(FAQ)

What is the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program?

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) is aid that may be offered to students who have a demonstrated need as determined by the FAFSA, and who answered “yes” to the Work-Study question on the FAFSA. Work-Study gives you the potential to work and earn money while attending college. Work-Study students are paid twice a month. You can only receive payment for the hours you have worked. Work-Study wages earned will not be credited to a student’s account.

What does FAFSA stand for?

FAFSA stand for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Use this application to apply for federal student grants, work-study aid, and loans. You may also use this application to apply for most state and some private aid. The application and additional information about federal financial aid can be found www.fafsa.ed.gov

How is Federal Work-Study (FWS) different from regular employment?

Work-Study is part-time employment. Students work part-time hours and receive a paycheck for the hours worked. However, it differs from regular part-time employment. If your employment is on campus, your supervisor is more likely to be understanding of the fact that you are a student first, where part-time employers not associated with JMU may not be as flexible. Some non-JMU part-time jobs are very flexible, but as a general rule of thumb, a JMU employer will be more understanding of your student responsibilities. Another benefit is that the amount of money you earn in a Work-Study job this year does not count as income when you file your FAFSA next year. This can help to lower your EFC next year, and potentially make you eligible for additional grant funds that you may not have received if you worked in a non-Work-Study job this year.

What is the difference between America Reads and Community Based FWS programs?

America Reads is part of Federal Work Study that enables college students to tutor elementary school children in an effort to increase literacy nationwide. Community Service-Learning coordinates placement and orientation of America Reads tutors in local elementary schools.  You will be trained in effective tutoring techniques for children through once a semester reflection sessions.  You will interact with fellow JMU students to explore the impact America Reads has on you and the children you work with and to share strategies for effective tutoring.  You will work with a teacher in a local school who will provide supervision and assistance.

Community Based Federal Work Study enables students to work in community-based nonprofit agencies in the local Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.  Community Service Learning coordinates placement and orientation of Community-Based FWS students in the local community.  Students will attend reflection sessions about their experience and receive training to become for effective partners with community agencies as student employees.

I need to show proof of Federal Work-Study (FWS) eligibility with my application – where do I get that?

Verification of FWS eligibility must be provided with your application for a FWS job. You can log on to your e-Campus account and under Finances click 'View My Financial Aid'. Click on “2007” Aid Year. Copy and paste your award information into a Word document, and save. This document can be sent electronically along with your application when applying for FWS jobs.

If I am offered Federal Work-Study (FWS), how do I find out about my job?

If you are offered FWS, then you are eligible to apply for a Federal Work-Study funded job. It is not a guarantee of employment. For a listing of job opportunities and the details on how to apply for those jobs, please visit the student employment web site: www.jmu.edu/stuemploy and click on 'Job Announcements'.

Does my Federal Work-Study (FWS) award get applied against my university charges?

FWS is a work program, and payment is received through our payroll process. The funds do not appear as a credit on your student account.

If offered Federal Work-Study (FWS) , do I have to get a work study job?

Being eligible for FWS means that you have a larger pool of jobs to which you can apply. The student employment website offers information on current openings for Institutional Employment (on-campus, non-FWS employment), Federal Work Study (on- or off-campus FWS employment) and jobs posted through our Job Location and Development Program (off-campus, non-FWS employment). FWS eligible students are NOT restricted to FWS jobs. To increase chances of employment, FWS-eligible students should apply for every job they are interested in, regardless of employment types (FWS, IE or JLD). For more information on current employment options, visit:

www.jmu.edu/stuemploy/job_announcements.shtml.

If I decline the Federal Work-Study (FWS) offer or don't get a FWS job can my grants or loans be increased?

If a dependent student declines FWS, parents may request an increase in their Parent PLUS loan. Typically, independent students will see no change in financial aid eligibility, but may contact a financial aid counselor for a revised eligibility assessment.

I can’t find Federal Work-Study (FWS) job -- what do I do? Am I guaranteed a FWS job?

Eligibility for FWS is not a guarantee of job placement. FWS-eligible students are NOT limited to FWS employment – it just provides them with one more employment option. Students seeking employment should explore ALL options (Institutional Employment and Job Location & Development as well).

How does my work study money show up on my bill? In addition to the $1638 for my tuition, how much will I make at the job? If I don’t find a Federal Work-Study (FWS) job how do I get the $1638?

Many students/parents assume that their FWS award (typically $1638) will show up on their university bill as a credit against charges. This is incorrect. The FWS award amount represents the maximum that a student can earn in a FWS job in the academic year. Once hired they will be required to submit their work hours each pay period and will receive a paycheck to compensate them for the hours worked. There is no connection between the university billing system and the payroll system. The funds earned through student employment are used for day-to-day expenses (rent, entertainment, etc.)