Federal Work Study

Federal Work-Study is awarded based on the FAFSA. Those not eligible for Federal Work-Study may qualify for the Otis Work Study Program. Students can check their award on-line through Otis Self Service for federal work-study eligibility. Federal Work Study is not guaranteed and is available on a first come first served basis.

Standard work-study jobs start at $8.00 an hour for first-year work-study students. The wage is increased by $.50 every year the student is employed under the work-study program at Otis. Some positions have fixed hourly rate and will not give an annual increase. The rate is calculated according to years worked under the work-study program, not years spent as a student at Otis. However, like in the real world, some positions require more skill and experience, and supervisors may specify a higher rate of pay for certain positions. Your supervisor must complete a new job description if he/she plans on increasing your pay rate.

Students who are currently working can check Otis Self Service for their remaining work study balance.

STEPS TO START WORKING


Step 1:	Look for available jobs with each department you are interested in working. The job posting board shows the departments that typically hire students to work. Students are limited to two work-study jobs at the same time.
Step 2:	Once a department agrees to hire you, they will issue a Payroll Authorization that you will need to take to Fiancial Aid. This form is also available in the Financial Aid Office. Fill out your information and submit to Financial Aid office for approval. Make sure the department head has signed at the bottom of the page.
Step 3:	Financial Aid will issue the following documents to students with a payroll authorization. The student is responsible for turning in the documents to Financial Aid before working. Incorrect forms may cause a delay. If you want to start in the first week of school, then you must have all the forms completed before the term begins. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) - obtained from Financial Aid. (Only for first time work-study students) Fill out top portion and show Financial Aid the original forms of Identification listed on the form. Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate (W4) - obtained from Financial Aid. Follow the instructions. Students should check with their parents regarding what to put down if the parent is claiming the student on their tax returns.The IRS has a withholding calculator available to help you with your W4. Work-Study Terms and Conditions - obtained from Financial Aid. Read and understand the terms and conditions. Fill out and sign the bottom portion of the page.
Step 4:	The Financial Aid Office will sign off the gold copy of the payroll authorization and give it to the student to take to the payroll office to pick up their swipe card. The student will then take the gold copy to their supervisor. This is how the supervisor will know that the student is cleared to start working.
Step 5:	Start working in your department. When school is not in session, you can work 40 hours a week. Once school starts, you must determine how many hours you are available to work. Students should limit their hours to 20 per week so work does not interfere with their studies. Under no circumstances can a student work overtime (more than 8 hours in one day). You must also take at least ½ hour break if you plan on working 5 or more hours in one day.

TIME SHEETS
Time sheets are available from the Financial Aid Office for students working off-campus only. On-campus work study students must use their swipe card.

Your supervisor will need to initial every day worked and sign at the bottom of the page before submitting it to the Financial Aid Office. Your signature is also required. Another common mistake is the "Hiring Department". Please complete this for the department you are working for. Failure to submit a completed form may cause a delay.

Your time sheet must be in the Financial Aid Office by 4pm on the pay period ending date. Do not hold onto your time sheets. Students who submit time sheets late are subject to being terminated from the work-study program.

PAY DATES
Work-study students are paid bi-monthly. You may pick up your check at the cashier window after 9:00 AM. We do not mail checks and we do not offer direct deposit for students.

Student should keep the paydate schedule in mind when picking up their timesheets and close attention should be given for the holidays.

STOPPING EMPLOYMENT
Please notify your supervisor as soon as possible if you plan to leave. When you quit a work-study job it does not affect your ability to obtain another job. However, it is up to the supervisor's discretion if he/she wants to re-hire you later.

FEEDBACK
The Financial Aid Office welcomes feedback from students whether it is positive or negative. We are always looking for ways to improve, and you should feel free to come and talk to us about any concerns related to work-study or financial aid.