What grade level of students are eligible for FWS?
Undergraduate, Graduate, Post Baccalaureate and Doctoral students are eligible to participate in the federal work study program at UNF.
How can I get Federal Work Study (FWS) funds?
You must apply for Federal Work Study by emailing FWS@unf.edu from your secure UNF email account. Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally-funded, need-based program that is awarded on a funds-available basis to eligible students and requires an error-free FAFSA on file with the University.
How many credit hours must I enroll in each term to be eligible for my FWS award?
You must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours of
degree applicable coursework at UNF each term to be eligible for FWS
employment and to receive your FWS award.
I received an eligibility email for Federal Work Study. How do I get a job?
Visit www.unfjobs.org to search and apply for student Federal Work Study positions. After you apply, you will be contacted by the hiring manager for an interview. If chosen by a department, hiring paperwork will be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Once the Office of Student Financial Aid and Human Resources have processed your file, your supervisor will be notified that you may begin working.
There is a department that wants to hire me for a FWS position. What can I do?
First, email FWS@unf.edu to see if you are eligible for
a FWS award. If not, ask the department if they can hire you as an OPS (Other
Personal Services) student worker. Visit www.unfjobs.org to search OPS job postings. If
you are having difficulty finding a work study position, email FWS@unf.edu from your secure UNF email account to ask
for assistance.
Are there advantages to participating in FWS?
YES! Federal Work Study income can be written off on your FAFSA. You also have the opportunity to get on-the-job experience that could give you an edge in the job market after graduation. In addition, working with accomplished professionals in your field of choice will provide you with valuable references for the future. And don’t forget, this program is academically-focused and your supervisor will schedule you to work around your classes.
What types of jobs are available through FWS?
Clerical work, computer programming and tutoring are just some of the examples of positions available through work study. Some jobs are "pre-professional" in nature, providing good experience for learning the basics of a career. Some jobs are related to recreational pursuits, while others are related to education, business, science or various 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 Jacksonville Humane Society, Tree Hill Nature Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville and Duval County Public Schools. Students interested in these off-campus community service placements should apply to the Off-Campus Work Study positions at www.unfjobs.org.
Do I have to have FWS to work on campus?
No. There are many other student employment opportunities on campus. You may seek employment in other on-campus positions including the UNF Bookstore and Dining Services. Visit www.unfjobs.org and search for student positions, without Federal Work Study as a job requirement.
Can I work two FWS jobs?
No. If you are not getting enough hours in your current position, talk to your supervisor. In addition, FWS students may not hold a second job on campus.
How many hours can I work?
Work hours are arranged between you and your supervisor. Usually it takes 10 - 20 hours a week to earn your award amount for the term. YOU MAY NOT WORK OVER YOUR TERM AWARD AMOUNT, WHICH IS YOUR FWS EARNINGS LIMIT. If you work beyond the approved 20 hours per week or 40 hour per pay period, FWS will not pay for these extra hours. Work hours CANNOT interfere with your scheduled class times. You will be required to submit your class schedule to your supervisor.
How will I be paid and what are the FWS wages?
Direct deposit is the preferred method for paying wages. If you have not already set up direct deposit with the Office of Student Financial Services, your supervisor or UNF Human Resources will show you how to set up the direct deposit of your paycheck. Your supervisor will show you how to submit your biweekly work hours in the UNF timesheet system in your myWings. You will receive a biweekly paycheck electronic funds transfer (EFT) directly into your checking account. The salary range for FWS positions is $8.65-$12/hr based on your grade level and experience required for the position. You and your supervisor should agree on an hourly rate depending on your skill level 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 term, regardless of your hourly rate. The wage for off-campus FWS positions is $12.00/hr.
How much will I earn on each paycheck?
Multiply the number of hours you work every two weeks by your hourly rate. This will give you your GROSS pay for the pay period. Remember, you cannot earn beyond your FWS award for the term. 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 term?
FWS students may not begin work until after the add/drop period has ended and academic activity has been documented for a minimum of six degree-applicable credit hours. FWS students are not permitted to work when the University is closed. The last day for FWS employment is always the last day of classes, allowing students to study during finals week uninhibited by FWS employment. View the Academic Calendar for term-specific start and end dates.
Are FWS earnings taxable?
YES, FWS earnings are taxable income. You will receive a W-2 for each year to use if you file taxes. Your W-2 will be available in January. All questions concerning taxes withheld from your paycheck must be directed to the IRS.
Should I show FWS earnings on my FAFSA for the following year?
Yes, your earnings should be included on the FAFSA, but they are not included in the federal calculation of the Expected Family Contribution.
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 your bill as pending aid because you have to work first to earn your funding.
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. Funds may not be moved from fall to spring. If you are reaching your term award maximum, you may email FWS@unf.edu from your secure UNF email account and ask to be reviewed for an award increase.
I have run out of FWS money for this term, but my department wants me to keep working. Can I?
If you have earned up to your FWS award for the term, you may no longer continue to work as a FWS employee. However, you may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to see if funding is available, and if you are eligible, to increase your award. If your department has the funds to hire you as an OPS (Other Personnel Services) employee, they may submit paperwork to Human Resources and the Office of Student Financial Aid to reclassify your position for the remainder of the term.
Is FWS available during the Summer?
Federal Work Study is not currently available during the summer term.
If someone does not use his or her FWS award, can it be transferred to someone else?
No. If you decline your award, you cannot specify another student to whom you’d like the funds to be transferred.