What is Federal Work Study?
Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that assists full-time undergraduate students with the cost of education based on financial need. The wages earned by students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are awarded FWS will be subsidized by the government – 75% paid by the government and 25% paid by the College department (30% off-campus agency). The rate which students make will not be affected by their status as FWS or non-FWS (Student Help). The grant “opens up” more job opportunities for FWS students to work both on and off campus.
What kinds of jobs are available?
Positions are available in both academic and administrative departments. Other typical areas that employ students include the Library, Athletics, Student Affairs, Information Technology, Facilities Management, and External Affairs.
Must I apply for financial aid in order to work on campus?
All undergraduate, U.S. Citizen and permanent resident students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form each year in order to be considered for student employment.
How do I know if I am eligible for Federal Work Study?
The Financial Aid Office will notify you via an award letter. You may also view your award letter @mccc.edu. If you have any questions about your eligibility for FWS, email the Financial Aid Office at finaid@mccc.edu.
Do I need to be eligible for Federal Work Study to find a student worker position at Mercer?
No, not all positions require a student to receive Federal Work Study funds to be hired. Consult with seo@mccc.edu if you are interested in a position but do not receive Federal Work Study funds.
How will I know when I exhaust my FWS award?
Both the student and the employer share the responsibility of monitoring FWS earnings to ensure that the FWS award limit is not exceeded. Students may track their FWS award. Financial Aid will also send warning notices to a student approaching his/her FWS award limit.
Can my FWS award be increased?
In some cases, yes. Adjustments to FWS allocations can be made if an applicant’s financial need allows for an increase, and if FWS funds are available to finance the increase. The Financial Aid Office is responsible for handling all FWS award increases.
What if I do not earn the full amount of my FWS allocation?
Students are awarded maximum FWS based on financial need. Students may earn any portion of the award up to the established maximum and are not obligated to earn the full amount of the award. If the full amount is not earned, the Financial Aid Office will not make up the difference, and the remaining amount will be unused.
What forms do I need to complete in order to work on campus?
Students are responsible for completing the I-9 Employment Eligibility Form and a W-4 tax form as required by the federal government. Students must present proper identification in order to satisfy the I-9 requirement. Acceptable identification includes an original document to establish employment eligibility AND an original document to establish identity. For a list of acceptable IDs please visit www.uscis.gov/i-9. All documents must be unexpired. Students will also fill out a student employee information card, a Student Employment Referral Form for each job and material regarding the Federal Educational Rights And Privacy Act. Additionally, international students must also show their student visa, current I-20, I-94, and passport. A receipt from the Social Security Administration will be accepted for International students beginning employment.
Why do students have to show specific original identification when completing employment forms?
In accordance with the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986, all employers must verify that individuals are authorized to work in the United States by having every new employee complete a Form I-9. It is unlawful to knowingly hire an alien who is not properly authorized to work in the United States. Therefore, all students must submit an I-9 form and verification of employment eligibility to the College and present original documentation to the Office of Student Employment establishing employment eligibility and identity. This must be done prior to beginning work.
Can I work during the summer?
During the summer, all continuing students, including international students, may work up to 26 hours per week. In order to work, students must be registered for either Summer classes or for the immediate Fall semester.
What if I want to work off-campus?
If you have FWS, you can use that award to work off-campus in a non-profit community service organization in any of over agencies listed. Examples of agencies where students have recently been employed are in appendix. If you are eligible, you may also peruse the part-time job listings offered through the Career Services Office. Several area agencies seek students who are looking for part time employment off-campus not related to FWS.
How often will I get paid? Where do I pick up my paycheck?
Paychecks are issued on a biweekly basis and are issued via direct deposit.
Are student wages able to be garnished?
Yes, student wages are subject to garnishment.
When I move or change my name, why must I also notify the Student Employment Office?
Updated and accurate information is important because paychecks and/or all other tax information (including W-2) are sent to your home address.
How do I submit a name or address change for my paycheck and W-2?
Students may submit address changes through MyMercer.