Federal Work Study Notes

Canceling Award

If you choose not to use your Federal Work Study Award, please decline it on the website (Navigate: www.finaid.fsu.edu > FSYou! > check financial aid status > current student) or contact the FSU Office of
Financial Aid to have it canceled. We will not automatically package other aid to replace refused Work-Study.

Tuition

Federal Work Study is NOT applied to tuition, and we will not defer tuition against work-study. You will receive a bi-weekly paycheck on FSU paydays for the amount that you have worked for that pay period.

Direct Deposit

Direct Deposit is now required for all work study earnings. You must complete paperwork with your department payroll representative to authorize direct deposit through the university payroll system. This is separate from the financial aid deposit authorization.

Taxes

FWS money is TAXABLE INCOME. You will receive a W-2 Form in January to file your taxes. Please check with your employer in January.

FAFSA

You should show Federal Work Study earnings on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), included in your taxable income if you file a tax, or in your earnings if you are not required to file. You will then need to report the Federal Work study earnings for the appropriate tax year on the line for Worksheet C of the FAFSA - this excludes your earnings from the calculation for Expected Family Contribution.

Work Hours

Work hours are arranged between you and your employer. Generally it takes 10-12 hours a week to earn your award amount for a semester. You should not work over your award amount, which is your Federal Work-Study earnings limit. Work hours CANNOT interfere with your class hours.

Funds Transfer

You cannot transfer unearned money from one semester to another. Fall and Spring awards are separate.

Monitor Earnings

Monitor your earnings so that you will not over earn your Federal Work Study award for the semester. The Omni "Employee Self Service" will have screens for you to review to monitor your earnings and remaining hours. If you need help, your employer will help you.

Timesheet

Check with your supervisor on timesheet requirements. Departments may use paper or electronic time entry.

Studying

Don't be mislead by the name -- Federal Work Study -- your job is not a place to study -- you are expected to work.

Class Schedule

Do not work during your scheduled class time. If you have a class that has been canceled for a day and you want to work you MUST give your employer and the FSU Office of Financial Aid Federal Work Study office a copy of a letter from your professor noting the cancellation.

Calling in

Call your employer if you are unable to come to work or will be late.

Terminating

If you stop working, notify your employing department and the FSU Office of Financial Aid Work Study office.

Dress Code

Ask your employer about their dress code. For some positions certain standards of dress may be required. Dressing appropriately can help you with future job references.

Pride

Take pride in your job and follow departmental rules. Every position contributes to the overall operation of the organization.

Co-workers

If you have a concern about a work issue or you are having trouble with another employee, talk with your supervisor and let them help you.

 

The information below will only be useful to you if you have a federal work-study offer on your award letter from FSU.

Federal Community Service Work Study - Information on work study positions with community service agencies.
Federal Work Study Steps to Employment - Steps to locate a job, interview and complete payroll authorizations on campus.
Work Study FAQs