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Information for Federal Work Study (FWS) Employers

Mt. SAC offers a variety of opportunities for part-time student employment. On-campus employment provides a practical way for students to earn money, gain valuable work experience, and learn valuable time management skills.  Students are hired as student workers at the current minimum wage mandated by the state of California and may be assigned to a variety of locations throughout the campus engaged in a variety of assignments from working in the library, campus safety, academic department offices,  and student services programs to name a few.  Eligible employers/supervisors include full-time Mt. SAC staff and Faculty (excluding adjuncts).

    • What is Federal Work Study (FWS)?
      The Federal Work Study (FWS) program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money while pursuing their education. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study. Since FWS is federally funded, students must meet eligibility criteria.  Please note, FWS cannot replace a classified position. 
    • Why should I hire a FWS student?
      • It’s free! Hiring FWS students does not cost your department anything.
      • Ability to mentor our future workforce.
      • Provide students access to on-campus jobs.
      • Provide students valuable work experience.
    • How does a student become eligible for FWS?
      To qualify for FWS, students must:
    • How does the FWS cycle work?

      FWS follows the academic year.  It starts every fall term and ends on June 30th.   There is no FWS in July.

      The Financial Aid Department will mass award all eligible students between late July to early August.  Eligible students will receive an email and a message in their student portal that they have been awarded. There is limited funding and FWS will be offered on a first-come first-served basis.  Students must accept their award in their student portal. Any unclaimed FWS will be cancelled and offered to additional students on the waiting list.

      Students who were not awarded by August can inquire with the Financial Aid Department to be placed on the waiting list.

      Students who had a FWS job in a prior year do not automatically qualify again.  Students must complete all steps to get FWS each year.

    • Where do I start if I am interested in hiring a FWS student?

      All Mt. SAC supervisors who wish to hire a FWS student must complete orientation yearly (orientation is also highly recommended for all department managers/deans).  Your job posting will not be approved until our office has confirmed that you have completed orientation.

      After reviewing the following videos (and accompanying slides) complete the FWS Orientation Acknowledgment form to verify your completion of required supervisor orientation.

      VIDEOS
      SLIDES

      FWS Flow Chart

FWS Employer/Supervisor Responsibilities

Aside from supervising your student as you would an employee working for you, your responsibilities include:
  • Completing yearly orientation.
  • Posting and closing your FWS job positions.
  • Monitoring your students’ hours so they do not earn more than their FWS award.
    • Any earnings worked outside the terms of the FWS contract is your department’s responsibility.
  • Reviewing and approving student time cards.
  • Providing training so students receive meaningful work experience.
  • Serving as a mentor to support the student’s professional development.
  • Informing the Financial Aid Office of terminated students or students that no longer wish to work.

How many hours may students work?

FWS students are limited to:
  • No more than 20 hours per week.
    • Exception: students may work up to 40 hours per week during the small-time frame between the end of Spring term and June 30th. There is no FWS in July.
  • No more than 8 hours per day.
  • No more than 5 days per week.
  • FWS students are not allowed to work overtime.

Click here for the rest and meal period guidelines.

How much can students earn?*

Position Hourly Wage Max Hours Per Week
Student Assistant I $18/hr 20 hrs/week maximum
Student Assistant II $18.75/hr 20 hrs/week maximum
Student Assistant III $19/hr 20 hrs/week maximum
Student Assistant IV $19.25/hr 20 hrs/week maximum
Student Assistant V $19.50/hr 20 hrs/week maximum

*Above rates are effective as of 1/1/2024 and are subject to change.

Resources for FWS Employers/Supervisors

How to Guides for FWS Employers/Supervisors

FAQs

 

REQUIRED Supervisor Orientation 

Quick Links

Questions?  We are here to help!

Helpful Contacts