Student Employment FAQ's

Federal Work Study is a program that provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for expenses while attending.

Every academic year each student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal work-study (FWS). The results of this application are reviewed by the UTHSC Financial Aid Office to determine student eligibility. Talk with your financial aid counselor if you have questions.

A Federal Work-Study award CANNOT be used to pay tuition and fees because this money is not paid "upfront." Students are paid an hourly wage each pay period for the number of hours they work based on timesheets submitted and approved by the appropriate department to the University payroll system.

• New hires, once you have determined eligibility please make sure to complete all required FWS paperwork and submit for review. 
• All re-hires, once you have determined re-eligibility, please submit an up-to-date checklist approval form for each new academic year. The checklist form must be approved before you continue working each year after July 1^st.

You may work up to 20 hours a week during scheduled weeks of class, and up to 40 hours a week during times of university calendar scheduled breaks from class. Student’s cannot work more than 8 hours per day. A break must be taken after 6 consecutive work hours.

You are automatically considered ineligible to receive payment of FWS funds should any of the following occur:

1. You have been paid up to the full amount of your FWS award amount. Work with your supervisor to ensure your scheduled hours compliment your federal work study award.
2. You stop attending UTHSC
3. You graduate from UTHSC

Remember: employment is automatically terminated at the end of your program's academic year. You must reapply for the next academic year.

Students are paid bi-weekly at the hourly rate for which they are hired. Checks are issued every pay period and direct deposited into a bank account in accordance with the information provided in the student packet at time of hire.

Pay rates:

• On Campus $10/hr
• Off campus $12/hr

Timesheets are due every other Monday by 12:00 pm aligned with the pay period calendar. Timesheets must be approved by the supervisor before the time will be processed by Payroll. Failure to submit by deadline will delay pay to next pay period.