Frequently Asked Questions
Work-Study is a type of financial aid that allows students to work and earn
money (usually at an on-campus office or community service related
off-campus agency) while still remaining flexible with their class schedule.
Monies eared can be exempt from taxes if the student qualifies and will not
negatively impact your next year’s financial aid eligibility.
The jobs in the Work-Study Program are REAL JOBS and students are expected
to act in an appropriate manner and fulfill their job duties as they would
in any form of outside employment.
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How do I get awarded Work-Study?
It is very
important to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
as soon as possible, as Work-Study funds are limited and can be depleted
rather quickly. To be eligible for Work-Study you must have an unmet
financial need greater than the amount of the annual award. You must be
enrolled a minimum of 6 hours each semester to be eligible.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and want to work, but have not been
awarded Work- contact with the Student Financial Services Office. Many times
throughout the year, funding can become available. The Work-Study Program
generally runs a “waiting list” for students interested in working once
funding does become available.
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Can I have two work study jobs at the same time?
No at UT-Pan American, you can only have one work study job, but you can have a work study job and a non-work study job either on or off campus.
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How many hours can I work per week on the work study program?
Twelve to twenty five hours per week is the maximum recommended for academic reasons. Furthermore, twelve to twenty five hours a week will allow you to continuously work while enrolled in school. You are not allowed at any time to earn more than what was awarded to you on your award letter, and it is your responsibility not to exceed that award amount.
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Can a work-study student work more than 40 hours per week?
A work-study student can only work up to 40 hours per week during periods in which class is not in session. It is recommended that a student work an average of 15 hours per week during the periods when class is in session.
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Yes. You can at any point in the academic year. It is recommended that you give your employer at least two weeks notice. A termination notice is required before the student can begin searching for new employment.
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Isn't work study money nontaxable?
Work study earnings are taxable income. If taxes were withheld from your paycheck, you probably are eligible for a refund depending, of course, on your total annual earnings. It is in your best interests to file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service by April 15th.
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Can my fall/spring work study award be used in the summer?
No. You must apply separately for summer work study. You can not carry over any unused earnings to the summer. Your work study award must be utilized by the end of the spring semester. If you are enrolled for at least three credit hours during each summer term and you complete the summer financial aid application, you may be eligible for summer work study.
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What happens when I reach my award maximum?
Your department should notify you when you reach your award maximum. The department has the option of either continuing your assignment and paying you 100 percent from their departmental budget or ending your assignment altogether. Most departments will make every attempt to keep you working with them.
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When can a work-study begin working?
A work-study student can begin working only after the Memorandum of Employment (MOE) has been fully routed and signed by all parties involved. It usually takes an average of seven days, but can take longer. Always check with the Work-study coordinator to verify if work-study student is eligible to start.
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How can I apply for a work study job?
You must have some type of unmet financial need in relation to your college
expenses to qualify for the Work-Study Program. You must fill out the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s important to fill out the
FAFSA as soon as possible, as Federal and State Work-Study monies are
limited. You will be notified of your Federal (or State) Work-Study Award
via an award letter.
Once you are awarded, you must attend a Mandatory Work-Study Orientation.
You can find a list of dates and times for these Orientation Sessions at the
Student Financial Services Front Counter (Student Service Building Room 186)
or online at www.panam.edu/finaid
under the Work-Study section. At the Orientation Session, you will be given
detailed instructions on how to conduct their job search and commence
employment once a job is secured.
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What is a work-study job referral?
A work-study job referral is needed before a work-study
student can be employed. The process is:
• Attend mandatory work-study orientation
• Complete all necessary paperwork with Personnel
• Complete a job application
• Visit the Student Financial Services office in the Student Services Bldg.
Rm. 186 to get a listing of job available for
work-study students
• Select a job from the listing and ask the Student Financial Services front
counter staff to print a referral for you for that job position
• You can select up to 3 job referrals at a time, but can go on as many job
interviews as needed
• Take the job referral to the supervisor listed on the referral form and
request an interview. You many call the number listed on the referral form
first to set up the interview.
• Once you have been hired, the supervisor forwards the signed referral to
the Student Financial Services office for processing.
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What happens when I reach my award maximum for work study?
Your department should notify you when you reach your award maximum. The department has a choice of either continuing your assignment and paying you 100 percent from their departmental budget or ending you assignment altogether. Most departments will make every attempt to keep you working for them.
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Where can I sign up for a Work-Study Orientation?
If
you have been awarded Work-Study, you can visit
http://utpaworkstudy.panam.edu
and scroll down to the “Orientation Dates” link. Click the link and you will
have access to all the available Orientation dates as well as the method to
sign up. Students may also visit the Student Financial Services Office
at SSB 186.
NOTE: STUDENTS MUST SIGN UP FOR AN ORIENTATION IN ORDER TO ATTEND.
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How do I find a Work-Study job?
All available jobs are listed at
http://utpaworkstudy.panam.edu, but students MUST ATTEND a Work-Study
Orientation to be given access to the website and learn how to navigate
through the site.
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