Work Study FAQs

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How can I get Federal Work Study (FWS) funds?

You must apply for Financial Aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.) Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally-funded, need-based program that is awarded on a funds-available basis to eligible students.
I applied for Financial Aid using the FAFSA and did not get a FWS award. Why?

FWS funds are limited, and the money goes very fast. We recommend that you submit your FAFSA each year after you file your taxes, aiming for our priority date of February 15, for the following academic year. Awards are NEED-BASED, and awarded on a FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
How many credit hours must I enroll for each semester to be eligible for my FWS award?

You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours at UNF each term to be eligible for FWS employment and to receive your FWS award. The Summer semester enrollment is considered based on hours enrolled during each Summer session.
I have been offered a Federal Work Study award. How do I get a job?

You must first accept your Federal Work Study Award in myWings. You may then proceed to www.unfjobs.org to search the postings for the three Student Work Study positions. After you apply, you will be contacted by the department(s) for interviews. If a department wishes to hire you, they will submit hiring paperwork to the Work Study Coordinator in One Stop Student Services. Once One Stop and Human Resources have processed the paperwork, your employer will be notified that you may begin working.

Remember the deadline to accept your award is the first two weeks of the semester and the deadline to find a job is the first four weeks of the semester. You must accept your award and find a job or your FWS award will be canceled for both semesters.
Are there advantages to participating in FWS?

YES! The dollars you earn to help meet your college expenses will not be counted as income for your financial aid eligibility determination next year. You have the opportunity to get on-the-job experience that could give you an edge in the job market after graduation. Also, working with accomplished professionals in your field of choice will provide you with valuable references for the future. And don’t forget, on campus positions will maximize your availability between classes. Your employer is not permitted to schedule you to work during your classes.
What types of jobs are available through FWS?

Jobs from clerical work to computer programming to tutoring are available through Work Study. Some jobs are "pre-professional" in nature, providing good experience for learning the basics of a career. Some are related to recreational pursuits, some are related to education, business, science, or other career fields. Positions are available on and off campus.
Are all jobs on Campus?

No, there are several off-campus FWS/Community Service Jobs with Community Service Agencies, such as the American Red Cross, the Florida Department of Children and Families, Hope Haven, and Learn to Read. Students interested in these off-campus community service placements should apply for the Off-Campus Work Study opening at www.unfjobs.org.
Do I have to have FWS to work on campus?

No. There are many other student employment opportunities on campus. Visit www.unfjobs.org and search for Student positions, without Work Study as a job requirement. You may also seek employment with other on-campus employers such as the UNF Bookstore, Dining Services locations, including the Boathouse, Starbucks, and Outtakes.
Can I work two FWS jobs?

No. If you are not getting enough hours in your current position, talk to your supervisor.
How many hours can I work?

Work hours are arranged between you and your employer. Usually it takes 10 - 12 hours a week to earn your award amount for a semester. YOU MAY NOT WORK OVER YOUR AWARD AMOUNT, WHICH IS YOUR FWS EARNINGS LIMIT. If you work beyond the approved 20 hours per week or 40 hour per pay period, your FWS will not pay the extra hours. Work hours CANNOT interfere with your class hours.
How will I be paid and what are the FWS hourly salaries?

If you have not already set up direct deposit with the Cashier’s office, your employer or UNF Human Resources will show you how to set-up your direct deposit of your paycheck. Your employer will show you how to submit your biweekly work hours in the UNF timesheet system in myWings. You will receive a biweekly paycheck EFT into your checking account. The salary range for FWSP positions is $7.25/hr for entry level to $10.00/hr for experienced graduate level students. You and your employer should agree on an hourly rate depending on your skills and job responsibilities. Higher rates will be considered for jobs requiring advanced degrees and/or skills. Remember, you will only be able to earn up to your FWS award for the semester, regardless of your hourly rate.
How much will I earn on each paycheck?

Take the number of hours you and your employing department set for you to work, times your hourly rate. This will give you your GROSS pay for the pay period. Remember, you cannot earn beyond your FWS award for the semester. If your Fall FWS award is $2,000, you will only be permitted to earn $2,000 as a FWS employee during the Fall term.
When is the first and last day I can work this semester?

FWS students may not begin work until the first day after Drop/Add or until your employment has been approved by HR and One Stop Student Services, whichever is later. Your supervisor will submit authorization paperwork to the One Stop Work Study Coordinator for processing. Once your paperwork has been approved by One Stop and Human Resources, your supervisor will be notified that you may begin working. The last day for FWS employment is always the last day of the term. View the Academic Calendar for semester-specific start and end dates.
Are FWS earnings taxable?

YES, FWS earnings are taxable income. You will receive a W-2 at the end of the year to file your taxes. Your W-2 will be available from your employer in January. All questions concerning taxes being withheld from your paycheck must be directed to the IRS.
Should I show FWS earnings on my Financial Aid Application for the following year?

Yes, include earnings in the Adjusted Gross Income and fill out the Worksheet for exclusions.
There is a department that wants to hire me for a FWS position, but I don’t have a FWS award. What can I do?

Ask the department if they can hire you as OPS. OPS stand for Other Personal Services, which is temporary employment. Visit www.unfjobs.org to search OPS job postings. You may also contact One Stop to see if a FWS wait list is available. If so, your name could be added for consideration should funds become available. If funds do become available, you will be notified via UNF email that you have been awarded.
Do I need to apply for FWS each year to continue receiving it or to be reconsidered?

Yes, you must apply for financial aid each year by filing the FAFSA. We recommend that you apply early- once you file your taxes, file your FAFSA. Aim to complete both by our priority date of February 15 each year.
Can FWS funds be used to pend or defer my tuition and fees?

No. Funds are not paid in advance. You must work to earn the award and you won't receive your first paycheck until after the deadline for paying tuition. FWS awards will not show on you bill as pending aid because you have to work to earn the aid
I was awarded FWS, but I do not want it this year. What should I do?

You should decline the FWS award in your myWings account under “My Financial Aid Awards” or visit One Stop Student Services to complete a General Action Request form. If you do not take action to Accept or Decline the award within the first two weeks of the semester, the Fall and Spring portions will be cancelled.
I did not earn the full amount of my Fall FWS award. Can I transfer the remainder to Spring or Summer?

No, you will lose the unearned amount. You will be permitted to earn the Spring portion during the Spring semester. Summer FWS awards may or may not be available depending on the availability of funds.
I have run out of FWS money for this semester, but my department wants me to keep working. Can I?

If you have earned up to your FWS award for the semester, you may not continue working as a FWS employee. However, if your department has the funds to hire you as OPS (Other Personnel Services) employee, they may submit paperwork to HR and notify the One Stop Work Study Coordinator to reclassify your position for the remainder of the semester.

Is FWS available during the Summer?

If someone does not use his or her FWS award, can it be transferred to someone else?

No. Work Study is awarded based on several factors. If you decline your award, you cannot specify another student to whom you’d like the funds to be transferred.

You may however contact One Stop to inquire whether we are taking names for a FWS wait list, approximately one month prior to the start of the term. If funds become available for that semester and you are awarded, you will receive an email to your UNF email account and your Financial Aid Awards in myWings will be revised to show a Work Study award.

Work Study Information

FOR STUDENTS:

FOR SUPERVISORS:

To earn FWS for:	Option 1	Option 2
Summer A (1st 6 weeks)	Enrolled in 6+ hours Summer A	Enrolled in 3+ hours Summer A and 3+ hours Summer C
Summer B (2nd 6 weeks)	Enrolled in 6+ hours Summer B	Enrolled in 3+ hours Summer B and 3+ hours Summer C
Summer C (13 week)	Enrolled in 6+ hours Summer C	Enrolled in 3+ hours Summer C and 3+ hours Summer A and 3+ hours Summer B