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 quickly. We recommend that you submit your FAFSA before our priority deadline of October 15, for the following academic year. Awards are NEED-BASED and are 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
6.0 credit hours of degree applicable coursework at UNF
each term to be eligible for FWS employment and to receive your FWS award.
I have been offered a Federal Work Study award. 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 Office of Student Financial Aid. Once the Office of Student Financial Aid and Human Resources have processed the paperwork, your employer will be notified that you may begin working.
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 employer 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 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 Jacksonville Humane Society and Tree Hill Nature Center. Students interested in these off-campus community service placements should apply for the Off-Campus Work Study openings 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 also seek employment with other on-campus employers such as the UNF Bookstore and Dining Services locations, including the Boathouse, Starbucks and Outtakes. Visit www.unfjobs.org and search for Student positions, without 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 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 wages?
Direct deposit is the preferred method for paying wages. 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 the 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 FWS positions is $8.25/hr for freshmen and sophomores to $10.00/hr for graduate level students. You and your employer 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 semester, regardless of your hourly rate. The wage for off-campus FWS positions is $10.00/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 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 after the Add/Drop period has ended. FWS students are not permitted to work during winter or spring breaks or when the University is closed. The last day for FWS employment is always the last day of classes, which allows students to study during finals week uninhibited by FWS employment. 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 FAFSA for the following year?
Yes, your earnings should be included on the FAFSA.
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?
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 OPS (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.
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. Aim to submit your FAFSA by our priority consideration deadline of October 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 first to earn your funding.
I was awarded FWS, but I do not want it this year. What should I do?
Send an email to FWS@UNF.EDU explaining your situation and requesting a cancellation of your FWS award.
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 of your annual award during the Spring semester.
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 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 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 semester.
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.