Welcome to Fairfield University's
Federal Work-Study Web Page
* New for 2008 -2009 *
Federal Work-Study Handbook
for Students and Supervisors
This handbook outlines step-by-step procedures for students and supervisors with respect to job searches, the hiring process, work schedules, etc. This handbook also provides detailed job responsibilities, federal regulations, employment policies, and explains both student and supervisor roles in Fairfield's Federal Work-Study program.
All eligible work-study students and supervisors are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and abiding by all policies in this handbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides part-time jobs for undergraduate students with financial need. Students who participate in the program have an opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable work experience in on or off-campus jobs.
Students may use these earnings to offset their educational and personal expenses. The FWS program encourages community service and work related to a student's field of study.
When do I apply?
It is important that students meet ALL financial aid deadlines and submit all applications as priority is given to those with significant financial need and those who file their FAFSA by March 1 of each academic year.
Students must submit all required documents to the Office of Financial Aid, have their financial aid file verified, and complete all required employment forms before beginning work. Students with incomplete requirements should check StagWeb or contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Who is eligible?
Any undergraduate, full-time day students eligible for work-study will be notified on their Financial Aid Award letter. Eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and work-study awards, similar to all financial aid, are NOT guaranteed from one year to the next.
Graduate and Continuing Studies students are NOT typically eligible for work-study, but we welcome these students to contact the Office of Financial Aid to inquire about our waitlist.
If I am NOT eligible, what are my options?
Several offices and facilities on campus hire students outside of the FWS program. Offices include the Library, Recreation Complex, dining services, etc. Students should contact these offices directly. Jobs are also available in the community.
How much money can I earn?
FWS awards are typically $1,500 per year, but may vary. Students are generally paid an hourly rate of the Connecticut state minimum wage of $7.65. Community Service work-study jobs are paid at an hourly rate of $15.00. Wages may be higher in certain departments as there may be greater responsibility and advanced experience required.
What types of jobs are there?
Work-study jobs can be on or off campus. There are over 80 on-campus departments that offer jobs. Jobs range from clerical, research, data entry, athletics, mentoring, internships, etc.
Off-campus jobs are typically associated with private, non-profit organizations, community service or public agencies, where the work performed is in the public interest.
How do I find a job?
Students are responsible for securing their work-study job. Jobs are not guaranteed and students are not placed in a job and as a result, both the job search and hiring process may take some time and effort. Incoming freshmen or returning students looking for a new job should apply to more than one job. It is important for students to start the job search early in the summer or in the fall semester.
Students can view the Job Listings and perform searches by an alphabetized list, department name, job title or keyword.
Once I find a job, how do I apply?
Once a student finds a job(s) of interest, they are required to submit the Work-Study Student Interest Form via e-mail to the appropriate supervisor. Supervisors will contact students if they are interested in setting up interviews and/or hiring.
Students who are returning to their previous work-study job do not have to submit this form.
*Please remember that many students will be applying for the same jobs, and selection is a competitive and timely process. An offer of work-study is not a guarantee of a job.
How do I get hired?
Supervisors are required to submit electronic hiring requests to the Office of Financial Aid. After the hiring request is processed, both the student and supervisor will receive Job Confirmation
E-mails.
When can I start working?
Students are NOT to begin working until they receive this e-mail, which will indicate the status of their job (approved/denied), their detailed job assignment, and supervisor information. If approved for a job, students can begin working on September 2, 2008.
How do I change my job?
If a student is no longer interested in working in their assigned work-study job, he/she must inform both their supervisor and the Office of Financial Aid. Please refer to the FWS handbook for detailed instructions.
Required Employment Forms
Students are required to complete these employment forms prior to beginning work. These forms must be completed and submitted to the Office of Financial Aid.
State of Connecticut W-4: All students employed in the State of Connecticut must complete a state employee tax withholding form. Click here to download, print and complete the State of Connecticut W-4.
Federal W-4: All students must complete a federal tax withholding form. Click here to download, print and complete the Federal W-4.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students the right to privacy regarding their educational records. Some work-study jobs permit students to have access to private, educational and financial records of other students. Fairfield University requires that all work-study employees become familiar with this law to ensure it is not violated. Click here to download, print and complete the FERPA form.
Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification: Federal regulation requires that all employees provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Students MUST bring in ORIGINAL identification documentation as required of the Form I-9 (photocopies will NOT be accepted). The Form I-9 MUST be completed in person by the student, NOT by a parent, AND must be accompanied by the acceptable forms of identification.
Click here, type "I-9" in the search box and select the link for Employment Eligibility Verification. This will provide you a list of acceptable employment documents.
Direct Deposit
Any student interested in having their paycheck automatically deposited into a checking and/or savings account may do so. Click here for more information about this process.
If you have questions about our Federal Work-Study program, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
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