The FWS program regulations stipulate that up to 75% of a student's earnings will be paid by the federal government, with the remaining 25% paid by the employer. The employer's share of the student's earnings may be derived from whatever sources are available to the employer, including federal funds earmarked for student employment.

Students may be paid for a maximum of forty (40) hours per week; however, it is suggested that students work an average of twenty (20) during the academic year. No overtime is paid through the FWS program.

To qualify for FWS, a student must have received a financial aid award that includes FWS employment eligibility. Since FWS awards are based on need, the student must apply through the normal financial aid application process.

The application process requires the student to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and indicate an interest in student employment. The Office of Financial Assistance utilizes this form to establish the student's eligibility for assistance. If it is determined that the student demonstrates need, s(he) may be awarded a financial aid package that includes FWS employment eligibility with a preset earning limit. To ensure consideration for all aid, the student should apply by the priority deadline set by the Office of Financial Assistance & Veterans Affairs.

Once a student has accepted a FWS award, s(he) may begin the process of job placement.

The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer. In order to insure equal access of jobs to all eligible students, employers are to list their FWS positions with the Career Center.

Off-Campus Federal Work Study

Off-campus agencies are eligible to participate in the FWS program. Any agency wishing to participate in this program must sign a contract specifying all provisions to be adhered to prior to students being employed. The off-campus agency is responsible for reimbursing the College for 30.6% of the student's wages. Off-campus employers are also responsible for an additional 7.65% for students subject to FICA tax (students enrolled in less than 6 credit hours). Therefore, an agency may be responsible for up to 38.25% of the student's total earnings. Mutual agreement of the agency and the Office of Financial Assistance & Veterans Affairs may allow the contract to be renewed each year. New contracts are sent during the summer preceding the academic year in which employment will take place.

Community Service Work Study

Community Service related employment is available to students who are eligible for FWS. These positions must involve activities designed to improve the quality of life for community residents.

For off-campus positions, the organization will be required to pay:

• 0% of the earnings for reading, mathematics and adult literacy tutors
• 10% of the earnings (plus workman's compensation) for students performing community service activities OR
• 25% of the earnings (plus workman's compensation) for students performing all other duties.

Cancellation of a Student's Federal Work Study (FWS) Award

During the term of employment, the student and the employing department may receive a notice from the Office of Financial Assistance that the student's FWS award has been cancelled.

Cancellations of work-study employment may occur for either of the following reasons:

Should award cancellation, due to one of the above reasons, occur to a student in your department, the cancellation notice from the Office of Financial Assistance will not specify the reason cancellation has occurred. To do so would violate the confidentiality accorded a student by the Office of Financial Assistance. You should consult the student for a specific explanation of the cancellation.

The student will be allowed to work the duration of the semester on FWS before the termination goes into effect. The SEAF will reflect an effective termination date that corresponds with the last date of the semester