The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is a need-based, financial aid student employment program. USD shares in the cost of the wages paid, supplementing the federal share of your student employee wages.
If you are eligible for Federal Work-Study (FWS) but work in a department that does not meet federal requirements, or if you work during the summer, you will be paid through our College Work Opportunity (CWO) program, which is fully funded by USD.
No matter where you're employed, part-time employment is a valuable asset. It not only provides earnings to offset your educational expenses, but it also offers you experiences that are not available in the classroom. Most students work 10-12 hours per week, with a maximum of 25 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters set by university policy.
Supervisors who have exceptional student employees are able to provide them with recommendations for future employment. College work experience is an asset to be listed on a resume and is just one of the many advantages of working part-time while attending USD.
Eligibility
To be employed under FWS, you must apply for financial aid by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and receive FWS as part of your financial aid offer. You should submit the FAFSA each year beginning October 1 to apply for FWS and other financial aid programs for the upcoming academic year. If you apply after the priority deadline, you are considered a late applicant and will be considered for funding, but it's not assured.
Maintaining eligibility for FWS is often dependent on your timely response to requests for additional information. If you're unsure of the application process, contact the Student Employment Center at usdsec@sandiego.edu.
If you have applied for financial aid and were not awarded Federal Work-Study, you may submit the Federal Work-Study Appeal Form and will be awarded if funds remain and the eligibility criteria are met.
Please note: students may not have two FWS assignments concurrently.
Changes to Eligibility
During the year, situations may occur that result in a change to your Federal Work-Study (FWS) eligibility. The amount awarded can decrease or be canceled by the Office of Financial Aid. Common reasons for a change include:
1. Adjustments to Aid Eligibility: New information submitted to the Office of Financial Aid results in a change to your overall federal aid eligibility.
2. Incomplete Requirements: You do not complete all financial aid requirements or the FWS hiring process within specified deadlines.
3. Job Placement Deadline: You must secure an FWS-eligible job by October 30th every year. Failure to secure employment by this date may result in the cancellation of your FWS award. (Note: If you are actively interviewing, working on obtaining employment, or facing unique circumstances, please reach out and keep us updated on your progress.)
Important Responsibilities:
It is your responsibility to notify your supervisor immediately if any change occurs to your FWS award so your work schedule can be adjusted accordingly. If your FWS award is canceled, you must stop working immediately.
For any questions regarding changes in FWS eligibility or securing employment, please contact the Student Employment Center at usdsec@sandiego.edu.
Supervisors
As a supervisor of students employed under the Federal Work-Study and College Work Opportunity programs on the USD campus, you're in a very important position. We thank you for your support of student employees and are ready to assist you in any way we can.