Work Study Administration
172 Schmitz, Box 355882
Seattle, WA 98195-5882
Phone: (206) 685-1985
Fax: (206) 685-1338
E-mail: uworkstu@u.washington.edu
Off-Campus Work Study, offered through the federal and state Work Study programs, gives students an opportunity for part-time, off-campus employment while attending school. Under this program, the employer pays between 20 and 35 percent of the student's wages; the rest is subsidized by federal or state funds. This program allows qualifying organizations the opportunity to employ undergraduate and graduate students at reduced costs, thereby providing eligible students with an income to help meet their educational costs, reinforce their educational and career goals, and provide a service to the community. Work Study students present employers a pool of diverse, talented and enthusiastic workers.
A successful Work Study experience should provide the student the opportunity for:
Off-campus employers interested in participating in the Work Study Program will be required to submit a Job Description form to the Work Study Office at the University.
Students will be able to view your job descriptions on our website or in the Work Study office. Therefore, the job description is very important, as it is the first contact potential student employees have with the employer. It is up to you to state the requirements and duties of the job clearly, to describe the educational benefits the student can expect to gain from this work experience, and to make the job as interesting as possible in order to attract applicants.
Students may begin applying for Work Study positions in mid-September. Work Study is a self-referral process, by which the student is responsible for securing his or her own job. Eligible students will contact the employer directly for an interview. Student applicants will provide a Job Referral Form (JRF) signed by a Work Study Office representative verifying the student's eligibility. The JRF indicates the amount and duration of the student's Work Study award as well as the terms and conditions of the award. When you have hired a student, complete the employer section of the JRF and return it to our office. Be sure to indicate the job number on the JRF so our office will know for which position the student has been hired.
During the interview, the student should be informed of the kinds of work required by the position and the expectations of the employer. The employer should be informed of the student's ability, interest, and expectations about the position. Employers are encouraged to conduct a student employee performance evaluation. An evaluation is an excellent communication tool and a valuable learning experience.
Under the Off-Campus Program, the employing organization will initially pay 100% of the student's wages. The employer then submits UW Off-Campus Time Sheets (provided after the student is hired) to the Work Study Office to request reimbursement. Wages paid in accordance with Work Study guidelines are eligible for reimbursement of 65-80 percent of gross wages. Students must be paid for all hours worked.
Work Study awards are made on an academic year basis, and employers are encouraged to schedule the student's work hours so that the funds will be earned over the entire period of the award.
Employers are responsible for monitoring the student's work hours so that the total gross earnings do not exceed the amount of the student's award. Employers will not be reimbursed for earnings that exceed the award or otherwise do not qualify for Work Study reimbursement. The Office of Student Financial Aid periodically reviews each student's continued eligibility for Work Study. Employers will be notified of any student hired whose eligibility is canceled, and any wages earned after notification will not be reimbursed. Time sheets for the academic year will not be accepted for reimbursement after June 30.
U.S. Federal Government Agencies: Students will pick up and submit their time sheets to the Work Study Office. The University pays the students directly and the U.W. General Accounting Office will then bill the agency for 25 percent of eligible Work Study wages plus any other employer costs. Agencies will be billed 100 percent of ineligible Work Study wages.
Summer Work Study allows eligible students to earn income to help meet their educational expenses for the upcoming academic year. Generally, the Summer Work Study program provides full-time employment to qualified students who are not enrolled for the summer quarter. Employers who can offer full-time positions during the entire summer Work Study period (see below) are encouraged to participate. If you are unable to offer full-time hours and may be interested in hiring a student who is attending summer session, a part-time position may be submitted (for a maximum of 19 hours/week during summer school).
Employers interested in participating should complete the enclosed Job Description Form and direct it to our office. The sooner we receive the job description, the better chance students will contact you. The Work Study Office will list approved Summer Job Descriptions beginning June 10. Eligible students will contact you directly regarding your position.
The Summer Work Study program begins July 1st and ends the day before the start of the Fall Quarter.
Profit-seeking business entities are potentially eligible to employ students under the State Work Study Program. Non-profit organizations who may not be offering community services but who can provide career or major-related experience for the student employee may also qualify.
Employers interested in participating in the State Work Study Program will be required to submit a Job Description form and a signed Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB)Employer Contract. The signed contract should be sent directly to the HECB, or may be returned to the Work Study Office at the address above.
Send your completed UW Job Description form as an email attachment to: uworkstu@u.washington.edu
Upon approval, a copy of the job description will be returned to you with a job number assigned and the reimbursement rate indicated. You will receive a separate approval from the HECB regarding your Employer Contract. Please Note: The Higher Education Coordinating Board should have sent continuing employers a Contract Renewal for the current academic year. If you did not receive one, please contact them at (360) 753-7842.
Additional information is available on the HECB State Work Study website.
Public or private non-profit entities that provide health, education, public safety, disability support, welfare or social services to the local community may qualify to participate in the Federal Community Service Work Study Program. Eligible community service jobs include positions such as tutors, mentors, counselors, public health care aides, youth worker/coaches, or other positions designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals.
The Off-Campus Agreement and Job Description will serve as the application to participate in the Federal Community Service Work Study program at the University of Washington. With the Agreement, you may send a brochure or other information that will support identification of your organization as Community Service qualified.
Please sign and submit the completed Off-Campus Agreement to the Work Study Office.Send the completed Job Description as an email attachment to uworkstu@u.washington.edu
Upon approval, a copy of the job description will be returned to you with a job number assigned. A copy of the Off-Campus Agreement will also be returned to you after all signatures are acquired. Please Note: If you did not participate in the program during the last academic year, you will need to sign and return another Off-Campus Agreement.
U.S. federal government agencies interested in participating in the Work Study Program will be required to submit a Job Description form and a signed Agency Agreement. Please mail the signed Agency Agreement to the Work Study Office at the address above.
The completed Job Description should be sent as an email attachment to uworkstu@u.washington.edu.
Upon approval, a copy of the job description will be returned to you with a job number assigned. A copy of the Agency Agreement will also be returned to you after all signatures are acquired.
Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to the Work Study Office.