WHAT IS FEDERAL WORK STUDY?

The Federal Work Study Program is a program dedicated to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Work Study provides temporary jobs on campus, allowing students to earn wages to help pay for educational expenses. Most positions enable students to develop practical work experience. Golden West College generally tries to place students in a department related to there course of study. However, Federal Work Study funds are limited and not guaranteed to all students. We award these funds on a first come first served basis. The award depends on several factors including (1) when the student completes the FAFSA, (2) the level of need, and (3) funding available. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible for consideration—priority consideration to those who complete the FAFSA by March 2). There about approximately 100 Federal Work Study positions on campus—apply early, positions fill up fast!

IF I QUALIFY FOR FEDERAL WORK STUDY, WHAT HAPPENS?

Once awarded Federal Work Study, the student is allotted an amount that they can work up to during the academic year. Students employed in a work study position must complete new employee paperwork in personnel services and have referral documents completed with the Financial Aid Office. Additionally, students will need to turn in a time sheet signed by their supervisor for each payroll period. Students will be paid for work performed on the 10th of each month. Students are paid at an hourly rate. For 2005-2006, the wage paid through the Federal Work Study program is $9.355/hr.The Golden West College Federal Work Study program offers on-campus employment only. Students can work up to a maximum of 19 hours a week and need to be enrolled in at least half-time status (6 units) while in the program. The hours allowed to work weekly depends on their total allotted amount. A work schedule agreement is made between the student and the supervisor. One of the benefits to the program is that the student can work around their class schedule. However, they are not allowed to work during class time, even if the class has been canceled for that particular day. The supervisor and student need to keep collective records of the student’s gross earnings.

Once a student has reached there maximum gross earnings they will be terminated from the program. However, students may reapply the following academic year if continuing at Golden West. Since the program is based on financial need, students may continue in the program if they continue to demonstrate need in subsequent years of attendance.

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN!FOLLOW THE STEPS LISTED BELOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID AND DETERMINE YOUR WORK STUDY ELIGIBILITY TODAY:

• Apply for Federal Financial Assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Make sure you indicate Golden West College as the school of attendance. The GWC code is: 001206.
• Applying early is very important to be considered for work-study, due lack of funding. We recommend you file your FAFSA by March 2 for Federal Work Study consideration.
• Follow up with the Golden West College Financial Aid Office and submit the supplemental forms required to complete your file.
• If offered Federal Work Study, you must then accept it and follow up with the Financial Aid Federal Work Study Program Coordinator ( Kathy Suarez , Financial Aid Specialist).
• The Coordinator will assess the basic skills and refer the student to the departments available and/or give them a list of current work-study positions.
• Once a department has been chosen, the Financial Aid Coordinator will set an interview with the supervisor. The work schedule and assignments will be clarified at this point.
• The student will then be referred to human resources to complete the new hiring paperwork.
• Referral documents will need to be signed by student and supervisor in order for the student to begin work.
• When student begins to work, a monthly time card will be sent to the supervisor.

Continued employment will depend on funds available, your performance on the job, and satisfactory academic progress, as defined by Financial Aid standards for academic progress. For further questions regarding the Work-Study Program, please contact Kathy Suarez , Financial Aid Specialist, at ksuarez@gwc.cccd.edu or 714.892.7711 ext. 55110.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL WORK STUDY Under Federal regulations, a student may be selected for employment under the Federal Work-Study Program only if he/she meets all of the following requirements.

Enrolled in a minimum of 6 units.

A U.S. citizen, or in the U.S. for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a permanent resident.

Capable, in the opinion of the institution, of maintaining a good academic standing while employed under the program.

In need of earnings from such employment in order to pursue a course of study at the institution.

In determining a student’s financial need, the Financial Aid Office utilizes the FAFSA form submitted by the student.  The budget includes tuition (if out-of-state), fees, books, supplies, room and board, transportation and personal expenses.  The student’s resources are then subtracted from his/her total budget.  The resulting figure is the total amount of aid for which the student is eligible.