Work Study Manual

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY & UO STUDENT WORK PROGRAMS
A Manual for Students and Employers
A service of the UO Career Center, Employment Services

INTRODUCTION

The Federal Work-Study and UO Student Work programs are two of several financial aid programs available to students at the University of Oregon. They are authorized by the Oregon University Act of 1965, as amended, and are administered by the United States Office of Education. The primary purpose of the Federal Work-Study and UO Student Work Program is to provide part-time employment for students who have demonstrated financial need and who might not otherwise be able to complete their education. Federal Work-Study and UO Student Work Program grants are often awarded to students in conjunction with other forms of financial aid.

The Federal Work-Study and UO Student Work Programs were originally designed to create jobs on campus that would provide both meaningful work and a source of income for students with financial need. The Federal Work-Study program was expanded to include non-profit public and private agencies that provide a service to the community.

All Federal Work-Study and UO Student Work Program students are paid an hourly rate posted by the employer and set by the Office of Human Resources. There must be no distinction between rates paid to Federal Work-Study or UO Student Work Program students and other students or staff performing similar work. A Federal Work-Study or UO Student Work Program certified student may not work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Between terms the students may work up to forty hours per week.

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION PROCESS

Federal Work-Study and UO Student Work Program certification involves application prior to the start of the academic year. A Financial Aid application may be obtained at the Office of Student Financial Aid, 260 Oregon Hall or at FAFSA.ED.GOV . FAFSA forms for the next academic year may be submitted beginning January first. The priority deadline for the FAFSA to be processed at the UO is March first. Federal Work-Study and UO Student Work Program s are only a part of the financial aid package. You can track your financial aid status in your DuckWeb account.

Approval is indicated by the receipt of an Award Letter (sample) that will indicate the amount the recipient will be allowed to earn. Students awarded Federal Work-Study or UO Student Work Program are not eligible to earn their allotment until they have signed and returned their award contract to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Failure to do so results in the loss of the program funds. Any funds awarded that are not earned by the conclusion of spring term classes will be forfeited.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for Federal Work-Study or UO Student Work Program funds, you must meet the following requirements:

• Complete the financial aid application process by March 1 (prior to the assignment of all available funds).
• Demonstrate a need for the Federal Work-Study or UO Student Work Program earnings for educational expenses, as determined by financial aid eligibility analysis.
• Must enroll in at least half-time status during the regular academic year (6 credit hours undergraduate, 5 credit hours graduate).
• Provide U.S. citizenship, alien status with permanent visa or residency of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

Summer Program

The UO Student Work Program is not available during summer term.

To be eligible for summer term Federal Work-Study funds, you must complete a new and separate application. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.

There are two categories of summer work-study student workers:

1. Full-time workers are defined as Federal Work-Study eligible students not enrolled in any classes during summer session who intend to enroll as at least half-time students fall term. These students may work a full 40 hours per week for the duration of the summer vacation or to the exhaustion of their certification amount, whichever occurs first. Full-time summer work-study awards must be earned during the specified vacation period. Unearned amounts will not carry over into the academic year.
2. Part-time workers are defined as students who are enrolled at least half-time at the UO during summer session. These students may work up to, but not exceed, an average of 20 hours per week during a one-month pay period.

EMPLOYER ELIGIBILITY

On-Campus Employers
The UO departments are entitled to hire Federal Work-Study students through the UO program. No special agreement is required. Students should report to the payroll clerk in the hiring department with their original social security card and photo ID or a US passport. This is a requirement. Faxed or photocopied documents will not be accepted.

Prior to the beginning of the academic year UO departments will receive a request to post their student positions to the Career Center web site. They will also receive an invitation to the annual Federal Work-Study Job Fair held the Friday before the first day of classes fall term.

Off-Campus Employers
Agreements and Contracts
A written agreement between the University of Oregon and all off-campus agencies is required before a Work-Study certified student may be employed. The agreement outlines agency and institution responsibilities regarding the program. Contracts must be renewed annually.

Establishing an initial Agreement with Off-Campus Agencies
Any non-UO off-campus agency desiring to employ work-study students must submit the following to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships:

• Completed “Request to Enter into Agreement” form.
• One copy of articles of incorporation for non-profit status.
• Program description elaborating the major thrusts, functions and/or purposes of the organization.

(All inquiries should be directed to the Work-Study Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid, 346-1181).

The materials should be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid. The request will then be reviewed by a screener to insure compliance with federal guidelines. Once reviewed and approved, a contract number will be assigned. Then the Financial Aid Office will send an e-mail with instructions for hiring Work-Study students. This process takes approximately three to four weeks.