Frequently Asked Questions about Student Employment

1. What is Student Employment?
2. Are there different types of student employment at Edgewood?
3. What is Federal Work-Study (FWS)?
4. Are Federal Work-Study jobs on-campus or off-campus?
5. What is Edgewood Employment (EE)?
6. How much money can I earn?
7. Can I keep the money I make?
8. How many hours can I work and how much can I earn as an International Student?
9. Can I work for more than one department?
10. What should I do if I start a position and do not like it?
11. What if I want to work, but wasn't awarded any student employment?

1. What is Student Employment?

On-campus employment is designed to prepare students for employment after their college graduation, and simultaneously help to defray the cost of education. Our on-campus positions help you to gain transferable skills, such as problem solving and communication, that prospective employers are looking for in their future employees. Keeping this in mind, it is essential for students to dedicate themselves to their position. Remember, you are building the foundation of your future career and many further successes. Valuable skills, networking and references can be gained by on-campus employment.

2. Are there different types of student employment at Edgewood?

Yes, there are two types: Federal Work-Study (FWS) and Edgewood Employment (EE). Your award letter indicates which type you have. If nothing is listed on your award letter, then you have EE. You must be at least half-time standing at Edgewood to be eligible for EE.

3. What is Federal Work-Study (FWS)?

A federally funded program that provides jobs for undergraduate students with financial need. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study. Students are paid monthly, based on the number of hours worked. You must be fulltime status at Edgewood to be eligible for FWS.

4. Are Federal Work-Study jobs on-campus or off-campus?

Both. If you work on campus, you’ll work for your school. If you work off-campus, your employer will usually be a private nonprofit organization that has a contract with Edgewood. Only students with FWS money can work at off-campus student employment sites, which have been arranged through the Financial Aid Office.

5. What is Edgewood Employment (EE)?

An institutionally funded employment program. Students are paid monthly, based on the number of hours worked during the previous month. Student employment jobs for Edgewood Employment recipients must be on campus.

6. How much money can I earn?

Wages for 2007-08 are $7.00/hour for FWS jobs on campus and all EE positions.  You must work to receive the money you are awarded; it is not FREE money.  As indicated on your award letter, you can earn up to $2000 a year.  Any hours worked during the winterim break will count against your semester one or semester two hours, which may cause you to exceed your allocation before the academic year is completed.

7. Can I keep the money I make?

Yes, you will record your hours on a timesheet and be paid monthly via check. Some students apply their FWS or EE money to their bill; others use it for general spending, books, transportation costs, etc.

8. How many hours can I work and how much can I earn as an International Student?

As a full-time International student, you can work a maximum of 20 hours/week each semester if you have a F-1 Visa and earn a maximum of $4000 for the school year.

9. Can I work for more than one department?

Yes, but make sure to communicate with each supervisor the exact hours you are available to work. For example, you could work five hours per week in Food Service and five hours per week in the Admission Office.

10. What should I do if I start a position and do not like it?

First, talk to your supervisor to see if you can remedy the situation together. If not, contact the Financial Aid Office immediately. DO NOT just quit; supervisors count on student employees and it is a tremendous burden on them if you do not show up when scheduled.

11. What if I want to work, but wasn't awarded any student employment?

You can still work on campus, but priority will be given to students who have been awarded student employment.  You can still earn up to $1000 each semester if you have a job on campus.  The Career & Counseling Services Office (DER 206) has listings of non-student employment jobs in Madison.  Most International students are restricted from working off-campus.