Work Study/Student Employment

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

The Student Employment Office (SEO) staff has prepared this brochure to familiarize student supervisors and student workers with the procedures of our Academic Year and Summer Work-Study Programs. This information should be helpful to supervisors, students who are beginning their employment, and those who are currently employed. The SEO staff is available to assist in clarifying information contained in this guide.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the SEO is to match students with jobs that will enable them to learn and practice valuable work-related skills and help to meet educational and personal expenses at Fordham University.

Student employment is more than a job. It is an experience that involves a commitment and an involvement with the Fordham community that is valued by faculty, staff, and students. This hands-on work experience provides a well-rounded education for the student, and also establishes a foundation upon which future job endeavors can be built.

DURATION OF PROGRAMS

Academic Year Program (part-time) begins the first day of classes and ends on Commencement (part-time 10 to 15 hours per week)
Summer Program (full-time) begins the Wednesday before Commencement and
ends the day before Fall classes begin.(full-time 35 hours per week)

Advantages
Eligibility
Guidelines
Student Worker Responsibilities
Supervisor Responsibilities

Advantages

When you decide to participate in the program, you sign a statement agreeing to use Work-Study earnings solely for educational expenses. Educational expenses go beyond tuition and fees. These funds can be utilized to defray other expenses, such as books and supplies or travel expenses. Work-Study earnings are based on the number of hours worked, and are paid directly to the student. These earnings are not credited to your tuition.

A Work-Study job can be enjoyable and profitable even when it is not directly related to your field of study. By being employed, you will have an introduction to understanding the dynamics of the working world. In addition, you will acquire new responsibilities, expand your job interests and develop interpersonal skills. Supervisors are also instrumental in assisting students to establish good work habits and values through the student employment experience.

Our staff wants to help you make the most of your Work-Study job. Do not hesitate to ask for guidance or to offer any suggestions on how we may better serve you.

Entering freshmen please note: In July, Federal Work Study recipients will receive a letter and factsheet. Review factsheet and schedule an interview.

Eligibility

The Student Employment Office is part of Student Financial Services. Work-Study is awarded as part of your financial aid package. Therefore, to be eligible for a position, students must file the FAFSA form, which is available on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Since funds are limited, please file early.

Once financial eligibility has been established, students are interviewed for job placement by the SEO. An attempt is made to take into consideration the student’s interests and abilities as well as the needs of the various University departments.

Priority is given to Work-Study grant recipients; however, all matriculated students have an opportunity to seek employment. Students are considered for employment throughout the year. They should comply with the financial aid criteria and also file a job application as an alternate through the SEO. Alternate applicants will be considered for placement on the basis of financial need, skills, and availability of jobs.

In addition to on-campus positions, students are encouraged to participate in community service programs funded through Work-Study. Our Literacy/Math Tutoring Program offers students jobs tutoring children from Pre-K - 6th grade in reading and math. The SEO will provide assistance to eligible students interested in securing jobs that benefit the community.

Guidelines

Both supervisors and student workers should abide by the guidelines and procedures established by SEO. Please consult the “Instructions for Hiring Students” and the guidelines for completing student worker time sheets which are sent to all departments.

The average Work-Study student spends 10 to 15 hours per week on the job during the academic year. Students may only work the number of hours per week indicated on the Job Authorization Form.

Students are not permitted to begin work prior to their job placement interview and/or without obtaining proper documentation from SEO. Supervisors are not authorized to hire any students without necessary paperwork. As soon as the Authorization Form is completed and returned, the student may begin to work.

The hours worked are verified and tabulated by supervisors. These hours are submitted to the SEO in accordance with the student worker Payroll Collection Calendar located on our website. The SEO verifiesand authorizes payment of wages. Monthly paychecks are mailed directly to the address indicated on the University’s Student Information System.

Problematic situations: address student(s) immediately, allow reasonable time for work/behavior modification; document in writing and advise SEO of situation/progress.
If no improvement after second verbal contact, relay to student in writing, copy SEO and send student to SEO for review of the matter.

Student Responsibilities

Appropriate dress is required.
Maintain confidentiality of Office.
Report to work promptly as scheduled.
Notify your supervisor when you will be late or unable to work.Refrain from conducting personal business on the job, e.g. course assignments and other personal work.
Responsible for accurate reporting of actual hours worked on the timesheet.
Maintain open lines of communication with your supervisor and relay any irreconcilable issues to the SEO.
Provide employer with at least two weeks notice of resignation and email SEO reason and last day worked.
Take your job seriously and perform your task to the best of your ability. The work experience you gain is valuable.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Clearly explain responsibilities of the position, performance expectations and work schedule during the job interview.
Establish work schedule with student.
Provide the training and supervision necessary for adequate job performance.
Responsible for knowing the exact hours worked by the employee and accountable for validation of actual days and hours worked on the timesheet.
Ensure students do not work during their scheduled class hours.
Responsible for accurate submission of timesheets on payroll due dates.
Monitor student earnings to ensure grant limit is not exceeded.
Designate backup staff to oversee and submit payroll in your absence.
Responsible for dealing directly with a student’s work-related problems.

Our staff wants to help you make the most of your work-study job. Do not hesitate to ask for guidance or to offer any suggestions on how we may better serve you. Our primary office is located at the Rose Hill campus in Thebaud Hall, Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. We are also located at the Lincoln Center campus but the office hours are by appointment only.

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