Work Study vs. Non-Work Study Jobs
Both work study and non-work study programs are administered through the
UWSP Student Involvement and Employment Office.
Federal Work Study
A federally funded program for students with demonstrated financial need.
Students must complete and return a FASFA each year (applications become
available each January at the Financial Aid Office) to be considered for the
program.
For the most part, all on-campus positions (with the exception of food
service, UC maintenance, and UWSP phonathon callers) may use eligible Work Study
students. Additionally, off-campus, non-profit agencies may submit a request for
Work Study students to work at their place of employment. All employers pay a
portion of the student wages and the federal government pays a portion.
If you are a non-profit agency interested in learning more about the Work
Study Program simply email us at
mmiller@uwsp.edu and we will send you additional
information.
Non-Work Study Jobs
These positions total over half of all the positions on-campus and almost
100% of off campus positions. Employers pay 100% of the student wages through
this program.
Both employment programs offer great opportunities for campus and community
employers to hire exceptional UWSP students!
What is work
Study?
Work Study is a federally funded program for students with demonstrated
financial need. Students must complete and return a FAFSA each year
(applications become available each January at the Financial Aid Office) to be
considered for the program. The only real difference between Work Study and any
other job is how a job is funded (The employer pays a portion and the federal
government pays a portion).
Should I Use My Work Study?
Many students debate whether or not to take advantage of
this program. Most freshmen are awarded $1400 for the academic year. At the UWSP
campus minimum wage of $7.25/hr; this amounts to only 5 hours a week. This money
is often used by students as "spending" money to pay for phone bills, laundry,
and an occasional pizza. Students are also concerned about their ability to
manage school and work. National studies have been done that indicate students
who work less than 20 hours per week, on campus do as well as (if not better)
academically than their non-working peers. At UWSP, we believe having a
part-time position, on-campus for less than 10 hours a week, provides students
with another means to make a connection to campus, meet new people, and to earn
a few dollars.
How Does Using
Work Study Benefit Me?
Not only
will you get paid every two weeks, but your earnings very well may help your
financial aid "picture" for the following academic year. All earnings are
considered when applying for financial aid. However, Work Study funds are
removed from the equation when it comes time to determine your financial aid
package. In a nutshell, your earnings "appear" to be less and thus you may
qualify for more aid. Using your Work Study also allows you to apply for jobs
that are not always available to all students. Some departments are only able to
hire Work Study students. Getting these jobs as a freshman is often seen as very
beneficial!
Work Study guarantees me a
job, right?
Work Study provides funding for jobs; it does not
guarantee that a student will get a job. Most employers ask that you complete an
application form and/or participate in an interview process. Many times these
interviews can be conducted over the phone. Again, the staff at the Student
Involvement and Employment Office is available to assist you.
Where can I use Work Study?
For the most part, all on-campus positions (with the exception of UWSP
Phonathon callers) may use Work Study. Additionally, you may use your Work Study
for approved off-campus, non-profit agencies.
What kind of jobs are
available?
The list is nearly
endless for Work Study opportunities! Students work in almost every area on
campus and in many off-campus locations. Jobs range from:
- Clerical
- Desk attendants
- Office staff
- Instructional
- Lab Assistants
- Tutors
- Faculty Assistants
- Labor
- Trail Maintenance
- Custodial
- Grounds Crew
- Technical
- Computer Labs
- Graphic Design
- A variety of other positions are also available.
How do I check my Work Study
balance?
- Log into Quest
- Select the PROFILE menu tab
- After your name and address fields you will see your Work Study Award,
earnings, and remaining balance.
Where can I use
it?
You can use your Work Study award almost anywhere on campus (with the
exception of positions that focus on fundraising). You can also use your award
at off-campus, non-profit locations. UWSP frequently partners with the YMCA,
Boys and Girls Club (Portage County and Wausau), Golden Sands RC&D, and the
Humane Society of Portage County. If you are aware of a non-profit (that works
in the interest of the community) that would like to partner you with the
University, contact SIEO for details.
What are the benefits?
For the employer, the most apparent benefit is a cost benefit! Campus
employers pay between 25-30% of the student wages (up to the student's award
amount), with the Work Study Program paying the remainder of the wage. Students
will be paid every two weeks, just like students on the regular payroll. The
only difference between the two payrolls is how they are funded.
Money
Matters
So, my earnings get attached
directly to my bill, right?
Not
so! Students will receive a check (through Direct Deposit) every two weeks for
the amount of time they worked the previous two weeks. It is up to you how you
spend the money. You can apply it directly to your bill, use it to pay your
phone bill, or buy everyone on your floor pizza!
How much will I be paid?
This depends on the job. The UWSP campus minimum
wage is $7.25/hour.
What happens
if I go over my Work Study award?
It is your responsibility to keep track of your
Work Study earnings so you do not go over your award amount. Many employers are
unable to continue to employ students if they exceed their Work Study award. For
more information about the Federal Work Study program and financial aid, visit
the UWSP Office of Student Financial Aid web site.
How
do I find a Job?
What happens if I don' t use all my
Work Study award?
Any unused
Work Study funds revert back to the University. Funds also cannot be carried
over from an academic year to the next term. USE IT OR LOSE IT!
How can I find a job during Summer
Orientation?
Make sure to stop by the Student
Involvement and Employment Office (don't worry, you will get a tour of campus)
and meet with one of our trained staff members. We will help you identify open
positions, provide you with contact names and numbers, and help answer any
questions you might have.
How can I find a job once classes have
started?
Once you have registered for classes, you are
eligible to log on to our online job search program, QUEST, and look for jobs.
Once you are in the system, you will complete a profile and indicate the type of
jobs you are interested in. From that point, you will receive e-mail alerts each
time a new job is posted. This site is limited to UWSP students and only Work
Study eligible students can view Work Study positions. Or, you can visit the
Student Involvement and Employment Office and we can help you
out.
Since it's called 'Work
Study', that means I get paid to study, right?
No. The term "Work Study" describes the nature of
the program. Students have an opportunity to work so that they may continue
their studies at the University.