Frequently Asked Questions, Federal Work-Study, Barry University, Miami, Florida

In order to be eligible for Federal Work-Study, you must demonstrate financial need, be a full-time, degree-seeking student (enrolled in least 12 credit-hours per semester), and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You must apply for financial aid and be awarded Federal Work-Study (FWS) as part of the financial aid package. To apply, you should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office or on the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov . If you demonstrate financial need as a result of filing the FAFSA, Federal Work-Study may be awarded.

Returning students must maintain satisfactory academic progress while employed in the program (complete 24-credits per academic year with a minimum cumulative grade point average, GPA, of 2.0) and not be in default on any Federal Title IV or state student loan program.

Can my FWS award change during the academic year?

Yes, the Federal Work-Study amount is subject to change if you receive additional resources, such as an outside scholarship or grant. When your Federal Work-Study award changes, a new Payroll Authorization Form will be printed and submitted to your supervisor. Both you and your supervisor will need to sign it and return it to the Financial Aid Office.

What is FWS Community Service?

The Federal Higher Education Act requires that a certain percentage of Federal Work-Study students be employed in community service positions. Community service is defined as services designed to improve the quality of life for the community residents, particularly low-income individuals, or to solve particular problems related to their needs. These services include such fields as health care, child care, literacy training, counseling, education (including tutorial services), welfare, social services, transportation, housing and neighborhood improvement, public safety, crime prevention and control, recreation, rural development, and community improvement. Employing an FWS student in these positions serves the needs of the community and gives the FWS student an enriching and rewarding experience.

What is the FWS/America Reads Program?

The America Reads program was initiated in 1997 to help raise the level of literacy of American children. As an FWS student, you can be placed as a reading or math tutor for preschool-age children or children in elementary schools, your community center, or in your family literacy or after-school program. Each student must complete a four-hour paid training session before being placed into one of the local programs. Students can work between 15-20 hours a week tutoring reading in a kindergarten through third grade setting at an approved America Reads community site.

What is the Academy for Better Communities?

The Academy for Better Communities in Miami Beach is a private, non-profit organization that offers hands-on programs to the community. Students will gain experience in working and serving the community in different projects, such as coordinating public and professional development training as well as working with individuals with disabilities and under-served populations.

What if I don't earn the amount that I have been awarded in FWS?

Any portion of your award that remains unearned at the end of the academic year will be forfeited, as it cannot be transferred to a subsequent award period.

How do I find a job?

Before you apply for a job you should look through the Job Opportunities List in order to find one that meets your interests. By filling out the Federal Work-Study Job Application, you inform the Financial Aid Office of your skills, interests, and preferred job placement. We try to place students in their first choice job; however, this is not always possible. Students are placed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those students who submit their documents (complete & accurate) are given their job assignment first.

Can FWS be credited automatically toward my tuition or other university charges?

No, money awarded under the Federal Work-Study program is actually earned (in the form of a paycheck) over the course of the academic year. The FWS serves to provide students with an opportunity to help pay for their educational expenses.

What is the pay rate, and how many hours may I work?

Pay rates are based primarily on the level of skill and experience required to perform the job. For returning students, the quality of job performance and the length of time you have been in the same position are also taken into consideration. Each department establishes a job classification based on skills required while performing that particular job. Based on the established job classification, the starting rates at which you can be compensated are $6.67 for minimum required skills, $6.75 for medium required skills, and $7.00 for maximum required skills.

The pay rate for America Reads Tutor/Academy for Better Communities is $8.00.

All student employees sign and submit a Payroll Authorization Form that indicates the number of hours you are permitted to work per week. You must NOT exceed these hours unless making up missed hours from a previous week within the current pay period. Students are strictly prohibited from working more than 20 hours per week while enrolled in courses.

How often do I get paid and how do I receive my paycheck?

Student paychecks are available and may be picked up on payday (refer to the Payroll Calendar) in the Office of Student Account Services located in Adrian Hall, Room 112. Paychecks cannot be picked up in advance of payday. Checks will be given only to the payee. You must show your student I.D.

Prior to Winter Break and Summer, you should inform the Financial Aid Office of the mailing address to which you would like your checks sent.

Do I need to complete any forms prior to receiving my paychecks?

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) and present ORIGINAL documents. You must present EITHER one original document that establishes both employment authorization and identity OR one original document that establishes identity AND a separate original document that establishes employment authorization.

You must also complete IRS Form W-4. This form tells the Payroll Office how much federal income tax you would like withheld from your pay. If you need assistance in completing the W-4 form, contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-1040 or check the Internet at www.irs.gov .

Upon receipt of the completed job application, the Federal I-9 Form and IRS Form W-4, the Federal Student Work-Study Coordinator will issue you a Payroll Authorization Form (PAF). The PAF indicates the department in which you have been placed, the name of your supervisor, and your pay rate. You must pick up a new PAF in the Financial Aid Office at the beginning of each academic year and anytime that you decide to change departments . Once hired, you MUST notify the Financial Aid Office by returning your signed Payroll Authorization Form (PAF) PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF WORK. Students may NOT work prior to submitting the PAF to the Financial Aid Office.

Can I work more than 20 hours a week?

No, all student employees have signed and submitted a Payroll Authorization Form that indicates the number of hours they are permitted to work per week. You must NOT exceed these hours unless making up missed hours from a previous week within the current pay period. Students are strictly prohibited from working more than 20 hours per week while enrolled in courses. If you submit a timesheet that indicate more than 20 work hours in one week will NOT be paid for the excess hours.

May I work in more than one FWS job on campus?

What is the Payroll Authorization Form (PAF)?

The PAF form is used by the Financial Aid Office for all the students who participate in the FWS program. The form provides the name of your supervisor, your award for the year, your number of eligible hours to work, and your pay rate. You are responsible for picking up the form from the Financial Aid Office, getting it signed by your supervisor and returning it to the Financial Aid Office before the first day of work.

Can my work-study check be deposited directly into my bank account?

Yes, you would need to fill out a direct deposit form in order for your earnings to be transferred to your bank account.

May I change jobs during the middle of the semester?

No, students are expected to stay in the same department for the entire academic year. Changes are only made during the first two weeks of each term.

Whom should I contact if I have additional questions?

If you need further information, please feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office, which is located in Kelley House.

Barry University
Kelley House
11300 NE Second Ave.
Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
305-899-3673

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday

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