What is Student Employment?
The Student Employment Program provides the opportunity for students to earn money while gaining work experience. It can provide some regular monthly income to help offset educational expenses and reduce loan debt. Students gain valuable job experience and an opportunity to evaluate their program of study and career goals. Work Study is not a grant; you must work to earn it.
There are several types of Work Study:
- The Federal and State program is available to financial aid-eligible students. Jobs are located both on and off campus. Work Study is a need-based financial aid award. You must apply and be determined eligible for financial aid to receive work study. Funding is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who are not offered work study as part of their original financial aid package may elect to be placed on a wait list.
- Institutional student employment is for students who are not eligible through financial aid but are paid through department budgets for special skills needed by the department.
- Athletic work study is awarded to athletes through the Athletic Department. Check with your coach to see if you are eligible.
- International work study is limited to international students. This type of work study employment is on-campus only and must be authorized through the International Student Office.
How do I get Work Study?
Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), answering YES to the question that you are interested in work study. If you are offered Work Study, you will receive an award notification from the Financial Aid Office and an invitation to attend Student Employee Orientation via email from the Student Employment Office.
How do I accept my Work Study offer?
Work Study is awarded in offered status and the status can only be updated by the Student Employment Office.
The Student Employment Office will update the award status to "Accepted" after you have attended Student Employee Orientation, secured a Work Study job and submitted all required paperwork to the Student Employment Office. Your award is subject to cancellation if you fail to accept your award within 3 weeks of awarding.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you have attended Student Employee Orientation and turned in all required documents to the Student Employment Office, you will receive an SFCC Work Study Certificate of Eligibility for (COE). This form contains information about your award and how many hours you may work per week. The COE must be signed by the supervisor and returned to the Student Employment Office. At the time you submit your COE, please bring in valid, original forms of identification to fill out the Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9).
Pay Rates
The pay rates for each assigned job will be based on student's award (Federal, State, International, etc.) combined with the position will be working in. This is accomplished in accordance with our district policy, along with federal and state regulations.
Work Study Waitlist
If you were not yet awarded Federal or State Work Study and would like to be placed on the Work Study Waitlist, please complete the Work Study Waitlist Form. The Student Employment Office will award eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis. FAFSA or WASFA on file is required. If you have any questions, contact the Student Employment Office at sfcc.studentemployment@sfcc.spokane.edu.