Federal Work Study (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study Program is financial aid that is based on financial need and must be earned through student employment. It provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to earn money to help pay for educational expenses.

In order to work under the Federal Work Study Program, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1 and meet eligibility requirements. To find out if you are eligible, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Job Placement

The Office of Financial Aid will assign a student to a department on or off campus. During the assignment process, every effort will be made to meet the needs and interest of the student. Once assigned to a department, the student will contact the supervisor to inquire about the specific job duties. A student must sign a contract with their assigned supervisor and return all paperwork, including all required tax forms, to the Office of Financial Aid before work can begin.

Employment Regulations

The Federal Work Study Program can start and end anytime throughout the fiscal year which is July 1 – June 30. If you are eligible to continue working under the program, you may work until your maximum award is met or until June 30th of the following year, whichever is first. Earnings from Work-Study can’t exceed the total Federal Work-Study award which is indicated on your official award letter. Students are only allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. When assigning work hours, an employer or financial aid administrator will consider the student’s class schedule and his/her academic progress.

Payment

Students will be paid the federal minimum wage for the number of hours worked at the assigned campus job. Payment will either be made in the form of a check placed in the student’s mailbox or by direct deposit. If a student elects direct deposit, they need to contact Faye Dix regarding any necessary paperwork that must be completed. Students may also elect to have their earnings applied directly to their student account. A separate form must be completed and turned into the Business Office.

Note:

Work-Study does not mean the student is paid for studying. Work-Study students must satisfy the employer’s requirements to be hired and maintain the job while enrolled at the University.

Send Work-Study Questions or Requests to : randall.thornton@averett.edu

Student Federal Work Study Forms:
               
Form VA-4 (Personal Exemption Worksheet)(PDF)
W-4 Form (PDF)
I-9 Employment Eligibility Form (external link)
FWS Applied to Student Account Form (PDF)
FWS Hours Reference Chart (PDF)
FWS Pay Schedule (PDF)
FWS Timesheet (PDF)