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Some students receive notification that their financial aid package includes a Federal Work Study (FWS) allotment. To know if you are eligible for FWS, you would see it included on your Financial Aid Offer Letter on your Self Service Portal.
What is Federal Work Study (FWS)?
Federal Work-Study is a need-based work program that enables students to earn wages through a variety of job opportunities. Jobs may include being responsible for helping in an administrative office, bringing prospective students on tours, helping out in one of the studios or gallery sitting. There are also FWS off-campus jobs through MassArt’s Center for Art and Community Partnership (CACP). Your FWS award is available to you for one year. You will need to submit a new FAFSA form next year and may be awarded FWS again. Priority deadline for the FAFSA is March 1st of each year.
What if I need help applying for a job?
You can visit Career Development, careerdevelopment@massart.edu, Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm. They are located on the 2nd floor of the Kennedy Building in Student Development. You can also visit ARC Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm . The Academic Resource Center (ARC) and Career Development have student Peer Advisors who are trained to offer you a resume critique and can also help you look for open positions. ARC is located on the 8th floor of Tower. Hiring managers will use Interview Exchange to post available positions for hire or re-hire.
Can I work as many hours as I want?
No. The amount you earn can’t exceed your total Federal Work-Study award. When you are close to reaching your work study award allotment you should submit a service request here. Our office can check to see if you are eligible for additional work study past your original award.
How many hours per week can I work?
Typically students work between 5-10 hours per week in their FWS job.
Do I have to pay back FWS if I don’t use it?
Federal Work study is a type of financial aid that does not have to be paid back, it is not included as aid deducted from your charges. Money earned in the work-study program can be used for any educational and/or personal expenses.
Who do I contact for specific questions regarding FWS?
If you have questions about the paperwork required before beginning your work study job, please contact Brett Wellman, the Student Employment Administrator in Human Resources, bwellman@massart.edu.
For questions regarding FWS eligibility, how to submit your time sheet, and questions regarding TimesheetX, please contact Janice Evans, Senior Financial Aid Counselor, jevans1756@massart.edu.
Any job/position specific questions, when/where to work, scheduling your hours etc. should be directed to your supervisor for your FWS job.