By Tyra Vanriel
Federal Work-Study (FWS) positions are available to students as part of their FAFSA financial aid package and are based on financial need. It allows students to work part-time at the College to pay their expenses and reduce their financial strain. The Office of Financial Aid recommends that students submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 of the academic year they plan to enroll, although submissions may still be considered for work-study after this deadline. Since the work-study is based on budget availability, it is best to complete your FAFSA as soon as possible. If you receive a FWS in your financial aid package, you should first accept the reward offer and complete the terms and conditions in your MyTC Portal.
After this, you are ready to start looking for job postings. It is important to note that although you receive a Federal Work-Study, you are not guaranteed a job; it is your responsibility to find a position. You should visit the Human Resources webpage for current open job opportunities. To navigate available FWS positions at TC, use the job search filter function and click “Federal Work-Study” to narrow your search. The Human Resources office is in Whittier Hall, Room 120, if you want to visit the office in person.
When you apply online for the positions you are interested in, you will be required to submit your resume and/or a cover letter and fill out an application. You may be required to do an interview during the hiring process as well.
Job postings are frequently updated therefore it is important for you to check the listings regularly. On the Human Resources webpage, each position will list job duties, hours, contacts, and application requirements. Keep in mind that the peak hiring season for work-study positions is during the beginning of the Fall semester, between late August and late October. However, some departments also hire students during the Spring semester.
As a TC student you are only authorized to hold FWS positions either at Teachers College or at approved off-campus sites (this does not include jobs at Columbia or Barnard). After you are hired, you will need to fill out onboarding paperwork, which includes the I-9 Employment Eligibility Form. You must also formally accept your job offer and complete the on-boarding steps before your start date.
The Federal Work-Study year runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year, which differs from our TC academic year. If you are a new student starting in the Fall semester, you can begin working after the first day of Fall classes. If you are starting in the Spring semester, you may begin working after the first day of Spring classes.
Some important things to consider include that students are only able to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, but are able to work up to two different work-study positions as long as they are within weekly hour limit and award amount. Currently, Federal Work-Study pays $18 per hour and wages are taxable. In order to get paid, you will be required to complete online timesheets that must be submitted bi-weekly and must be approved by your supervisor. Paychecks are disbursed bi-weekly, and you have the option to receive direct deposit.
I am a student ambassador for the Office of Admission for my current work-study position. Two weeks prior to the start of classes I visited campus to pick up my TC ID and then went to the Third Floor of the 528 Building which is home to the Office of the Registrar, Office of Financial Aid, and Office of Admission, to inquire more about job positions for the work-study I was awarded. I was greeted by two student ambassadors from the Office of Admission, who have since become both my coworkers and good friends. They encouraged me to apply for the student ambassador position since there were still a few openings. They shared their work experience with me and stated that everyone on the team is amazing and the schedule is flexible for students. In terms of the hiring timeline, I applied on August 25 and I received an interview invite on September 5. I received the job offer by the end of that week and began completing the onboarding process and paperwork right away to be ready for my first day of training on September 20. My experience as a student ambassador has been amazing — I love working with everyone on my team because of their tremendous support, humor, and wealth of knowledge. I have learned so much about Teachers College from working at the Office of Admission, which has enriched my student experience. One of the highlights of my position is giving prospective student tours and offering my advice, experience, and encouragement to prospective students of TC.
When you are searching for work-study positions, be sure to apply to positions that will allow you to expand your knowledge and, of course, be open to positions you may not normally apply for. Other important considerations include scheduling flexibility, the hours of operation, job duties, and expectations.
For more detailed information about the Federal Work-Study requirements and eligibility, please visit the Financial Aid web page.