What is the Community Work Study (CWS) Program?
• The Community Work Study (CWS) Program is a Leadership & Service Opportunity for Federal Work Study students to work off-campus through Volunteer UWF! with local nonprofit organizations and receive their Financial Aid Federal Work Study funding for their hours worked.
• The CWS program is the only “paid” program through Volunteer UWF!. Although the funds are allocated through the students’ financial aid package, CWS students do receive pay for the CWS hours worked and approved.
• CWS Students are encouraged to work with local nonprofits associated with the students’ major, interest areas, and/or field of study, in an attempt to provide students more opportunity for hands-on, career-related, “real-world” work experiences and responsibilities.
• CWS Students serve as liaisons between UWF and the local organization they represent.
• This program provides free support staff to our community partners, while also providing great experiences for our students.
The work study program was designed to link community support with the state education system. A small percentage of the university’s work study pool is given to Volunteer UWF! for assignment in non-profit agencies in the community. Work study is a need-based, financial aid program. Students may come from all majors or colleges. Traditionally, work study students work on campus in small office jobs in various departments. Work study means that the student is always encouraged to work on class assignments or study class readings, etc., when there is idle time at the work site. This does not mean that you must provide study time, but understand the student’s right to study time if there is no work to be completed.
What are the Community Work Study Goals and Requirements?
The Community Work Study Program strives to provide the “host” Agency with:
Through Volunteer UWF!...
The Community Work Study Program strives to provide students with:
o a valuable work experience in a community service setting;
o greater exposure to community service and nonprofits as a career opportunity;
o development of professional work ethics and responsibilities;
o an in-depth understanding of and appreciation for the existence of community service organizations.
o a mature and committed part-time staff member;
o a student engaged in supervised learning exercises designed to complement his/her "on-the-job" learning experience;
o an additional human resource that can bring energy, ideas, creativity and a variety of skills to the organization;
o an opportunity to introduce and encourage longer-term volunteer and career involvement in community service work.
What is work-study?
Community Work Study Program Basic Eligibility Guidelines:
The Community Work Study (CWS) program is a federally subsidized work program which provides eligible students the opportunity to work for an eligible public or 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission and work benefit the community and to earn money to help cover education-related expenses. In most cases, the salary for off-campus Community Work Study positions is $10 per hour, and working an average of 8-11 hours per week.
1. The position must have a direct impact on improving the quality of life in the community.
2. The organization must be a non-profit (501 (c) 3) or public service organization.
3. The student must have a federal work study award.
4. The Student must meet with Volunteer UWF! to complete all necessary hiring forms.
5. The Federal Work Study Off Campus Agreement Form & the Volunteer UWF! Community Work Study Student Paperwork packet must be signed by the eligible organization, student, and Volunteer UWF! Representative in order for the student to participate.
Who is eligible for a Community Work Study Position?
**If you are unsure about your eligibility or Work Study award status, please contact the UWF Financial Aid Office at 850-474-2400, check them out online at http://uwf.edu/finaid or email them at finaid@uwf.edu.
Students who receive financial aid from UWF and have been awarded Work Study as part of their financial aid package.
Community Work Study Program Basic Eligibility Guidelines:
1. The position must have a direct impact on improving the quality of life in the community.
2. The organization must be a non-profit (501 (c) 3) or public service organization.
3. The student must have a federal work study award.
4. The Student must meet with Volunteer UWF! to complete all necessary hiring forms.
5. The Federal Work Study Off Campus Agreement Form & the Volunteer UWF! Community Work Study Student Paperwork packet must be signed by the eligible organization, student, and Volunteer UWF! Representative in order for the student to participate.
Once you know you have been awarded Work Study through your Financial Aid package, and you want to work Off Campus with your Community Work Study position through Volunteer UWF!, please contact Volunteer UWF! in Career Services at 850-474-2254 or volunteer@uwf.edu to set up your initial appointment.
Can graduate students participate in the Community Work Study Program?
Once you know you have been awarded Work Study through your Financial Aid package, and you want to work Off Campus with your Community Work Study position through Volunteer UWF!, please contact Volunteer UWF! in Career Services at 850-474-2254 or volunteer@uwf.edu to set up your initial appointment.
Possibly and only if they receive financial aid, and work study allotment awards from UWF. Graduate students must request Work Study eligibility consideration from the financial aid office.
How can I get Work Study as part of my financial aid?
The Financial Aid Office (FAO) is located in Building 18. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST, Monday - Friday. The mission of the Financial Aid Office is to help eligible students meet educational costs while attending UWF. Understanding the financial aid process is critical. You probably have many questions about what you can expect and what is expected of you. You will find many of your answers here, and you can get answers to questions through direct interaction with the financial aid staff at UWF.
Once you know you have been awarded Work Study through your Financial Aid package, and you want to work Off Campus with your Community Work Study position through Volunteer UWF!, please contact Volunteer UWF! in Career Services at 850-474-2254 or volunteer@uwf.edu to set up your initial appointment.
Contact the UWF Financial Aid Office at 850-474-2400, check them out online at http://uwf.edu/finaid or email them at finaid@uwf.edu. A Financial Aid Office Representative will guide you through the financial aid application process.
How can I find out if I am eligible for the Community Work Study Program?
**If you are unsure about your eligibility or Work Study award status, please contact the UWF Financial Aid Office at 850-474-2400, check them out online at http://uwf.edu/finaid or email them at finaid@uwf.edu.
I have been awarded Work Study Funding through the Financial Aid Office, but now I don’t know what to do?
If you want to work on campus, please contact the UWF Financial Aid Office at 850-474-2400, check them out online at http://uwf.edu/finaid or email them at finaid@uwf.edu as they handle all on campus assignments.
If you want to work Off Campus with your Community Work Study position through Volunteer UWF!, please contact Volunteer UWF! in Career Services at 850-474-2254 or volunteer@uwf.edu to set up your initial appointment.
First you must decide if you want to work on campus or off campus.
What does my Community Work Study Assignment Sheet outline?
The assignment sheet also breaks down the Hours per week and Hourly rate of pay for your CWS position. This is an average based on the total hours to be completed throughout the semester. Most off-campus Community Work Study Student Assignments are based on $10.00 per hour, hourly rate and average 8-11 hours per week.
Students are not allowed to work more than 8 hours in a day or more than 40 hours in a week.
Awards are available to a limited number of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) working on a first degree.
The average award on-campus award allotment is 10-15 hours /week at $7.25/hour.
Students are paid by direct deposit/check every two weeks based upon the number of hours worked during that period.
The amount awarded each semester is the maximum you may earn during that semester (first day of classes to last day of exams). You will receive a paycheck every two weeks, not a lump sum payment. The hours/week designation after the Federal Work-Study award is only a guide for the student and supervisor. Following those hours precisely may result in under- or over-utilization. Therefore, you are advised to check frequently with your supervisor regarding hours worked and hours remaining in each semester's award.
If your Community Work Study Assignment Sheet outlines a total of $3,480 in Work-Study dollars to be earned, that is the total amount you can earn in a Work Study position, during both the Fall and Spring semesters--$1740 each semester. The Financial Aid Office splits equally the total amount to be earned, each semester.
How much does a Community Work Study position pay?
The assignment sheet also breaks down the Hours per week and Hourly rate of pay for your CWS position. This is an average based on the total hours to be completed throughout the semester. Most off-campus Community Work Study Student Assignments are based on $10.00 per hour, hourly rate and average 8-11 hours per week.
Students are not allowed to work more than 8 hours in a day or more than 40 hours in a week.
Awards are available to a limited number of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) working on a first degree.
Students are paid by direct deposit/check every two weeks based upon the number of hours worked during that period.
The amount awarded each semester is the maximum you may earn during that semester (first day of classes to last day of exams). You will receive a paycheck every two weeks, not a lump sum payment. The hours/week designation after the Federal Work-Study award is only a guide for the student and supervisor. Following those hours precisely may result in under- or over-utilization. Therefore, you are advised to check frequently with your supervisor regarding hours worked and hours remaining in each semester's award.
If your Community Work Study Assignment Sheet outlines a total of $3,480 in Work-Study dollars to be earned, that is the total amount you can earn in a Work Study position, during both the Fall and Spring semesters--$1740 each semester. The Financial Aid Office splits equally the total amount to be earned, each semester.
The average award on-campus award allotment is 10-15 hours /week at $7.25/hour.
Am I assigned to a specific position or to an off-campus agency by Volunteer UWF?
It would probably upset you ("They really thought I would be interested in doing this!"), upset the employer ("You sent us a very shy individual to give presentations?"), and cause misery all around.
Students awarded work study funding, interested in participating in the off-campus Community Work Study program, should schedule an appointment with Volunteer UWF!. We will go over your interests, majors, field of study, and what you would like to do as a career when you graduate. We can even set up phone appointments if you are currently out of town, so you will be ready to start your work when the Fall/Spring semester begins.
Also, students are not limited to volunteering with an agency currently listed in JasonQuest.
No! Given your varying qualifications and schedules, that would be a logistical challenge.
Although Volunteer UWF! does not “place” or “assign” students to a specific non-profit agency or Community Partner, we do assist students with determining interest areas, making academic and major connections, exploring social issues and community needs, as well as locating contact information and information regarding appropriate non-profit agencies.
What types of Community Work Study Positions are available?
Browse our list of social issues and types of community agencies. There is something in almost every area, with almost every type of nonprofit agency.
Far too much of a variety to list here. A quick way to view the types of job postings and agency information is to log in to your JasonQuest account and complete a “Volunteer UWF” job search.
Will I find a job relating to my intended major/career?
Browse our list of social issues and types of community agencies. There is something in almost every area, with almost every type of nonprofit agency.
We encourage students to apply to a position related to their major/career-related interests, field of study, etc. Volunteer UWF! has an extensive off-campus community agency presence to provide more opportunities for students to make intentional decisions about relating their experiences with their academics/major/career choice.
Please contact Volunteer UWF! in Career Services at 850-474-2254 or volunteer@uwf.edu to set up an appointment to discuss your interests.
How do I find a Community Work Study Position?
Although Volunteer UWF! does not “place” or “assign” students to a specific non-profit agency or Community Partner, we do assist students with determining interest areas, making academic and major connections, exploring social issues and community needs, as well as locating contact information and information regarding appropriate non-profit agencies.
Also, students are not limited to volunteering with an agency currently listed in JasonQuest.
Utilize JasonQuest & Visit with Volunteer UWF! to explore your options.
1. Go to the Volunteer UWF! Website (http://uwf.edu/volunteer)
2. Log in to your JasonQuest Account (https://www.myinterfase.com/uwf/student/)
3. Select "Jobs” on the toolbar and then select “Volunteer UWF! Opportunities” from the menu
4. You can also search the Employer Directory in JasonQuest by selecting “Employer Database” on the toolbar and then selecting an appropriate field, such as Social Issue.
When can I begin applying to Community Work Study positions?
As soon as you have award letter from the UWF Financial Aid Office outlining Work Study in your Financial Aid package, contact Volunteer UWF! to get on our list for Off Campus Community Work Study. If uncertain about your eligibility, check your financial aid status through Argus or contact the Financial Aid Office.
Whenever you begin applying for positions, speed is crucial in the job hunt. Imagine an employer posts the job and the same day receives a resume and cover letter addressing their specific position. Very impressive! Also, do not wait to hear from one employer before applying to other positions. While you're waiting to hear from that employer, those other positions are getting filled.
How do I get paid and how often?
Timesheets must be turned in electronically through Argus and the Banner Payroll System to the Volunteer UWF! office on every other Friday by 10AM (unless it is noted as an early processing time)
Also, it is very important that the UWF direct deposit form be filled out as soon as you visit the Volunteer UWF! office, to ensure that you are paid.
You will receive an “earnings record” after each pay week. Please keep track of your hours by checking the “remaining hours” column. You may not work hours beyond your contracted amount or hours beyond the last day of final exams.
Please make sure you fill out your timesheet correctly. Any discrepancies can result in payroll not processing your timesheet and that can result in failure to receive a paycheck. Make sure your supervisor notifies Volunteer UWF! with your hours worked. Without his/her notification, we cannot process your timesheet.
Community Work Study Students must submit bi-weekly Payroll Timesheets for Approval.
It is the CWS Student’s responsibility to pick up your paycheck before your direct deposit takes effect. Paychecks can be picked up on payday Fridays in Building 20 E. You must have your driver’s license and/or nautilus card to be able to pick up and sign for your check.
How do I access my Online Community Work Study Payroll Timesheet?
View and Download the Banner Self Service Time Entry User’s Guide from the Community Work Study Forms Section Below
1. Log in to your Argus Account (http://argus.uwf.edu/)
2. Click on the “My Info” Tab
3. Go To: Banner Self-Service Channel.
4. Select: Access my Time Sheet.
5. Select the payroll date
6. Begin adding your hours
7. When you are ready to submit your hours for approval, click “submit for approval”.
Once hired, do I have to stay in that job?
Conversely, employers are not obligated to keep you employed if you are not performing your job duties.
We do not condone “job hopping”, however, you can leave a job. You want to try to do it on good terms, give two weeks notice, and never take any displeasure out on your job duties. But if you have to quit on short notice, quit. Do not, however, include that 3-day job on your resume or include that supervisor on a list of references (it is highly unlikely you'd get a good reference!).
What happens after the last day of the semester ?
The Community Work Study program year is over. Any Work Study award amount left unearned is gone. Unless you have been awarded an additional allotment for the next semester, you will not be allowed to continue in your CWS position. Any monies remaining at the end of the semester do not carry over into your financial aid for the next program year. You must re-apply.
If I don't work do I have to give the money back?
Since you don't receive the money until you earn it, and you can't earn it without having a Community Work Study job, there is no money to give back. The answer is "no."
I am an On-Campus Work Study Student, but I want to transfer to Off-Campus Community Work Study through Volunteer UWF!…
You will also need to notify the Financial Aid Office that you would like to transfer off-campus to Volunteer UWF!. Volunteer UWF! will work with the Financial Aid Office and your current on campus supervisor to obtain copies of your hiring paperwork.
If you currently are employed on campus, you will also need to provide a letter of resignation to your current employer.
Once you know you have been awarded Work Study through your Financial Aid package, and you want to work Off Campus with your Community Work Study position through Volunteer UWF!, please contact Volunteer UWF! in Career Services at 850-474-2254 or volunteer@uwf.edu to set up your initial appointment.
I am an On-Campus Work Study Student and have questions…
**If you are unsure about your eligibility or Work Study award status, please contact the UWF Financial Aid Office at 850-474-2400, check them out online at http://uwf.edu/finaid or email them at finaid@uwf.edu. The Financial Aid Office handles all on campus work study assignments.