Student Employment

What is Federal Work Study?

Federal Work Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Work Study jobs can help you get valuable experience in your chosen field before you leave school. Students will earn $5.15 per hour and may work up to 17 hours per week.

First-year and Transfer Students

First-year and transfer students who are offered Work Study as part of their financial aid package will have the opportunity to secure employment with a department of Southwestern University through the Job Fair (during new student orientation). During the Job Fair, students will be asked to complete the required payroll forms (I-9 and W-4) and submit copies of their driver's license and Social Security card. All required forms and documentation must be submitted before a student will be allowed to work. Representatives from departments looking for student employees will be available to answer questions and set up interviews.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I apply for an on-campus job if I did not receive Federal Work-Study as part of my financial aid package?

Many departments advertise job openings through the daily Campus Posting emails. If you are interested in pursuing one of these positions, you should apply directly to that department. If you accept an offer of employment, the person responsible for hiring will submit forms to the Student Payroll Coordinator so that the Student Payroll and Financial Aid systems can be updated.

The most important thing for you to do once you have been hired is to complete the I-9 and W-4 and submit those forms to the Student Payroll Office, along with a copy of your Driver's License (or other form of ID) and your Social Security Card. If you have questions about these forms or the required documentation, please contact the Student Payroll Office.

You may also visit the Financial Aid Office to see if we are aware of any job openings on campus.

Can I work more than one job?

You may work more than one job, however, per institutional policy, you are not permitted to work more than an average of seventeen (17) hours per week on a regularly scheduled basis. Should you exceed a total of 374 hours before the end of the fall semester you will be required to stop working until the beginning of the spring semester. Likewise, if you exceed a total of 289 before the end of the spring semester, you will be required to stop work until the beginning of the fall semester.

How do I report Work Study on my tax return?

On your tax return, you will report work-study earnings as you would any other earnings. For more information about filing your tax return go to www.irs.gov.