Federal Work-Study

What does it mean if you are told you qualify to be a work-study? Basically, it means you can get a part-time job that's part of your financial aid package. The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is federally funded by The United States Department of Education to provide need-based employment for college students. However, the job is not guaranteed. Students must have financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The graphic below explains it in easier-to-understand terms!

Federal Work Study Infographic

All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The applicant must be:

  • Admitted to a degree or diploma program
  • Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for Federal Student Aid
    • Earn and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
    • Earn and maintain a cumulative completion rate of 67%
    • Complete your program of study within 150% of the published length of the program
  • Complete and submit a Federal Work Study Application to the Office of Financial Assistance and Engagement, which can be obtained by clicking here.
  • Pass a background check that is utilized by Randolph Community College when hiring all employees.

While the Federal Work-Study program has no specific enrollment level requirements, Randolph Community College gives priority to students enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester.

When a position is available, a financial aid representative will forward all eligible applications to the department supervisor. They will conduct interviews based on the candidates that they believe are most qualified. Once a candidate is selected, they will be contacted to complete training and employment paperwork.

Income is based on monthly hours worked. Work-study students will work anywhere from 5-20 hours per week depending on the budget allocated to the department. Students are paid on the 17th of each month. All time sheets are due in the Office of Financial Assistance and Engagement by the last day of each month, unless otherwise requested by a financial aid representative. All time sheets should be accurate and signed by the supervisor. Any time sheet that is not signed will not be processed for payment. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that time sheets are turned in on time with correct signatures.

If a student receives additional scholarships and/or grants, the student's work-study award may have to be reduced or cancelled.

Even though this is called work-study, it does not mean students are allowed to study on the job. Work-study jobs are not any different from other jobs. It is a real job and it should be treated as such.

Absences

It is the student's responsibility to plan personal and study schedules in a manner as not to conflict with regular working hours. Work schedules, once established, will not be modified unless permanent changes are necessary due to circumstances beyond the individual's control. Typically, the schedule only changes once per semester.

Office Etiquette

Some of the jobs on campus will require work-study students to answer the telephones. Work-study students should be professional and courteous when assisting others. Staff telephones are not available for use by students for personal calls.

Dress and Appearance

Students have the freedom of choice in dress for class. However, students should come to an agreement with his/her supervisor on appropriate attire during working hours.

Punctuality

All students should strive to arrive on time and prepared for work.

Work Evaluation

All students will receive at least two evaluations during their time as a student employee. All evaluations will be forwarded to the Office of Financial Assistance and Engagement and kept in the student's file.

Confidentiality

All students will need to sign a Confidentiality Agreement. Any breach of confidentiality or attempt to alter documents in any way will result in immediate dismissal from the work-study program. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law that institutions enforce and abide by to maintain the confidentiality of a student's record. Student workers should direct inquiries regarding another student's information to the supervisor.

Changing Jobs

Students are encouraged to remain in the same position for the entire academic year. Periods of short employment may not look favorable to future employers. Work-study is an opportunity to establish a good work record for your resume and obtain future letters of reference. If a work-study is experiencing problems in their department, they are encouraged to discuss concerns with their direct supervisor. If conflicts cannot be resolved, please contact a financial aid representative. If a student decides to quit, they should submit a written letter of resignation with the final date to their supervisor at least two weeks in advance.

Terminations/Job Release

A student or supervisor may terminate the work-study position and contract at any time.