STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORK STUDY STUDENTS

STEP 1:  Obtain a Federal Work Study Award
Work study is need-based financial aid. You must first apply for a work study award by applying for Federal Financial Aid.  You must also meet and maintain eligibility requirements

STEP 2:  Understand Your Award
Once you have received an award make sure you understand how a work study award is administered.  Read and understand the Work Study Information and Policy.

STEP 3:  Find a Work Study Job
You must be issued a Job Referral Notice (JRN) by September 30 for Fall semester, or February 15 for Spring semester.  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain his/her own employment.

STEP 4:  Once a JRN Has Been Issued, Begin Working
Your employing department must request a JRN from the Work Study Coordinator (faws@sa.utah.edu).  You will receive notification by email when the JRN has been issued.  You must begin working within the first 30 days of the JRN authorization period.  All notifications regarding your FWS employment will be sent to your UMail account.

STEP 5:  Verify your Work Study Status
It is the student’s responsibility to verify his/her status as a work study employee.  After you receive your first paycheck contact the Work Study Coordinator (faws@sa.utah.edu) to verify your status.  Your award will be cancelled if the wages you receive are not properly documented as work study wages. 

STEP 6:  Follow the FWS Employment Policies and Regulations
Your award may be cancelled for failure to follow the FWS employment policies.  It is the student’s responsibility to retain his/her own award by understanding and following ALL policies.  Common problem areas that may cause cancellation of the award are: not having a valid JRN, not beginning to work, not verifying your work study status, not receiving a regular paycheck, and not maintaining SAT standards.

STEP 7:  Monitor Your Financial Aid File and UMail Regularly
Your work study status is subject to change at any time.  It is important that you check your financial aid file regularly.  An email should be sent to you each time there is a change to your file.  Also, pay particular attention to email notifications that are specific to your work study status.  Be proactive.  Contact the Work Study Coordinator (faws@sa.utah.edu) regarding any questions or concerns you may have.