WHAT IS FEDERAL WORK-STUDY?
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is offered as part of your total financial aid package to assist you in financing your education at USC Aiken. Being awarded FWS allows you the opportunity to secure a part-time job on campus. You must be hired for a position and work in that position to receive payment. Federal Work-Study positions are real jobs that you work to obtain funds to be able to study at USC Aiken.
The Federal Work-Study Program provides USC Aiken students with part-time, on-campus employment; community service employment; and tutoring positions with the America Reads Program. FWS awards range from $800 to $2,500 per year.
Eligibility
To be awarded Federal Work-Study (FWS), you must apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you indicate on the FAFSA that you are interested in work-study, your application will be reviewed to determine if you are eligible for Federal Work-Study. Funds in this program are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
HOW MUCH CAN I WORK?
Your award letter will indicate the maximum dollar amount of your award for the year. You and your supervisor will determine your work schedule depending on your supervisor’s needs and your class schedule. To determine the maximum number of hours that you can work per semester, divide your semester award by your pay rate. Typical awards range from 10 to12 hours per week. You and your supervisor are responsible for monitoring how much of your award is used each term, ensuring you do not exceed your award limit.
HOW DO I FIND A JOB?
Students searching for a FWS position should do the following:
- To search for available jobs, register on Handshake or see the bulletin board across from the Veteran and Military Success Office in the Penland Administration Building.
- Go directly to the department to which you want to apply. Check with the employing department to determine their application procedure. Procedures may vary from department to department.
- Once you accept a position on campus, the hiring supervisor will give you a Student Hire Checklist. Bring the Checklist to Career Services to complete new hire paperwork, orientation, and E-Verify.
- Once all paperwork is complete, the checklist is signed and given to you to return to your hiring supervisor. When your hiring supervisor has received the completed checklist, they will hire you and you may begin work.
If you have difficulties finding a job, contact the Career Services Office or the Office of Financial Aid for job placement assistance.
HOW DO I GET PAID?
While most jobs pay minimum wage, you will be paid at the wage specific to your job (listed on the job advertisement). You and your supervisor will report the number of hours you work each week via iTAMS.
Your work-study award is not a guarantee of the amount which you will earn. Instead, it is an indication of the maximum amount which you could possibly earn. You must be enrolled at least half-time and be able to present documentation which verifies that you are eligible to work in the U.S.
You will be paid on the 15th and the last work day of the month. All UofSC employees must enroll in direct deposit.
CAN I BE TERMINATED?
Yes, South Carolina is an at-will employment state which means that you may be released from employment at any given time for any reason, or for no reason whatsoever. You may also be discharged for any misconduct or unsatisfactory work performance.
Additional Employment Opportunities
The University provides employment options in addition to the Federal Work-Study Program. Institutional employment, Community Services Program, and research/work opportunities are available. These programs provide both financial assistance and significant work experiences for students.
For more information on job opportunities, please visit the UofSC Aiken Career Services website.
