Work-Study

Work-study (also known as campus employment) represents money that a student can expect to earn working at a job on-campus.  The amount of work-study offered to a student in his/her financial aid package is based on demonstrated financial need.  

Earning Your Work-Study:

• Work-study is not paid in advance.  Income is earned via a bi-weekly paycheck based on the number of hours worked and the position salary.
• Work-study does not affect the bill directly. 
• Income earned via a work-study job should be applied toward expenses.
• A student may earn more (or less) than the dollar amount awarded to him/her.  If the student earns less than the amount awarded, the difference would increase the expected family contribution.
• To allow fellow students the opportunity to gain employment, it is expected that a student will only obtain one campus job per semester. 
• For the first two weeks of the academic year, students awarded federal work-study as part of their financial aid package are given first priority in hiring.  After the first two weeks, preference continues to be given to federal work-study eligible students, although some positions require specialized skills.
• The student and hiring department should negotiate work hours.  In addition, it is the responsibility of the hiring department to complete all employment paperwork.  

Incoming Students:

• The Financial Aid Office provides incoming students with guidance as to where they can seek employment.  Students are notified via email.  Those offered federal work-study are given priority notification.  All other students receiving non-federal work-study are notified thereafter.  Typically, the notification process begins the week of orientation and continues into the first week of class.  
• After a student receives notification of a position opening, it is up to him/her to contact the supervisor(s) to schedule an interview. 
• If the student does not wish to interview for the position suggested, he/she can pursue other opportunities independently. 

Upperclass Students:

• At the present time, upperclass students must take the initiative to find employment.  Many students approach offices or professors with whom they are familiar. 
• Departments often advertise student employment opportunities.  Students can access this information by joining the "Student Job Postings" community available via their online "My Hamilton" account.
• Positions are also announced via various campus listservs.
• Availability of campus employment opportunities change frequently throughout the semester. 

Outside Scholarship Impact:

• Students who receive outside scholarship(s) will have the amount of their work-study reduced or eliminated based on the amount of outside scholarship received.  Loan and/or Hamilton College Scholarship could also be impacted.