Overview

Federal work-study (FWS) is a program funded by both the federal government that provides part-time employment to students that display financial need. Eligible students have an opportunity to earn money to help with educational expenses while gaining valuable professional experience in college or community service jobs.

What are the benefits of Federal Work-Study?

• Allows students to earn money to pay for your educational expenses.
• Provides opportunities to work in areas that are related to a student's program of study.
• Supervisors are legally required to work around a student's class schedule.
• Provides opportunities to develop professional skills, such as communication, time management and interpersonal skills.
• Provides valuable experience, training, networking and references to build a student's resume.
• Can lead directly to career opportunities with the college.

Who is eligible for Federal Work-Study?

Federal Work-Study eligibility is determined by the information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student must meet general eligibility requirements for federal financial aid and the following additional requirements:

• Indicate on the FAFSA that they are interested in Federal Work-Study.
• Be Pell Grant-eligible for the applicable award year.
• Be enrolled in 6 credit hours or more toward their program for the term (including mini-terms/sessions)
• Have not reached the maximum financial aid you can receive for the year
  • Note: You may request to reduce your loans in exchange for Work Study
• Pass a background check with SF Human Resources (HR)

Students interested in Work Study should submit their FAFSA as early as possible. Schools receive a limited amount of Work Study funds. Because more students want Work Study than there is funding, priority will be given to students who meet all requirements for the program with the earliest FAFSA submission date.

How do I apply for Federal Work-Study?

If you want a work study award you must Complete the .

As funds are available throughout the year, eligible students who completed the SF Work Study Interest Form will receive maximum Work Study funding. The funding amount has to be earned through part-time employment throughout the award year.

Student's will receive a notification from the Financial Aid Office once they have been offered Work Study funds. Your Work Study offer can be viewed under Awards in your financial aid portal.

How do I get a Federal Work-Study job?

The Financial Aid Office does not provide job placement for students. A work study job is not guaranteed for any student when they receive a work study funding offer.

• Work-study positions are managed through Workday. Students can view open positions by checking the Work Study section in their eSantaFe portal. 
• Once a student identifies a position of interest, they should reach out to the listed supervisor. 
• Supervisors will provide a job application link through Workday to complete the hiring process. 
• Students must complete HR onboarding and Workday hiring steps before starting work. 

What are my responsibilities once I am hired?

• Once hired, students will complete onboarding and track work hours.
• Logging Hours & Payroll: Work hours are entered in Workday鈥攑aper timesheets are not used. 
• Students should monitor their remaining work-study funds to avoid exceeding their award. 
• Work-study hours are typically up to 22 hours per week, with a 25-hour weekly cap per college policy. 
• Work During Breaks: Students should not work during breaks (e.g., Winter Break, Spring Break, or breaks between terms) unless explicitly approved by Financial Aid. Approval requires confirmation of Spring term registration and eligibility. 

Workday Selection Requirement: 

• When entering hours in Workday, students should select "Federal" under Work-Study Type unless explicitly instructed otherwise. Selecting "State" will cause a funding mismatch, as work-study is a federal program. 

What happens if I change my mind or no longer want to work? 

• If a student no longer wants to participate in work-study, they should notify their supervisor and the Financial Aid Office to free up the position for another student. 

Reappointment Process & Returning for Another Term 

• Work-study positions are awarded term-by-term. Students who wish to continue should check with their supervisor about reappointment. 
• Supervisors submit a Part-Time Reappointment Contract in Workday before the term ends.