241. Inquiries concerning Title IX (sexual harassment, sexual assault/domestic violence/dating violence, and stalking) may be directed to Dr. Deborah Kennedy, Dean of Student Services, 268 Rooker Hall, 540-674-3690. or, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Mr. John Bowler, Academic Advisor for the Center of Disability Services, 115 Christiansburg site, 540-674-3600, ext. 4418. Inquiries concerning ADA and Section 504 may be directed to Ms. Lucy Howlett, Coordinator of the Center for Disability Services, Advising Center, 275 Rooker Hall, V/TTY 540-674-3619.