Eligibility for Work Study
Our work-study program is available for you if you have received a work-study award on your financial aid letter. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact or call the financial aid office at (605) 995-2656.
Purpose of the Work-Study Program
Through this program, we are able to provide convenient employment opportunities to students with financial need.
The positions in this program also provide a great way to gain experience and knowledge to help you prepare for your future career.
Benefits of the Work-Study Program
Students who work a moderate number of hours per week on campus are proven to perform better academically.
This financial aid award is not a loan you must pay back—you earn it, and you get to use it as you want.
You get the convenience of working on campus, often between classes and with your fellow students.
Frequently Asked Work-Study Questions
How do I know if I am eligible for the work-study program?
If you are eligible for the work-study program, it will be on your financial aid award letter. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, please contact the financial aid office at (605) 995-2656.
Please note that even if you are eligible, it does not guarantee a work-study position on campus. To earn this award you will need to:
- secure a position and
- work an average of six hours per week.
Some students may have conflicts with academic and/or athletic schedules, other part-time employment, or other commitments.
I am not eligible for the work-study program, but I still want to participate. What do I do?
Make an appointment with the financial aid office to talk about restructuring your financial aid package. There are no guarantees, but in some cases, your eligibility can be negotiated.
I am eligible for the work-study program, but do not wish to participate. What do I do?
If you are eligible for the work-study program but do not wish to participate, please contact the financial aid office via email to Mary Alexander stating that you do not wish to participate in work study. The award will then be removed from your current award package.
I am eligible for the work-study program and I want to participate—now, how do I find a job?
Log into TigerNet for a complete job listing. All jobs will be posted on August 1 for the coming academic year. For any open position, students should contact the position supervisor for the departmental hiring process.
Once I have found a job, how do I get started?
The financial aid office will provide you with a contract for you and your supervisor to sign. The original will remain in your employee file in the office.
Along with the signed contract, you will also need to submit the following forms:
- A completed Confidentiality Agreement
- A W-4 Income Tax Withholding Form
- An I-9 Immigration Form
Unfortunately, you may not begin working until all four of these documents are on file. The I-9 form is used to verify your identity, and so you will need up to two forms of identification to complete the form as well. You can find a list of acceptable forms of identification on the I-9 form. Just be sure to bring the original document(s) with you when you submit your paperwork. Copies of those identification documents will not be accepted. All forms are available on TigerNet. Forms must be submitted in person to the financial fid office.
How much will I earn, and how do I get paid?
Workers are paid $9.55 per hour starting wage. Your total earnings are limited to the amount listed on your financial aid award letter. During the month, you keep track of hours worked on a timesheet and at the end of each month, your supervisor will review the timesheet. Upon approval, you will both sign the sheet and submit it to the business office by the 5th of each month.
On the 15th of the following month, a check will be distributed to the your campus mailbox. Late timesheets will be paid a month later.
Please note that your award amount is the maximum amount that you may earn. The total amount you actually earn is determined by how many hours you work. To earn your maximum award, you will need to work an average of five hours per week.
Questions?
Just give us a call at (605) 995-2656 or contact us online.