Work-Study Program: Student Information
- 2023-2024 Work-Study Payroll Schedule
- Log on to the Financial Aid Portal
- Instructions for Entering Time on Workday (Desktop)
- Instructions for Entering Time on Workday (App)
- Student Employee Handbook
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many students participate in Work-Study?
Approximately 800 students participate in the Work-Study program during the 23-24 academic year.
What kinds of positions are available?
Through the Work-Study program, students may work for departments such as Athletics, the Office of Admissions, Dining Services, the Student Health Center, the University Library, the University Store, and the Office of Financial Aid. Students may also work in community-service positions at organizations off campus.
What are the pay rates for the 23-24 academic year?
Pay rates for Work-Study positions vary based on the position's grade, which is determined by the job description. Pay rates are as follows:
| Position Grade | Hourly Pay Rate |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 | $12.00 |
| Grade 2 | $12.50 |
| Grade 3 | $13.00 |
|
Grade X |
$13.50 |
| Law Students | $14.00 |
| Dining Services | $17.10 |
How many hours can a student work? What is the average number of hours worked?
Students generally work between 5 to 7 hours per week. Domestic students may not work more than 29 hours per week during the academic year, and International students may not work more than 20 hours during the academic year. The following is the average number of hours students should work per week in order to earn the full amount of their award before the end of the academic year:
| Position Grade | Average Hours/Week |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 7.14 |
| Grade 2 | 6.85 |
| Grade 3 | 6.59 |
| Grade X | 6.35 |
| Law Students | 8.93 |
| Dining Services | 5.01 |
Are students able to earn the full amount awarded to them for Work-Study?
Students who exhibit strong time management skills and take advantage of every week during which they can work are typically able to earn the full amount awarded to them for Work-Study.
What happens if a student earns the full amount awarded to them for Work-Study before the school year ends?
If a student has earned the full amount awarded to them for Work-Study in their financial aid package before the end of the academic year, the student must stop working.
How do I receive my pay?
While students are allowed to receive their earnings via paper checks, they are strongly encouraged to set up direct deposit in Workday to receive the pay. Students enrolled in direct deposit will have their earnings deposited directly into their checking or savings account. Work-Study students are paid biweekly.
Do Work-Study earnings get taxed?
Yes. Work-Study earnings are taxed based on how the student fills out their tax elections in Workday.
When does a student apply for positions? What is the hiring timeline?
The application process for the Work-Study program opens mid-June, and it closes end of July. Once students have been hired into a position, they will receive communication from Student Employment. The student will receive directions on how to complete onboarding and I-9 verification in order to become eligible to start working on the first day of classes.
Can students have more than one Work-Study position?
With the exception of those working as University Ambassadors for the Office of Admissions or OIE Ambassadors for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Student Engagement, students are not allowed to have more than one Work-Study position during the academic year.
Can I switch Work-Study positions during the academic year?
Students are able to switch Work-Study positions at the end of the fall term on a case-by-case basis.
Can a student work one semester and not the other?
Students are allowed to work only one semester out of the academic year if desired. Students who are interested in working only during one semester should reach out to Miranda Edwards at studentemployment@wlu.edu.
Can students work during breaks?
Students may work during all breaks during the academic year with the exception of Winter Break.
Do I have to keep the same Work-Study position all 4 years?
No. Students will have the opportunity to find a new Work-Study position for the upcoming academic year during the month of March.
Who should students contact to determine if they qualify for Work-Study?
Students may contact Miranda Edwards at studentemployment@wlu.edu to see if they qualify for the Work-Study program.