Student Work Study Guide
- What is federal work study (FWS)?
- How is my eligibility determined?
- When and how do I apply?
- When will I know if I have been awarded work study?
- When will I receive my work study paperwork?
- How do I find a job?
- What departments typically hire work study students?
- How many hours should I expect to work?
- How will my hours be scheduled?
- How do I change jobs?
- Will work hours be available during Winter or the summer sessions?
- Where else can I find employment on campus?
- When is payday?
- How do I fill out my timecard?
- How and where do I get my check?
- What is my rate of pay?
- Why should I feel good about receiving a work study assignment?
- What are my responsibilities as a work study employee?
- Will I automatically be awarded work study every academic year?
- What should I expect from my supervisor?
- What else do I need to know?
WHAT IS FEDERAL WORK STUDY (FWS)?
FWS at Finger Lakes Community College hires students during the academic year for part-time employment, and during the college break periods for full-time employment. It is one of the most beneficial aid programs available to students, because it provides financial assistance to college students through work.
FWS is not only an employment program, it is also a financial aid program with specific guidelines and regulations. Because it is a financial aid program, students must be found eligible to receive work study funds. Students and supervisors alike should know the procedures of the program, particularly specifics like student eligibility, selection, hiring and general responsibilities. Please read on for additional information.
The FWS was authorized in the Higher Education Act of 1965, and has been amended in subsequent federal legislation. Post-secondary institutions apply annually for federal funds which provide up to 75% of the total wages. The remaining 25% of the earnings are paid by the post-secondary institution receiving the grant. Currently, Finger Lakes Community College is using at least 7% of all FWS funds to employ students in community service positions.
HOW IS MY ELIGIBILITY DETERMINED?
A student may be determined eligible for Federal Work Study only after meeting all of the following criteria:
- A student must demonstrate financial need, as determined by a uniform need analysis evaluation. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to start the process.
- A student must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the US or a Trust Territory.
- A student must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a
matriculated student on at least a half time basis. - A student must be maintaining satisfactory progress toward a
degree, be in good academic standing, and not have been in
attendance at Finger Lakes Community College for longer than
the equivalent of 6 semesters. - A student must meet the financial aid application deadline as
published in the college catalog.
The Financial Aid Office will verify eligibility requirements and make work study awards consistent with college and federally established regulations, and will determine a student's continued eligibility for the program. Eligibility will be determined at the start of each semester or break period.
WHEN AND HOW DO I APPLY?
To Apply for Federal Work Study you must:
- Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and,
- Indicate on the FAFSA you are interested in Federal College Work Study.
The college has sufficient funding to hire approximately 100 Work Study students, so it is important to file as soon after January 1st as possible because funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications filed prior to March 15th are given first consideration.
Work Study is a need-based financial aid program. Need is determined through a process called federal need analysis. The FAFSA form is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov
WHEN WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE BEEN AWARDED WORK STUDY?
You will receive an award letter from FLCC listing Federal Work Study, if awarded. The college usually runs out of Work Study funding during March, so it is important to file your paperwork as early in the year as possible. However, if you are not awarded work study, please stop in the One Stop Center starting the first day of the semester to be placed on a wait list. As students leave the program, openings do become available.
WHEN WILL I RECIEVE MY WORK STUDY PAPERWORK?
Students who have been awarded work study will receive their FWS packet at the beginning of August.
HOW DO I FIND A JOB?
After choosing an office or department from the list below, you should apply directly to that individual department for employment. Once hired, all paperwork must be brought in person to the financial aid office along with your driver’s license and social security card. These will be needed to complete an I-9 Immigration form. This is required of all persons who work in the United States. This must be done before the hiring process is complete.
WHAT DEPARTMENTS TYPICALLY HIRE WORK STUDY STUDENTS?
Offices/Departments that typically hire work study students are as follows:
- Admissions Office
Contact: Bonnie Ritts, Director
Office: D-210
Telephone: (585)785-1279
Number of positions available: 2 - Art Department
Contact: Barbara Senglaub, Technical Specialist
Office: C-431A
Telephone: (585)785-1380
Number of positions available: 1 - Athletics/Physical Education
Contact: Bob Lowden
Office: D-329
Telephone: (585)785-1459
Number of positions available: 8, need to be available for all home athletic contests. - Bursar’s Office
Contact: Prakash Patel, Bursar
Office: D-229
Telephone: (585)785-1233
Number of positions available: 4 - Campus Book Store
Contact: Jody Fisher, Bookstore Director
Office: FLCC Bookstore
Telephone: (585)785-1694
Number of positions: 2 - Campus Safety
Contact: Campus Safety Office
Office: B-114
Telephone: (585)785-1900
Number of positions available: 8 - Career Services Office
Contact: Cathy Petruccione, Secretary
Office: B-267
Telephone: (585)785-1270
Number of positions available: 1 - Educational Planning and Career Services
Contact : Corinne Canough, Director
Office: The Center, 2nd floor
Telephone: (585)785-1268
Number of positions available: 1 - Chares J. Meder Library
Contact: Karen Clement, Library Circulation Supervisor
Office: Library
Telephone: (585)785-1371
Number of positions available: 8 - Child Care Center
Contact: Heidi Bliss
Office: Child Care Center
Telephone: (585)785-1440 or 394-6666
Number of positions available: 5 - Community Affairs – YouTube Video Editor
Contact: Lenore Friend
Office: B128
Telephone: (585)785-1623
Email: friendll@flcc.edu
Number of Positions Available: 2 - Community Affairs & Professional Development
Contact: Elizabeth Freid
Office: B-127
Telephone: (585)785-1666
Number of positions: 2 - Conservation Department
Contact: Steve Connelley
Office: B-207
Telephone: (585)785-1259
Number of positions available: 7, students should be conservation majors - Developmental Studies - Academic Commons
Contact: Patricia Malinowski
Office: B-380
Telephone: (585)785-1389
Number of positions available: 1 - Developmental Studies –Geneva Location
Contact: Sharon Nedrow
Office: C-223
Telephone: (585)785-1431
Number of positions available: 1 - Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
Contact: Daniel Haynes
Office: B-263
Telephone: (585)785-1271
Number of positions available: 1 - Environmental Health and Safety
Contact: Dawn Hess
Office: B-149
Telephone: (585)785-1664
Number of positions available: 3 - Financial Aid
Contact: Jon Van Blargan
Office: D219
Telephone: (585)785-1276
Number of positions available: 2 - Finger Lakes Television (FLTV)
Contact: Deborah Kenney
Office: B-128
Telephone: (585)785-1905
Number of positions available: 5 - FLCC Geneva Campus Center
Contact: John Cromartie, Extension Services Coordinator
Office: 63 Pulteney Street, Geneva
Telephone ext: (315)789-6701
Number of positions available: 4 - FLCC Wayne Campus Center
Contact: Laila Paliotti, Extension Services Coordinator
Office: 110 Technology Parkway
Telephone ext: (315)331-9098 x 305
Number of positions available: 3 - Greenhouse
Contact: Bernadine Ticonchuk
Office:B-206
Telephone:(585)785-1260
Number of Positions: 2 - Grounds
Contact: Al Stetler
Office: Barn
Telephone: (585)785-1258
Number of positions available: 2 - Honors House
Contact: Curt Nehring Bliss
Office: Honors House
Telephone: (585)785-1367
Number of positions available: 2 - Music Department
Contact: Eleanor Rideout, Music Coordinator, Dept of Visual and Performing Arts
Office: D-375
Telephone: (585)785-1416
Number of positions available: 2, students should be Music or Music Recording Technology majors - Natural Science
Contact: Kathy Riesenberger, Technical Specialist in Biology
Office: C-303/Lab C-304
Telephone: (585)785-1328
Number of positions available: 1, on Fridays - One Stop Center
Contact: Michael Fisher, One Stop Director
Office: D205
Telephone: 585-785-1458
Number of positions: 1 - Registrar
Contact: Elaine Bennett
Office: D-205A
Telephone: (585)785-1553
Number of positions available: 0/1 - Resource Development
Contact: Susan Beach
Office: A-147
Telephone: (585)785-1454
Number of positions available: 2 - Sonnenberg Gardens
Contact: Jon Van Blargan
Office: D219
Telephone: (585)785-1470
Number of positions available: 2 - Student Life
Contact : Sarah Whiffen
Office: B255
Telephone: (585)785-1262
Number of positions available: 3 - Theatre Department
Contact: Jim Perri
Office: B-223
Telephone: 585-785-1340
Number of positions available: 1
HOW MANY HOURS SHOULD I EXPECT TO WORK?
Work Study awards are based on a fixed amount of money available to each student for the academic year. This award is translated into the number of hours/semester you should work to ensure that the funds last the entire academic year (approximately 8.5 hours/week).
HOW WILL MY HOURS BE SCHEDULED?
Hours you are to work will be agreed upon by you and your supervisor. Normally, you will set up hours around your class schedule. It is expected that you will work your assigned hours or give adequate notice if you are unable to do so. College policy does not allow you to work more than 20 hours/week. New York State Labor Laws require that after 6 hours in one shift, you must take a 30 minute lunch break. This break is shown on your timecard, and it is unpaid.
Students may not earn more than the award amount granted. It is your responsibility to monitor your earnings to date. You may elect to earn less than the awarded amount, but the amount may not be increased without the permission of the Financial Aid Office
HOW DO I CHANGE JOBS?
First, you should give adequate notice to your current supervisor and inform him/her of your decision to change jobs. Next, make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office so you can receive a new Work Authorization Form.
WILL WORK HOURS BE AVAILABLE DURING WINTER OR SUMMER SESSIONS?
Your Fall and Spring awards do not include work hours during winter or summer sessions. Even if your assigned department does not require Work Study employees during these sessions, you may still be able to work in another department. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you would like to request Work Study during these times. There is a possibility of working up to 37.5 hours/week, depending upon the availability of funds. If you are requesting Work Study employment during the summer sessions, a FLCC Summer Financial Aid application form must be filed (available April 1st).
WHERE ELSE CAN I FIND EMPLOYMENT ON CAMPUS?
The college also hires students as student aides. Hiring is done directly by individual departments. Unlike federal work study, a student does not have to show eligibility. View our list of departments that hire student aides.
The college also maintains a Job Board where outside employers list employment opportunities in the community.
WHEN IS PAYDAY?
Your timecard will automatically be sent to your department when you start work. Check with your supervisor about where your timecard will be kept. DO NOT remove your timecard from this area. Payday is the Friday after the ending date on your timecard. In order to be paid, two things must happen:
- You must submit your signed and completed timecard to your supervisor on or before the ending date.
- The timecard must be submitted to the payroll office no later than 9 a.m. on the Monday after the pay period ends. (Please note that holiday weeks may result in a change in this time).
It is your responsibility to establish the correct procedure with your supervisor to be sure these two things are accomplished; otherwise, you will be unable to receive a paycheck for these hours worked until the following two-week period.
HOW DO I FILL OUT MY TIMECARD?
Each time that you work, enter your start time and finish time on the card. Each day on the card can accommodate three separate work periods. Add the hours up for each day at the bottom of the column, and then add the hours across at the end of the week. At the end of the second week, write the total hours for both weeks in the space provided.
HOW AND WHERE DO I GET MY CHECK?
On the Friday after you submit your timecard, go to the Payroll Office located on the first floor, Room B133, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to pick up your check. If you do not pick-up your check before 3 p.m., it will be mailed to your home address.
Direct Deposit is available if you request it. Ask in the Payroll Office for the Direct Deposit form.
WHAT IS MY RATE OF PAY?
All Work Study employees are paid at the federal minimum wage rate.
WHY SHOULD I FEEL GOOD ABOUT RECEIVING A WORK STUDY ASSIGNMENT?
The opportunity to work on campus at FLCC will be rewarding in several ways.
First, the location of your work will allow you to attend classes and fulfill your work obligation without having to leave campus.
Second, by working on campus, perhaps within a department that is in your field of study, you will have the chance to become more familiar with the faculty and staff at FLCC. They can be valuable resources to you as you pursue your career plans.
Third, a satisfactory experience as a Work Study employee will show future employers that you can handle the responsibility of school and work successfully, something that employers value highly!
Fourth, funds earned through Work Study are not counted as earnings on your FAFSA for the following year. That means that your reportable income will be lower on your form than it would be if the wages were earned at other types of employment, possibly allowing you a higher financial aid award.
And finally, the opportunity to work within the college environment will increase your chances of successfully completing your degree. After all, you have just become an important part of FLCC, not only as a student, but as a part-time employee!
WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A WORK STUDY EMPLOYEE?
Most importantly, it is your responsibility to realize that your employment at FLCC is a real job! It is not time to do your homework, get your lunch, or text your friends. Your Work Study money can only be earned by fulfilling your obligation as an employee. Please be advised that falsifying your time card is a serious offense which will result in your dismissal from your job and the program as well.
You are expected to work the hours discussed by you and your supervisor. Discuss with your supervisor the procedure to follow if you need to reschedule your hours due to illness or other emergency. It is expected that you will give adequate notice if you are unable to work your scheduled hours. Failure to do so could result in a poor evaluation or even dismissal from your job.
You are also expected to perform your duties, as outlined by your supervisor, in a mature and professional manner. Please ask your friends to respect your responsibilities as an employee and not visit you while working. Different departments will have different expectations relating to:
- appropriate dress
- eating while working
- telephone procedure
- safety procedures
- confidentiality issues
If you are unsure about your supervisor's expectations concerning these or any other issues regarding your employment, it is important that you ask questions.
WILL I AUTOMATICALLY BE AWARDED WORK STUDY EVERY ACADEMIC YEAR?
Federal Work Study eligibility DOES NOT carry over from one academic year to the next. It is your responsibility to apply annually by the published deadline if you wish to return to the program.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY SUPERVISOR?
While the Financial Aid Office administers the Work Study program, it is important to establish a good working relationship with your supervisor. This person is depending on YOU to do your job in a satisfactory manner.
In return, you should expect your supervisor to make their expectations clear about your tasks. Supervisors will not ask you to perform a task that is beyond your ability.
You should expect your supervisor to fairly evaluate your performance and provide you with feedback, not only in areas where improvement is desirable or required, but also in areas where you have performed well. Work Study, like your class work or other employment, is a learning experience. Let your supervisor help you become a more effective employee. Accept constructive feedback as a natural part of the employment process, not as a punishment.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
A good rule of thumb is to use your common sense. Use good manners, speak clearly, and present yourself to the public as a professional college employee. It is up to you to realize the difference between your leisure time on campus with your friends and your obligation to the department in which you have been assigned to work.
Your job is not a good place to make a fashion statement. Follow your supervisor's recommendation on appropriate dress.
The administration, faculty, and staff at FLCC appreciate the time and effort shown by the students participating in the Work Study program. Our hope is that your learning experience at FLCC will be enhanced by our Work Study program. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns about this program with the Financial Aid Office.