Work Study

What is federal work-study?

FWS is a federally funded program that provides students financial assistance that will not have to be paid back. FWS is awarded to students as part of the financial aid package solely on the basis of financial need. A FWS award is NOT a guarantee of a job or a guarantee that you will earn your entire award amount. FWS is different from other types of financial aid because you do not recieve funds until you locate a job and begin working. The amount you earn is dependent upon the job you obtain and the number of hours you work. One main advantage of FWS employment is that when you apply for future financial aid, your FWS earnings are not included as a financial resource.

how do i get a fws job?

Interested students must:

• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov .
• Have a "financial need" calculated by using the need analysis formula: Cost of going to school- Expected Family Contribution (EFC)* = Financial Need. *EFC is the amount that you and your parents should be able to contribute as determined by a Government formula. Your EFC can be located on your Student Aid Report (SAR) or on your confirmation page if you submitted your FAFSA online.
• Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Make satisfactory academic progress.
• Not owe a refund on a Federal grant or defaulted on a Federal loan.
• FWS Job Fair- The first Wednesday of classes in the Fall semester, Dominican University of CA holds a FWS Job Fair where students with FWS can meet potential employers.
• Open positions are also posted in Bertrand Hall and online at https://dominican-csm.symplicity.com

Online students interested in FWS please contact the Financial Aid Office at 415-257-0161 or finaid@dominican.edu

How do I get paid?

You are paid bimonthly. The amount of FWS you earn is dependent upon the number of hours you work each week and your hourly pay rate. Students can work up to 20 hours per week and pay rate is determined by your employer. The maximum you can earn on a job is determined by the amount of your FWS award. When your earnings  equal the total amount of the award, the Financial Aid Office will contact you with further options. Earnings in excess of your award may jeopardize the rest of your financial aid package.

when are timesheets due?

Timesheets must be signed by you AND your supervisor and turned into the box outside of Bertrand 101 by the dates indicated on the Student Payroll Calendar.

where and when do i pick up my paycheck?

Paychecks will be mailed to your primary address bi-monthly. Direct deposit is also available, come to the Fianncial aid office to pick up a Direct Deposit form.

What else do i need to know about FWS?

Awards: FWS begins on the first day of classes and ends on the last day of classes. Students may work during Winter and Spring breaks but must check in with the Financial Aid Office. Unearned FWS awards may not be carried forward into the next award year.

Hours: Students are limited to working 20 hours per week.

Breaks: Students are entitled to breaks during work shifts that exceed three hours. The supervisor determines when breaks are to be taken.

If you are interested in applying for FWS, please contact the Financial Aid Office. The availability of positions is limited. Applications are considered in the order they are received. Positions usually open up at the beginning or end of each semester.

Student Employment Handbook (pdf)