General Award Information

Interview Form (Green Sheet)

Students who have secured FWS employment will need to complete the FWS Interview Form (Green Sheet). Students should meet with their employer on the first class day to obtain the form. This form provides important employment information and must be filled out completely by student and employer before actual work begins.

Employment Period

FWS is available during the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. FWS students are eligible to work beginning with the first day of class through the last day of final exams.

Students who withdraw or drop below half time enrollment (6 credit hours) from the university are no longer eligible for FWS, therefore, must terminate their employment immediately.

Award Amount

Federal Work-Study funds will not be available at the beginning of the semester for payment of fees. FWS award is a part of a student’s total financial aid package. Award amounts vary depending on financial need and other aid received (grants, loans, scholarships). The amount shown on the award notification ($2466 to $4930 per year) is the maximum amount a student can earn. Students can view their FWS award via their myState account (https://my.msstate.edu).  

Hours Work Per Week

The FWS Interview Form will indicate how many hours a student can work (generally 10 to 20 hours per week). This is based on the student's FWS award amount.

Paychecks / Pay Rate

FWS earnings are paid via direct deposit to the student twice per month for hours actually worked. Students are paid at the federal minimum wage rate of $7.25/hour.   

FWS Earnings

What happens if I exhaust my FWS before the semester ends.?

It is important for students to comply with the number of hours indicated on the Interview form to prevent exhausting their FWS before the semester ends. It is the responsibility of the student and the employer to monitor their FWS earnings used. Students cannot earn more than their FWS award. Students who exhaust their FWS award before the semester ends will need to stop working. Employers will not be able to continue to employ a student under the FWS program once their FWS is exhausted. The student will not be allowed to work on the FWS program until the next semester in which FWS is awarded.

What happens if I do not use all my FWS before the semester ends.?

FWS money not used before the end of the semester is not transferable or refundable. FWS funds that are unused do not carry over to the next semester or aid year. These funds may be reallocated to other students who are eligible to participate in the FWS program.

Student's Responsibilities

Each student who accepts a Federal Work-Study (FWS) Award should:

  • Reapply for FWS each year by completing the FAFSA.  March 1 is the priority date.
  • Secure interviews. The FWS office does not assign positions, however, is instrumental in helping students find employment.
  • Report to interviews properly attired and be prepared for any orientation or training that may be required.
  • Complete federal/state hiring/payroll forms along with any required identification documents before beginning work.
  • Be a dependable and prompt employee, work assigned work schedule
  • Report absences in advance when possible. If unable to report to work, contact supervisor immediately with an explanation.
  • Work no more than the number of hours specified each week to insure that the “Maximum Gross Earnings” (listed on the FWS Interview Form) is not exceeded.
  • Terminate employment immediately upon withdrawal from the University.
  • Notify employer within two weeks of  intention to terminate employment.
  • Adhere to work assignments - do not expect to be able to study during work hours.
  • Make every effort to perform assignments in a satisfactory manner.  Failure to perform satisfactorily may result in termination. If terminated, the Student Financial Aid Department is not obligated to find the student other employment.
  • Review job responsibilities and expectations.
  • Do not report to work during scheduled class time. Establish a work schedule that does not conflict with class schedule.
  • Complete time sheets on a daily basis and submit them at the specified time to the appropriate staff (supervisor).
  • Comply with office rules that apply to all employees such as reporting on time, taking only allowed periods for breaks, etc.
  • Enroll and maintain at least 6 credit hours during the semester. Inform employer of failure to maintain the required enrollment levels.
  • Inform employers of any changes in FWS award.

 

Time Sheets Guidelines

Time Sheet Falsification is time recorded on the student’s time sheet that wasn’t actually worked. Falsification of a time sheet is a crime and is grounds for automatic termination and cancellation of FWS.

Forgery is defined as the "making or altering of a false writing with intent to defraud" (e.g. forging your supervisor's signature on your Time Sheet).

Forgery on a time sheet is a crime and is grounds for automatic termination and cancellation of FWS.

Any student who commits forgery and/or falsifies his or her hours worked will be referred to the appropriate campus authority for investigation and possible criminal prosecution.

Students who have been proven to have engaged in such conduct may expect serious consequences, including termination from the Federal Work-Study Program.