Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a job guaranteed?
- Where do I find timesheets?
- Why didn’t I get paid?
- What if I turn my timesheet in a little late?
- How often do I get paid and when?
- Who determines the pay rate?
- How do I get a raise?
- Do I have to work during vacation or finals?
- Can I have more than one job?
- If I have more than one job, can I work one job through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program and the other through "Cash"?
- How many hours per week can I work?
- What about spring term?
- Is FWS guaranteed every year?
Is a job guaranteed? No, it is not. New students with FWS eligibility must arrange an interview with the supervisor listed on the Job Referral Notice you receive. It is the supervisor's decision whether to hire you.
For returning students, the Work-Study Eligibility Postcard indicates FWS status. If you have already arranged a job, your supervisor will hire you by completing an online Student Hiring Form. If you haven't yet found a position, contact the Office of Financial Aid, use your other campus network, or check the Campus Bulletin Board on Susquehanna’s Web site under Employment Opportunities to find an opening.
Where do I find timesheets? After your supervisor has completed and submitted the Student Hiring Form, the financial aid staff will create a corresponding record in the student employment database. Web Time Entry will automatically create timesheets. To access your timesheets, log on to WebSU using your network username and password.
Why didn't I get paid? There could be several reasons:
- Did you fill out your W-4 and I-9 forms with the Office of Financial Aid? Federal regulations require that these forms be completed before you can be officially hired and paid. This is only necessary once during your SU career.
- Was your timesheet record submitted and approved by the deadline? Late timesheets are processed with the next pay period.
What if I turn my timesheet in just a little late? If you miss the deadline for submitting the timesheet, you will need to contact the human resources/payroll office or the Timesheet Administrator.
How often do I get paid? And when? Students are paid every two weeks. You can reference the Pay Schedule for specific dates.
Who determines the pay rate? Your supervisor assigns a rate based on the classification of the job, required job skills and your previous experience. You will earn at least the Pennsylvania state minimum wage, which is currently $7.15 per hour.
How do I get a raise? You may receive a pay raise at the start of the next academic year, but raises are not automatic and are given at the supervisor's discretion.
Do I have to work during vacations or finals? You are not expected to work during term vacations or breaks. However, during mid-term and final exams, as well as fraternity and sorority recruitment, you will be expected to maintain your regular work schedule unless you make other arrangements with your supervisor.
Can I have more than one job? Yes. If you are a Federal Work-Study student, keep in mind that you are not guaranteed payment beyond your maximum award. Please notify your supervisors that you are working elsewhere so that they can plan how many hours they can expect from you over the course of the term or the year.
If I have more than one job, can I work one job through the FWS Program and the other through "Cash"? No. If you are a FWS student, then you must be paid through FWS for all of your jobs.
How many hours per week can I work? You may work as few or as many hours as you and your supervisor schedule. However, if you are a FWS student, keep in mind that your total earnings cannot exceed the amount of your FWS award in your most recent Financial Aid Award letter which you can view on line at WebSU.
What about the spring semester? If you are keeping the same job that you had in the fall, you do not need to do anything except arrange your spring work schedule with your supervisor.
If you have a new job in the spring, or any time you get a new job, your new supervisor will need to submit a completed an online Student Hiring Form. A job will then be created in the WebSU Time Entry System.
Is FWS guaranteed every year? No. You are awarded FWS based on financial need as determined yearly. You must complete your financial aid application on-time every year and continue to show eligibility for FWS.