What is Work Study?
Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally subsidized program designed to give part-time employment to undergraduate and graduate students who need the income to help meet the costs of post secondary education. Work Study jobs can complement your educational program or career goals. You will also gain relevant work experience in a business setting.

How do I apply for Work Study?
Work Study is a campus based program co-administered by the
Financial Aid Office and the MU Career Center. To apply for Work Study, you need to:

What if my file says INCOMPLETE?
Your financial aid folder must have a "complete" status before you can get an on-line work study referral. If your status shows "incomplete," go to myZou to check the status of your application.

After I am notified of eligibility from Financial Aid, how do I obtain a job?
To obtain a job for the Fall/Winter Semesters, you may search the datbase on the web in our office or at any computer with web access. Once a position is decided upon, you will need to print out a job referral form. This referral will contain contact information. You will need to take this to your worksite the first week of class or within two days of receiving the referral.

Is a job referral a guaranteed job?
A referral is not a guaranteed job. You should expect that you may be interviewed as this is a real job. If you need help preparing for an interview, the MU Career Center can work with you. If after an initial interview you are not hired or decline to take the position, you may return to the office for a new referral.

Since it is called Work Study, does that mean I can study on the job?
The name is misleading. FWS jobs are not any different than any other student jobs on campus. There are required tasks to be completed as designated by the employer. It is important to view the work study job as a "real job" in which the employer requires work in exchange for wages.

What is a community service-work study job?
Seven percent of the Federal Work Study Program monies are allocated to Community Service positions. Community Service is defined as services which are identified by an institution of higher education, through formal or informal consulation with local nonprofit, governmental, and community based organizations, as designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low income individuals, or to solve particular problems related to their needs. An emphasis is placed on direct services. Some jobs are located off campus and would require transportation. Fields which could qualify as community service include health care, education, welfare, social services, transportation, public safety, recreation, rural development, and community improvement.

Can I work more than one Work Study job?
No. Only one work study job is allowed.

Is it possible to get additional Work Study money?
Requests for additional Work Study money are reviewed by Financial Aid Counselors and granted on a case-by-case basis depending on the availability of funds. Direct your questions regarding the status of your financial aid package to the Financial Aid Office, 11 Jesse Hall, or call 882-7506.

How will I be paid?
Work Study students are placed on University of Missouri payroll and are paid by direct deposit every other week. Work study earnings are not credited to your account, they can be used in any way you like to meet expenses.

What should I bring to my job on the first day?
When reporting to your contact person for the first time, there are several things that are important to take. You need to make sure you take two forms of identification (drivers license or student ID (picture ID) and your social security card). Also, you will need to take the referral form that you will receive from the world wide web. In some cases, you will receive an application to be filled out before you report to your contact person.

Do all Work Study positions pay the same?
No. The hourly wage rate is determined by the department. The rates selected by the departments reflect degree of training, proficiency, and skill required for the position. Award amount has no bearing on wage rate selected by the employer. Issues regarding pay increase and number of hours worked per week should be discussed with your supervisor.

How do I get my referral form?
You may print out your referral form from our office in Student Success Center or from any computer with web access. You will need your PawPrint and password to gain access.