The Federal Work-Study program gives students an opportunity to earn money while attending the university. Federal Work-Study provides students with employment that helps them to take on responsibilities. Through the Federal Work-Study program, students are generally employed on campus and earn a pay check for the hours worked. Students are paid once a month for the hours worked. The pay period begins on the 24th of each month and ends on the 23rd of the following month. Paychecks are issued on the 15th. For example, a student starting work on the 24th of September, would not recieve their first check until November 15.

Benefits of Federal Work-Study:

- The opportunity to work a schedule designed around the student's class schedule
- Convenience of working on campus
- A wide variety of jobs including opportunities to work in community service organizations
- Chance to gain valuable work experience and build references for future employment
- Studies show a positive link between having a part-time job and academic performance
- Students stay connected with the university through their Work-Study supervisors

Not all students qualify for employment through the Federal Work-Study program. Students who have indicated on the Personal Data Application an interest in the Work-Study program AND are eligible based on the need determined by the FAFSA are eligible to obtain a Work-Study job. If you are not sure whether or not you have been awarded Work-Study, refer to your WCU Financial Aid Notification letter or log onto Cyber Cat and check you financial aid awards.

Please remember that even if you were not awarded Federal Work-Study as part of your financial aid package, you can still seek campus employment by checking the job board at Career Services in Killian Annex.

If you have been approved for Federal Work Study, it is the students responsibility to:

• Research possible jobs that you would like to apply for by following the JOBS link.. It is recommended that students choose 2 jobs; write down the department, job title, and supervisor for the job; and have this information with them when they meet with the Work-Study Coordinator. If you are unable to access the document online, the Work-Study Coordinator will have a copy of the job listings available at the meeting.

• Make sure you bring all needed documentation to validate your citizenship status with you. Before a student can be assigned any job on campus, the student must validate his/her citizenship status by completing an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9). To make sure you have proper documentation, refer to the attached list and bring either one document from list A or one document from list B and one document from list C.

• Report to complete your Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9), your W-4 form, and receive job referral forms. The Financial Aid Office will be set up for Work-Study placement in the Grand Room of theUniversity Center on August 28th and 29th from 9:00a.m. until 4:00 p. m. On these days, we will complete the payroll paperwork (I-9 and W-4) and give you Work-Study Hiring Forms to take to the two hiring supervisors that you select.
  

Your Work Schedule

The maximum number of hours a student may work is 20 hours per week, however the average student works only 10-15. Students will arrange a work schedule that accomadate the needs of the student and the hiring department. Students may begin working on the first day of classes and may work through the last day of exams. Work is not permitted during non-academic periods without prior approval from the Financial Aid Department.

Wage and Pay Schedules

The Award letter from the Financial Aid Office indicates the maximum dollar amount you may earn in the Federal Work Study program for the academic year. Your hourly rate of pay is at least the current federal minimum wage and is set by the university department that employees you.