Wilmington University Work Study Frequently Asked Questions
How does Work Study fit in my financial aid package?
Work Study is not for everyone (though everyone who is enrolled at least half-time may work on campus as a regular non-work study student employee!). Because it is a need-based financial aid award, it has to fit within your financial aid package. Each person has a unique financial aid file. That means some students must be willing to allow reduction of some loan funds to accommodate a Work Study award, if they have an aid package that completely fills their financial aid budget. You do not have to request a special loan reduction, your loans will be automatically adjusted when Work Study is awarded, if necessary.
Reducing loans to accept work study is great if you can afford to wait until you have earned the money through your paychecks, rather than getting it in a lump at the beginning of each quarter in your financial aid refund from loan funds (and of course, having to pay it back later!). Accepting Work Study in place of loan funds will reduce your student loan debt. Work study does NOT "pay off" loans, it is awarded INSTEAD of loan; basically you are trading "loan help" for "work help." Work Study also NEVER reduces grants or scholarships, only loans.
Some students are able to accept a Work Study award without giving up any loans, because they have room within their financial aid need on top of all their other awards to accept Work Study employment. Work study is often (but not necessarily) in place of other financial aid.
The formula for determining eligibility for work study is this: Total Cost of Attendance (COA) minus Expected Family Contribution (EFC) minus any "gift" aid (grants, waivers, scholarships) equals Work Study eligibility. If this eligibility is filled by need-based loan (typically Subsidized Direct Student loan or Perkins loan), then you can either borrow less loan, and work for the money instead, or in many cases, if you still want the loan, some or all of the Subsidized loan can be switched to Unsubsidized Direct Student loan (a non-need based loan that can fill EFC) and award Work Study.
Does the term “Work-study Mean I can study and do homework on the job?
Does the term "work-study" mean I can study and do homework on the job? This is a common misconception and we are happy to provide clarification. Students are not allowed to do homework or study while at work at their on-campus job, regardless of whether they are work study or non-work study employees. The purpose of the Federal Work Study program (FWS), according to the Department of Education, is as follows: "The FWS Program provides funds for part-time employment to help needy students to finance the costs of postsecondary education. […] A student's FWS compensation is earned when the student performs the work."
Can I switch departments?
You are under no obligation to continue working for a department that you do not wish to. If you have any concerns pertaining to your current position, please reach to work study program and career services. We are here to help you succeed throughout your on-campus professional journey. Due to the scarcity of on-campus jobs however, it may not be easy to find another position. If you come across the opportunity to move to another department, please contact career services will assist you in this transition.
Can I be fired or removed from my position?
Yes. You are required to adhere to the policies and requirements of your department as well as your job description. Failure to do so can result in your termination from the position. To prevent this from happening, it is important that you fully understand your job description and the duties that are required of you. The job duties will be made available to you during the job application process, as well as through frequent communications with your supervisor.
How many hours per week will I work?
Students typically work between 8-16 hours per week. One's workload depends on the student’s availability as well as the departments’ need. Please note, student employees:
- may not work during scheduled class times and may not be excused from class in order to work on campus
- may not work more than a total of 30 hours per week while classes are in session (including the week of finals)
Will I be eligible for employee benefits while working as a student employee?
No, student employees are not eligible for health, dental, medical or vision benefits.
What is the pay schedule, and when can I expect to receive my pay?
Wages are paid semi- monthly and payday is the 15th of every month or last day of the month. Student employees are paid through direct deposit of funds to either a savings or checking account at the financial institution of their choice. Payment of wages requires a completed timesheet. Timesheets must be signed/authorized by both the student and supervisor to be considered completed.
*note first paycheck may be sent in check by mail
Are all available on/off campus jobs posted on Handshake?
In almost all cases, on/off-campus student job vacancies are listed in Handshake.
Can I work part-time as WilmU employee and as a work Study?
Good question. No, this would be considered double dipping.
Can I get more work study funds?
It is possible for students to receive more work-study funds. Please contact fws@wilmu.edu to see if funds can be increased.
Can I have two on campus jobs? How many Hours can I work?
A student can have several on campus jobs, but between all of these positions, the student cannot exceed 30 hours per week during the academic year. This policy is in place to reinforce “academics first” for student employees. During school vacations such as winter or Spring Break, Work Study students may work up to 40 hours per week.
I was eligible for Federal Work Study (FWS) last year, why am I not this year? What can I do?
Eligibility for all Title IV programs can change from year to year, thus creating the requirement to file a FAFSA each year. Eligibility/non-eligibility can be the result of a change in any number of variables: number of household members in college, parents’/students’ income, untaxed income, assets, etc. In some cases, the change in eligibility may take place with the actual financial aid award. For example, the availability of other need based aid increases, such as the subsidized direct loan amount and once this increase takes place, there isn’t enough “need” in the award package for other need based aid such as FWS. In these cases, students may contact the Financial Aid office to inquire about the possibility of reducing the subsidized direct loan amount and replacing it with FWS in order to reduce their student loans.
What are the benefits of Work Study?
- You earn money to help you keep your expenses under
- You gain work experience and new skills, which improves your marketability when applying for future internships and
- You expand your network of contacts and acquire references, both of which you will use for future job
- You are a more appealing job applicant to many employers – Work Study eligibility gives you an edge in a competitive job
Wilmington University Federal Work Study Contact Information
Work Study Email: fws@wilmu.edu
Career Services (resume and job search assistance): careerservices@wilmu.edu
Feel free to reach out with questions/concerns. We look forward to connecting with you and helping you make the most out of your on-campus job experience!