Your offer of financial aid may include a workstudy award. The
following “frequently asked questions” will help you
understand what a workstudy award is, how to find a job, wages,
employment requirements, etc.
| “What is college workstudy?” |
| |
College workstudy is a student assistance program,
which provides part-time employment for students. The earnings
can be used to help pay educational expenses. Both on campus
and off campus positions are available. Off campus positions
are in areas of community service including the America Reads
program, a reading tutor position in local elementary schools. |
 |
| “How do I apply?” |
| |
To be considered for workstudy, a student must
complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
for the current award year. On the FAFSA, you should answer
“YES” to the question asking if you are interested
in Workstudy. The information submitted on this application
is analyzed to determine whether you are eligible for workstudy.
Once the financial aid office has determined your eligibility
you will have it listed with your other federal/state funding
If you are not awarded workstudy, there could be several reasons:
a) You did not request workstudy on the FAFSA; b) You are
ineligible for workstudy funds; or c) We have exhausted our
workstudy funds and haven’t any more money to award
to students. In this case, you may ask to be put on a waiting
list in case more funds become available. Earliest applicants
are considered first, so, if you are eligible, filing your
FAFSA before March 1 will allow you the best opportunity for
this award.
|
|
| “How do I find a job?” |
| |
You can access the MSU-Billings website at. http://www.msubillings.edu/workstudy/
and view active jobs. You may then contact the employer if you
are interested in an interview for a particular job |
|
| "I've been hired! Now what do I do?" |
| First of all, congratulations! Now you need to: |
|
Pick up a Workstudy Authorization form from the
Financial Aid Office – First Floor of McMullen Hall, Room
103. |
|
Have your new supervisor and the fund controller
(unless they are the same person) complete the bottom portion;
return the form to the Financial Aid office promptly. You may
not start working until the form is returned. |
|
Go to the Human Resource Office located in McMullen
310 to fill out necessary paperwork. Be sure to bring with you: |
| |
a. |
A driver's license or picture I.D. |
| |
b. |
Original Social Security Card. |
| |
c. |
If you do not have one or both of these items, ask the Human
Resources Office personnel for information on other acceptable
forms of identification. |
|
| "How much does a workstudy job pay?" |
| |
Workstudy hourly pay range is between $6.15 -
$10.00. This however depends on duties, level of responsibility,
etc. Usually wage is about $7.00 per hour. |
|
| "How do I get paid?" |
| |
In order to get paid, you must fill out a timesheet
at http://www.msubillings.edu/technology/forms/ and turn it
in to the Payroll Office (McMullen 309) or the Financial Aid
office (McMullen 103). It is important that you turn in your
timesheet every pay period if you worked at that time. You will
be paid every two weeks (on a Friday) provided you have: |
| |
|
Worked during the two week pay period for which paychecks
are issued; |
| |
|
Completed all necessary paperwork in the Human Resources Office
(McMullen Hall Room 310); |
| |
|
Turned in a complete timesheet including your signature, supervisor’s
signature, department and index code. Timesheets must be in
the Payroll office or the Financial Aid office by 5:00 PM on
the Monday following the Friday payday. |
|
| "Does 'workstudy' mean I get to go
to work and get paid to study?" |
| |
No, ‘workstudy’ means you have an
opportunity to work to help with your school expenses. |
|
| "Can I work more than one workstudy
job?" |
| |
You can work as many jobs as you want to--as long
as you fill out a new Authorization form for each job and inform
your supervisors that you are working in different areas. |
|
| "Can I quit my workstudy job?" |
| |
Yes. Please notify your supervisor and the Workstudy
Coordinator in the Financial Aid office. |
|
| "Can I LOSE my workstudy eligibility?" |
| |
Yes. Please read the guidelines regarding Satisfactory
Academic Progress requirements online at www.msubillings.edu/finaid/SAP.htm.
Failure to meet these requirements will result in the loss of
financial aid eligibility. It is YOUR responsibility to notify your supervisor that you are ineligible for workstudy. |
|
| "If I earn all of the workstudy I
was awarded, can I request more?" |
| Yes, and we will be happy to award you additional
funds to earn, provided we have funds to give you and you are
eligible for additional funds. |
|
| "How many hours a week can I work?" |
| |
You may work up to 20 hours/week. You cannot be paid over-time for workstudy hours. Remember, your first
priority is your schoolwork! |
|
| "What are the advantages of having
a workstudy job?" |
|
Workstudy jobs give you experience and references,
which you can list on your resume. Also, it provides valuable
professional contacts and networking opportunities in your chosen
field. |
|
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Please contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
at (406) 657-2188 if you have any additional questions. |
