If you’ve looked at your financial aid award letter and have seen ‘work study’ on there, that’s great news! Work study is a financial-aid based program that provides an opportunity for students who have qualified to work special access jobs on campus.
Here are 5 things to know about Work Study.
1. You only get a certain amount of work study money
Your financial aid award letter shows the maximum amount of work study funds you can receive in that academic year. If you don’t work enough hours to earn the full award amount, that’s ok. But if you reach your award maximum, that’s all you can earn. Your supervisor will help you figure out what to do in this situation.
2. You must get a work study job to earn the money
In order to get the funds, you must choose a job that is specifically qualified for work study. The good news is there are plenty of options out there for you to choose from. Job duties will vary depending on which campus department or non-profit organization has work study positions open and you’ll earn your work study award through regular paychecks throughout the semester.
Keep in mind that work study eligibility does not guarantee employment. You still go through the same interview and hiring process as any other job. And just like any other job, you may not be offered a job if the supervisor thinks you aren’t the best candidate.
3. Your schedule will be arranged around classes
You are always a student first and an employee second, so your work schedule will be based on your class schedule. Students with work study usually work about 8-10 hours per week during the academic year.
Your work study award is made for school weeks only and does not allow for working during semester breaks. However, you may be eligible for a separate summer work study award. Call the Warrior Hub at 507.457.5090 to set up an appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor to learn more.
You will also need to talk to your supervisor about working over breaks.
4. Your work study can be cancelled if you don't work
As with any job, you must report to work as scheduled and meet the expectations of your supervisor. If you don’t do your job well, your supervisor may ask you to find another work study position. If you don’t find another position, your work study award may be cancelled. If you choose to leave your work study position for any reason, please give two weeks notice to your work study supervisor and to the Financial Aid Office.
You may able take out loans to replace the work study funds.
5. It's your choice to accept a work study award.
If you don’t want to work during college or prefer to work off-campus, that’s entirely up to you! Work study is just one of the options available in your financial aid award package.
You may want to contact a financial aid counselor about using scholarships, grants or loans to cover college costs in place of work study.
If eligible, the work-study program is a great opportunity (that not everyone gets) to earn money while balancing activities, other commitments, and being a student.
For more information, contact the WSU Financial Aid Services at financialaid@winona.edu