Welcome to Fairfield University's
Federal Work-Study Web Page
* New for 2008-2009 *
Federal Work-Study Handbook
for Students and Supervisors
This handbook outlines step-by-step procedures for students and supervisors with respect to job searches, the hiring process, work schedules, etc. This handbook also provides detailed job responsibilities, federal regulations, employment policies, and explains both student and supervisor roles in Fairfield's Federal Work-Study program.
All eligible work-study students and supervisors are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and abiding by all policies in this handbook.
Community Service Work-Study Job Opportunities
Students can earn their FWS award by working with a local community agency. There are several community agencies that participate in the University's FWS program. FWS community service jobs contribute to improving the quality of life for both the community and its residents.
This year we have added 6 new community agencies* to our FWS program! Here is a list of our participating agencies:
Students MUST have their own transportation. To view these available jobs, go to our Job Listings page and search by Job Title: Community Service Assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides part-time jobs for undergraduate students with financial need. Eligible students have an opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable work experience in on or off-campus jobs.
Students may use these earnings to offset their educational and personal expenses. The FWS program encourages community service and work related to a student's field of study.
When Do I Apply?
It is important that students meet ALL financial aid deadlines and submit all applications as priority is given to those with significant financial need and those who file their FAFSA by March 1 of each academic year.
Students must submit all required documents to the Office of Financial Aid, have their financial aid file verified, and complete all required employment forms before beginning work. Students with incomplete requirements should check StagWeb or contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Who Is Eligible?
Any undergraduate, full-time students who are eligible for work-study will be notified on their Financial Aid Award letter. Eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and work-study awards, similar to all financial aid sources, are NOT guaranteed from one year to the next.
Graduate and Continuing Studies students are NOT typically eligible for work-study. Graduate students should inquire about graduate assistantships here.
If I Am Not Eligible, Where Can I Find A Part-Time Job?
Several offices and facilities on campus hire students outside of the FWS program. Offices include the Library, Recreation Complex, dining services, etc. Jobs are also available in the local community.
Students can search for part-time jobs on the Career Planning Center's web page: cpc_student. Students must call
(203) 254-4081 or e-mail CPC@mail.fairfield.edu for the online password to this page.
How Much Money Can I Earn?
FWS awards are typically $1,500 per year, but may vary. Students are generally paid an hourly rate of the Connecticut state minimum wage of $7.65. Community Service work-study jobs are paid at an hourly rate of $15.00. Wages may be higher in certain departments as there may be greater responsibility and advanced experience required.
What Types Of Jobs Can I Apply To?
Work-study jobs can be on or off campus. There are over 90 on-campus departments that offer jobs. Jobs range from clerical, research, data entry, athletics, mentoring, internships, etc.
Off-campus jobs are typically associated with private, non-profit organizations, community service or public agencies, where the work performed is in the public interest.
How Do I Find A Job?
Students are responsible for securing their work-study job. Jobs are not guaranteed. The job search and hiring process may take some time and effort on the student's part. Students should apply to more than one job. It is important for students to start the job search in the summer or early in the fall semester.
Students can view the Job Listings and perform searches by an alphabetized list, department name, job title or keyword.
Once I Find A Job I Am Interested In, How Do I Apply?
Once a student finds one or more job(s) of interest, they are required to submit the Work-Study Student Interest Form via e-mail to the appropriate supervisor(s). Supervisors will contact students if they are interested in setting up interviews and/or hiring. *Students who are returning to their previous job DO NOT have to submit this form.
*Please remember that many students will be applying for the same jobs, and selection is a competitive and timely process. An offer of work-study is not a guarantee of a job. A student is NOT automatically hired for a job once they submit their Work-Study Student Interest Form. Students will be contacted for interviews and offered the job by a supervisor.
How Do I Get Hired?
Supervisors are required to submit electronic hiring requests to the Office of Financial Aid. After the hiring request is processed, both the student and supervisor will receive Job Confirmation E-mails, indicating the job status.
When Can I Start Working?
Students are NOT to begin working until they receive the Job Confirmation E-mail from the Office of Financial Aid, which will indicate the status of their job (approved/denied), their detailed job assignment, and supervisor information. If approved for a job, students can begin working on September 2, 2008.
How Do I Change My Job?
If a student recieved their Job Confirmation E-mail, but is not interested in working that job, he/she is required to tell the appropriate supervisor AND the Office of Financial Aid via e-mail.
*If, after a student begins working and decides the job is not a good fit, he/she must inform both their supervisor and the Office of Financial Aid. Please refer to the FWS handbook for detailed instructions.
Required Employment Forms
Students are required to complete these employment forms prior to beginning work. These forms must be completed and submitted to the Office of Financial Aid.
State of Connecticut W-4: All students employed in the State of Connecticut must complete a state employee tax withholding form. Click here to download, print and complete the State of Connecticut W-4.
Federal W-4: All students must complete a federal tax withholding form. Click here to download, print and complete the Federal W-4.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students the right to privacy regarding their educational records. Some work-study jobs permit students to have access to private, educational and financial records of other students. Fairfield University requires that all work-study employees become familiar with this law to ensure it is not violated. Click here to download, print and complete the FERPA form.
Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification: Federal regulation requires that all employees provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Students MUST bring in ORIGINAL identification documentation as required of the Form I-9 (photocopies will NOT be accepted). The Form I-9 MUST be completed in person by the student, NOT by a parent, AND must be accompanied by the acceptable forms of identification.
Click here, then click on the Immigration Forms tab and scroll down to the I-9. Click on the Employment Eligibility Verification link. Scroll down to the Download the I-9 link. This form will provide you a list of acceptable employment documents.
Direct Deposit
Any student interested in having their paycheck automatically deposited into a checking and/or savings account may do so. Click here for more information about this process.
If you have questions about our Federal Work-Study program, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
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