Federal Work-Study Program Overview

Work-Study Employer Guidelines

Federal Work-Study (FWS), a federally funded program administered by Oklahoma State University (OSU), is designed to assist students who need earnings in order to meet the cost of their education. OSU receives an FWS allocation annually for the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30. The Office of Student Financial Aid (OFSA) determines award amounts on the basis of financial need.

The federal government's philosophy regarding financial aid is that federal aid is merely a supplement and that families and students bear the primary responsibility for paying educational cost. The need analysis document is the first form a student must submit to begin the financial aid application process. Students are encouraged to submit their documents as quickly as possible. Early application is especially critical in order to receive FWS, since the program has limited funding.

Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to receive FWS awards provided they are 1) enrolled full or part time and 2) are United States citizens or eligible non-citizens. Students who accept their Federal Work- Study award must sign their award letter and return it to the Work-Study Programs unit in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. The student then reviews Community Service Positions or other job listings on Career Services website and contacts potential employers for interviews.

Departments employing FWS students are responsible for 30% of the student's total earnings. The other 70% of the student's earnings is paid from the FWS account. In addition, departments will incur a worker's compensation charge for each student employee. This charge will vary depending on the type of work the student does. If FWS students are enrolled less than full time or work 30 or more hours in a week, departments will also incur FICA and unemployment compensation insurance charges. You may wish to contact University Personnel Services for more specific information about these benefit charges.

In depth employee guidelines are listed in the Federal Work-Study Guidelines manual available in the FWS office, 119 Student Union. If you would like more specific information regarding the employer guidelines, please call 744-7056, and we would be happy to answer any questions you might have or send you a Guidelines manual if requested.

Most FWS jobs are beneficial and satisfying for the student and the employee; however, problems do arise. Below are some appropriate ways of dealing with unprofessional behaviors by the FWS student employee.

Employer Reasons for Taking Disciplinary Actions

the student walks off the job and does not return until the next scheduled work day;
the student is absent without permission for several consecutive days;
the student's work does not measure up to the standards specifically defined by the employer, providing that the student has been previously informed of these standards;
the student does not report to work at the scheduled hours.

Advised Procedure for Terminating Students

a verbal notice to the student (if available);
a written notice sent to the student, copies of which should be sent to the WSP unit and kept by the employing department:
completion of an EA form with a completed FWS Student Employee Performance Evaluation Form sent to the WSP unit.

Reasons for Immediate Termination

gross misconduct (such as dishonesty, fighting, threatening the supervisor and/or other employees);
use of alcohol or drugs, or going under the influence of the same, while on the job;
carelessness, negligence, or the improper use of University property and/or equipment;
theft of University property and/or equipment.