Student Work-Study Guide

Eligibility

A student may be determined eligible for Federal Work-Study only after meeting all the following criteria:

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Have financial need, as determined by the federal need analysis formula.
• Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the US or a Trust Territory.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree-granting program and registered for at least 6 credits throughout each semester.
• Be in good academic standing with Academic affairs and passing financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• Some positions may require finger printing and/or a background check.

Eligibility will be determined at the start of each semester. Eligibility does not carry over from one academic year to the next. Students must apply annually.

When and How to Apply

To apply for Federal Work-Study, you must:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• FWS funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. File your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 each year.
• If you are eligible and FWS funds are available, the award will be included in your financial aid offer letter.
• Students who are awarded and accept their federal work-study award must apply for a position by the specified deadline or their work-study award will be canceled.
• If you are not awarded work-study and would like to see if you are eligible for an award and put your name on the work-study waitlist, contact the One Stop Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a Federal Work-Study job?

Students who are awarded and accept their federal work-study offer will be sent an email directing them to the federal work-study job descriptions and application.

How many hours should I expect to work?

Students are awarded a fixed amount of money for the academic year (Summer '24, Fall '24, and Spring '25). This represents the maximum amount a student can earn from their work-study job during the academic year. The number of hours a student can work each week will vary based on the amount of their work-study award. For example, if you are awarded a $3,000.00 work-study award, you could expect to work approximately 6-7 hours each week.

• You are not required to use your full work-study award each year.
• You may elect to work less hours and earn less than the awarded amount.
• If you elect to work fewer hours than allocated, your work-study award may be reduced, and the funds reallocated to a student on the federal work-study waitlist.
• You may not work more than your awarded amount in an academic year without the permission of the Financial Aid Office.

We recommend contacting the Financial Aid Office if you expect to work fewer hours than awarded.

How do get hired for a job?

FLCC holds a federal work-study hiring event at the beginning of each semester. At this event, you are able to meet with financial aid to confirm your award amount, interview with work-study supervisors, be hired for a position, and complete the HR paperwork for your new job. Students who accept their work-study award and apply for a position by the specified deadline will be informed about the work-study event via email.

How are work-study hours scheduled?

When hired, your supervisor will ask you to review your course schedule. Together, you will determine what hours you will work each week. Your work hours will be scheduled around your classes here at FLCC, and you will not be expected to work during class time.

A work-study job at FLCC is a regular job. You will be expected to report to work when scheduled or provide adequate notice if you are unable to work. FLCC follows all New York State Labor Laws. Students who work more than six (6) hours in one shift will receive a 30-minute lunch break. Students should not work more than 20 hours per week.

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, notify the Financial Aid Office to discuss open positions.

When is payday?

Work-Study employees receive their paycheck every other week. Employees must submit their timecards to their supervisor and the Payroll Office for approval by the deadline.

How and where do I get my check?

Direct Deposit is available. Sign up on MyFLCC under the employee section.

How do I fill out my timecard?

You can access your timecard via your MyFLCC account in the "Employees" section under "Time Entry and Approval." Timecards are typically submitted electronically unless your position is off-campus.

If you work off campus, 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. Write the total hours for both weeks at the end of the second week in the space provided.

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.

To be paid, two things must happen:

• You must submit your signed and completed timecard to your supervisor before the end date.
• The timecard must be submitted to the Payroll Office no later than 9 AM on the Monday after the pay period ends. (Please note that holiday weeks may result in a change in this time).
  

What is my rate of pay?

All work-study employees are paid at the current New York State minimum wage rate ($15.00 as of 1/1/2024).