How Do I Participate in the Work-Study Program?

Here are the requirements for the Work-Study program:

https://www.forsythtech.edu/apply/financial-aid/work-study/

Eligibility

Applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Demonstrate financial need
• Be enrolled at an approved postsecondary institution
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States

Value

Jobs usually range from 10 to 15 hours per week and pay at least federal minimum wage. Employment may be on or off campus.

Application Procedure

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Work Study Program General Information

All Federal Work Study (FWS) students at Forsyth Technical Community College must meet with the supervisor for an interview and to schedule work hours. Also, W4’s, a copy of the student’s Social Security card and driver’s license, a Drug-Free Workplace Certification, and the I-9 Form must be submitted to the Human Resources Office before students will be allowed to start work. Other documents may be requested as well. Students must sign a Confidentiality Statement in the office of Student Financial Services. Timesheets are available on the GroupWise Default Library for supervisors to complete each month.

FWS Jobs

• FWS students will generally perform jobs on the campuses of Forsyth Tech, and always while under the supervision of a supervisor.
• FWS students do not replace regular employees of the college, and are not responsible for the operation of the office they are assigned to work within.
• FWS students are not allowed to be responsible for opening and/or closing any offices on campus.
• Supervisors are not to ask FWS students to receive permission from their instructors to be excused from scheduled classes in order to work.
• FWS students must not have access to the college’s computer system without proper written documentation from the Director of Information Systems.

FWS Scheduling

• FWS students should schedule work hours (around class times) with the supervisor at the beginning of each term.
• Students may not work during scheduled class hours or holidays.
• If an instructor cancels a class(es), or the college cancels class(es), students must not report to the FWS position.
• If students would like to work during semester breaks, they must provide a copy of the registration schedule for the next term, and complete a Statement of Intent to Re-Enroll Form in the office of Student Financial Services prior to the last day of class for the current term.

FWS Procedures

• The supervisor and student can work out their method for keeping a daily log of hours worked. Time worked must not be recorded in less than fifteen minute increments on the timesheet.
• The FWS timesheet form is available on the GroupWise Default Library for supervisors to print out. Timesheets are to be signed by the student and supervisor at the end of each month.
• The supervisor is responsible for completing the evaluation of the students work performance when the timesheet is signed. If the supervisor gives three ratings of “unsatisfactory”, the student may be terminated from the FWS Program.
• The supervisor is responsible for turning the timesheet into the office of Student Financial Services by 12 noon on the last working day of each month. Timesheets will not be received and/or accepted in the office of Student Financial Services from students. If timesheets are not in by 12 noon on the due date, the paycheck may be delayed until the following month. Timesheets must be turned in on time!
• If FWS students are sick or cannot report to work, they should contact the supervisor immediately. When possible, students should inform the supervisor at least a day before the day of absence.
• If FWS students plan to withdraw from school or wish to terminate the work assignment, they should notify the Office of Student Financial Services and the supervisor immediately.
• Supervisors are expected to provide adequate orientation and training to the FWS student. FWS is a paying position and students are expected to treat positions seriously. This includes, among other things, avoiding inappropriate behavior, such as doing homework on the job, surfing the Internet, placing and receiving personal phone calls, and allowing friends to visit (and hang out) in your work area.
• If, at any time, students or supervisors have questions or concerns about the FWS Program, the work assignment, or any part of the financial aid package, they should not hesitate to contact the office of Student Financial Services.

FWS Academic Requirements & Awards

• All FWS students must maintain the standards of satisfactory academic progress in order to continue their work assignment. FWS students must follow the student code of conduct while in class and at the workplace to remain employed.
• The FWS award, as noted on the Award Letter, cannot be exceeded. Once this amount has been earned, the work assignment will terminate for the year.
• FWS awards are calculated, based on need, as follows: number of hours to be worked per week x hourly wage rate x number of weeks to work in the term. (For example, 20 hours per week x $8 per hour x 16 weeks in Fall Semester = $2,560 FWS award.)
• Students should not exceed the number of work hours per week listed on their Award Letter as this will exhaust their work study funds prematurely. Notices may be sent periodically to FWS students and supervisors concerning the balance left to earn. FWS students will generally be awarded for working 10 to 20 hours per week.

FWS awards are usually made through the last day of class for spring semester. Students who are enrolled during summer term may be allowed to work until mid-June if FWS funds are still available. Depending on the availability of funds, FWS awards may be adjusted in order to prevent overspending.