University of California, Irvine

Work-Study

Work-study is money that students may earn by working a part time job.

The program allows you to gain work experience and pay for a part of your educational expenses as you earn your award.

Funds for this program come from the federal government as well as The Regents of the University of California and are awarded based on need.

Most jobs are on campus and departments are eager to hire students with work-study awards.

Rather than receiving a check at the beginning of each quarter, students receive their work-study award as earnings from their job in the form of a payroll check.

The work experience gained through this program can be a valuable asset when seeking employment after graduation.

• The work-study program is based on your financial aid eligibility; the amount you may earn is listed on your "My Aid Award" page.
• You must work to receive your funds.
• This award allows you to gain work experience and pay for some of your educational expenses with your bi-weekly paycheck.
• As a work-study recipient you have the choice of obtaining a work-study job either on campus or off campus at a nonprofit agency.
• Work-study employment is only available during the academic year.
• Your award is the maximum amount you can earn, regardless of the number of positions you hold.

• Print a copy of your "My Aid Award" page - this is the official notification of your work-study award amount.
• You should present a copy of your "My Aid Award" page to prospective employers.
• The Career Center, Student Services I, maintains a complete up-to-date listing of work-study jobs and can assist you in locating a position.
• Once you locate a position, complete the necessary paperwork with the hiring department.
• Work the hours as scheduled with your employer.
• You will receive a paycheck every other week for the hours you work.

• Ask your current employer or department if they have work-study positions available.
• Tell the payroll person in your department you have a work-study award.
• Many academic departments and administrative offices have positions available.  If you are interested in a particular area ask if they have work-study jobs available.

• Based on an average three-quarter work-study award of $1,500 at an hourly rate of $8.17 you may work an average of 6.1 hours per week to earn your full award.
• The actual amount of hours worked per week may vary throughout the academic year according to your course load.
• Please use the table below in determining the average number of hours you would need to work each week during the academic year to earn your full work-study award.
• These numbers assume a student will be enrolled for three quarters and will vary depending upon your actual work-study award amount and your actual wage rate.
  

  Award Amount	Hourly Wage Rate	Avg. Hours Per Week
  $1,500	$8.17	6.1
  $2,000	$8.17	8.1

• The first day of the quarter (September 22, 2008) is the first date you may begin your work-study employment for the fall quarter. (If you are a winter transfer student the first day you may begin work is January 2, 2009.)
• Students can work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and can work up to 40 hours per week (the maximum) during vacation periods.
• Hourly rates comply with minimum wage laws and vary depending on the type of work, your experience, and capabilities.
• Work-study awards may not be extended from one academic year to the next.
• Work-study is paid generally (after employment commences) bi-weekly in a check, which is available every other week in the employing department or, by direct deposit to your bank.  Check with your department for specific information.
• Students may not begin working until the hiring department has completed all of the appropriate documents.
• If you are terminated from your position for disciplinary reasons, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships may withdraw your work-study award.