Federal Workstudy (FWS) FAQ
What is Federal Work-Study (FWS)?
How can I Get an FWS position?
How do I get confirmation of my FWS award?
Where is the listing of available jobs?
What are the duties for the job?
Why was FWS not awarded to me?
How many hours do I have to be enrolled to qualify for FWS?
How many hours a week I can work?
I found a job I like, who should I contact?
What happens if I do not earn my entire FWS award?
Where are the jobs on the web page, I cannot find the list?
What is the pay rate for FWS jobs?
When and where should I submit my time sheet?
What kind of documents do I need to show for my FWS interview?
What Is Federal Work-Study? (FWS)
The FWS program is a federally-supported program that provides job funding for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Determination of students' financial need is based on information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal work-study funds are awarded through the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA).
How Can I Get Federal Work-Study?
Students should file their FAFSA file by March 1, and indicate they are interested in Federal Work-Study aid. FWS is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as part of the student's financial aid package. Because UNCW receives limited federal work-study funding, students who qualify for FWS may not receive it. Students who did not receive a FWS award may contact our office and ask to be placed on the FWS wait-list. If funds become available later in the year, eligible students may receive FWS funds.
There are campus jobs that are not FWS, but are paid from departmental funds. Visit UNCW's Office of Career Services website for information on other job opportunities.
How Do I Know I Have Federal Work-Study Funding?
The FWS award will appear with your financial aid award information, available on SEANET.
Where Is the Listing of Available Jobs?
Go to the OSFA website (www.uncw.edu/finaid) and select the "Work Study" link. A list of jobs, the description for each job and its requirements, along with contact information, is available. Students should contact the department to apply for jobs. Departments begin posting FWS jobs after June 1, and continue posting through the semester. Check back regularly for updated job information.
What Are the Duties for the Job?
Each job description has a list of duties. For further information, call the “Contact Person” listed for each position.
- Federal work-study funding is limited, and students are waiting for available funding.
- Students must accept the FWS award within 21 days, or it may be cancelled.
- FWS, for students who do not find a job within the first two weeks of classes, may be cancelled. Students who are actively pursuing a FWS job after two weeks of classes should contact OSFA.
- In some cases, if the student receives additional aid through grants or scholarships, federal regulations require that FWS be reduced or cancelled. Financial aid budgets for students receiving federal financial aid may not exceed the cost of attendance. The amount of need-based aid a student receives may not exceed the total need in the student's financial aid budget.
Why Was FWS Not Awarded to Me?
Contact the OFSA for an explanation. If you are eligible and did not receive an award, you may be placed on a waiting list in case funds become available.
How Many Hours Do I have to be Enrolled to Qualify for FWS?
Students have to be enrolled in at least one class to participate in the FWS program.
FWS students may work during the semester(s) for which FWS is awarded. Students may work from first day of class until the last day of exams (see catalogue for exact dates).
How Many Hours a Week Can I Work?
The hours are determined between the departmental supervisor and the student--typically, 10-15 hours per week. However, keep in mind, students may not earn more than their FWS award.
I Found a Job I like. Who Should I Contact?
Contact the department offering the position. They will inform you of their time frame for hiring. Some departments complete their hiring before the semester begins, while other departments hire students at the beginning of the semester.
What Happens If I Do Not Earn My Entire FWS Award?
Students must earn their FWS award through work. Students do not receive funds that were not earned.
Where Are the FWS Jobs on the Web Page? I Cannot Find the List.
FWS jobs access may not be immediately available. It takes about a week for the database to update (usually on Thursdays) to allow new FWS students access to job information. Students who were just awarded FWS, and only recently accepted it, may not be updated.
Also, follow the password instructions carefully. The FWS password is not the same as Seanet. FWS log-in instructions must be followed carefully.
What Is the Pay Rate for FWS Jobs?
The pay rate is listed on each job description. Rates vary by department and job responsibilities; however, all students earn at least the federal minimum wage.
When and Where Should I Submit My Timesheet?
Most FWS students turn in timesheets to the departmental supervisor by the last working day of each month.
Students who participate in America Reads/America Counts programs present timesheets to the OFSA front desk, 140 Warwick Center, 2 to 3 business days before the end of each month. (In December, timesheets are turned in approximately two weeks early.) A/R A/C students receive reminders from the OSFA toward the end of each month.
Student employees turn in timesheets at the end of each month and are paid on the 15th of the following month. All UNCW student employees must sign up for direct deposit through UNCW Payroll..
Students pick up their first paycheck from the Payroll Office, Hoggard Hall, 160. Subsequent payroll is direct deposited.
What Kind of documents Do I Need to Show for My FWSInterview?
Typically, students present a driver’s license and a Social Security card. If no Social Security card is readily available, an original birth certificate, bearing an official seal, is acceptable. An unexpired, U.S.-issued passport is acceptable in place of the photo ID and Social Security Card.
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