Students

ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

Federal Work-Study, and Non-Federal Work Study FAQs

(For Incoming AND Returning Students)


Index

FAQs

What is federal work-study? How do I apply? How is it awarded?
Federal Work-Study is a program that allows students to work on-campus, part-time while completing their studies. Many students are awarded work-study as part of their Financial Aid package, based on their needs as indicated in the FAFSA. Students have the option to either accept or decline Federal Work-Study when accepting their financial aid package. At NYU, the each hiring department must cover 25% of the student's pay, while the government compensates for the other 75% (more about this can be found below). Please be aware that the Wasserman center does NOT control Federal Work-Study distribution at NYU. For more information on Federal Work-Study, how to apply, or to find out if you're eligible:

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So, I was just awarded $3000 in Federal Work-Study as part of my financial aid package for this academic year, when and how will I receive the $3000?
Well first, you must understand that the award amount is NOT guaranteed, you must first find and secure an On-Campus Work-Study position. Available positions can be searched for on NYU CareerNet, a free job search database offered by The Wasserman Center for Career Development. If you have not yet activated your NYU CareerNet account or have questions about the site, please go here: http://www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment/careernet_info.php.

Either before, or after you've been hired, you MUST complete a few documents to verify your enrollment, citizenship, and tax information. Students that have worked previously On-Campus must complete a Reappointment form to verify enrollment and they have previously filed the I-9 and W-4. The necessary forms can be found here: http://www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment/students/oncampus.php.

Now that you've got that down, you must understand that it is very unlikely that you'll receive a lump-sum amount (unless of course you find a job on-campus that offers a stipend instead of hourly pay, which is definitely possible). Most positions on-campus pay by the hour, so the $3000 that you were awarded, is the maximum that you can earn with the government paying 75% of your pay and the NYU department that you're working for paying the remaining 25%. Once you've earned, or are close to earning your maximum award amount, you and your supervisor will likely discuss and choose to do one of the following:

  • Reduce your hours (so that you don't exceed the max. award amount)
  • Reduce your pay (again, so you don't exceed the max. award amount)
  • Allow you to continue working your normal hours, at your normal rate, but once you've reached your maximum award amount, the NYU department you're working for paying would begin covering 100% of your pay (instead of the 25% required with Work-Study)
  • Petition to an NYU Financial Aid Advisor to increase your award amount
  • End your employment temporarily, until the following academic year when Federal Work-Study funds are replenished (please note, Federal Work-Study funds are not guaranteed each year - so if you received it as part of your Financial Aid package this academic year, it may or may not be offered the following academic year).

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If I've been awarded Federal Work-Study funds, will the money I earn be credited towards my NYU bill?
Federal Work-Study funds are not credited towards your NYU bill, instead you will receive a bi-weekly check based on your hourly pay (or stipend in some cases). Some students then choose to use their earnings to make payments on their NYU bill, purchase books, meals, or cover day-to-day expenses.

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What exactly is NYU CareerNet?
NYU CareerNet is The Wasserman Center for Career Development's online job database. The database houses current On-Campus positions (both Federal and non-Federal Work-Study), Off-Campus positions, and internship opportunities. The Wasserman Center does not write the job postings, but instead the listings are submitted by individual employers. It is therefore your responsibility to contact and/or follow-up with the specific employers for more information or details regarding specific listings. If an employer's contact information isn't listed in the posting, we are not authorized to disclose it.

Please note that each job listed on the NYU CareerNet site is reviewed and approved by the Wasserman Center staff before it is made available for viewing on the site, and we do our best to reject the spam and illegitimate job listings that we receive, however mistakes do occur. If you come across what appears to be an illegitimate job posting, please contact us immediately at 212-998-4730.

For more information, how-to's, and guidelines on NYU CareerNet, please visit: http://www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment/careernet_info.php

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I'm not having any luck finding a job through NYU CareerNet, what else can I do?
While NYU CareerNet lists many available positions On-Campus, it is NOT the only way to find and secure employment. We encourage all students interested in working On-Campus to call, email, or visit NYU employers of interest to see if they have any openings available. Examples of people you may want to reach out to include: professors, department administrators, the library, bookstore, NYU athletics, etc.

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I've been hired, so how do I get paid?
NYU Payroll operates on a bi-weekly pay system. Paychecks are sent from Payroll to each department or supervisor every other Friday. Most supervisors distribute checks to their Student Employees, however you should ask your supervisor for specifics on your check's location.

If you'd like you may opt to enroll in NYU Payroll's direct deposit system. Please be aware that NYU Payroll's direct deposit enrollment is separate from the NYU Bursar's tuition reimbursement direct deposit enrollment. To enroll in direct deposit through NYU Payroll, please go here: http://www.nyu.edu/financial.services/cdv/p

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I just started working, how soon before I receive my first paycheck?
Once you've completed the appropriate forms at the Student Employment office, you will be given the original Student Employment Form, for your records, and a copy, for your supervisor. It is extremely important that you give the copy to your supervisor as soon as possible, because it contains vital information that they'll need to enter you into NYU's Payroll system. From the time that your supervisor submits your paperwork for processing, it generally takes 4-6 weeks before you receive your first check.

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I wasn't offered Federal Work-Study this year, am I still eligible to work On-Campus?
No Federal Work-Study funds? No problem! Most NYU departments have budgets set aside each academic year specifically for hiring and paying Student Employees, both with and without Federal Work-Study funds. When looking for available Non-Federal positions on the NYU CareerNet site, we recommend that you use the search tools to filter your results to only show "Non-Federal Work-Study."

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I wasn't offered Federal Work-Study so I may as well just find a part-time job Off-Campus, wouldn't it be the same as working On-Campus?
You could definitely find a position off campus, however you should keep in mind that working On-Campus at NYU offers many benefits, such as:

  • No travel time: most On-Campus jobs are within 10 minutes of classes and Residence Halls
  • Flexibility: On-Campus employers understand and recognize that your studies are your #1 priority and will work with you to allow time off or schedule changes on short-notice
  • Secure and 100% legal pay: You don't have to worry about scams or any other issues that students and novice employees often face
  • Little to no experience is required: NYU On-Campus Employers know that many students have never been employed before and offer plenty of training and instruction
  • Resume building & solid references: NYU On-Campus Employers often make great references for internships and post-graduate opportunities. Your On-Campus job at NYU is also a great resume builder.

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I'm having a hard time finding an On-Campus job. Is there any help available?
There is help available, however it is ultimately up to you to find and secure an On-Campus job. Many On-Campus jobs require a resume, cover letter, and often an interview.

The Wasserman Center for Career Development has Career Counselors on staff who can help you develop and perfect your resume, cover letter, and/or interviewing skills. Students may use their NYU CareerNet accounts to schedule a 30-minute appointment to meet with a Career Counselor. To login or activate your NYU CareerNet account, please go here: http://www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment/careernet_info.php

If you have a quick career-related question or just need a simple resume or cover letter review, drop by and meet with one of our Career Counselors for a 5-minute walk-in. No appointment necessary! Walk-in hours can be found here: http://www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment/hours.php

If you do not have a resume and/or cover letter, it is a good idea to create one BEFORE meeting with a Career Counselor. For samples and guidelines, please go here: http://www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment/students/resumes.php

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I'm a freshman and I don't have any prior work experience. How easy will it be to secure a position? Do you have any suggestions?
NYU Employers understand that many incoming freshman most likely don't have prior work experience, and therefore will offer you the necessary skills and instruction for the given job. Jobs are NOT guaranteed, however if you're proactive, have read through the FAQs and the links mentioned to supplement your job search, you will likely find and secure an On-Campus position with ease.

We do recommend visiting and picking up paper job applications from Bobst Library, Coles Athletic Facility, Palladium Athletic Facility, and the NYU Bookstore. The four aforementioned places typically hire on a rolling basis throughout the year, and generally do NOT list all of their available positions on the NYU CareerNet site.

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What types of jobs are available On-Campus?
NYU has an array of On-Campus jobs available, such as: administrative assistants, photo imaging technicians, IT techs, phone surveyors, housing resource center assistants, tutors, research assistants, newspaper reporters, medical assistants, gym personnel, sales, etc.

For a listing of current positions, please visit NYU CareerNet: http://www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment/careernet_info.php

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I've found a part-time job/internship Off-Campus and the employer said that I can use my Federal Work-Study funds towards my pay. How can I go about doing this?
Unfortunately Federal Work-Study funds distributed at NYU can ONLY be used for On-Campus positions, with the exception of America Reads (which is an On-Campus position that provides tutoring positions "Off-Campus"). Your Off-Campus Employer will have to pay you from their individual funds and cannot use your Federal Work-Study funds.

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How much do most On-Campus jobs pay by the hour?
On-Campus job hourly salaries vary based on a number of factors, including: the hiring department's budget, the student's number of hours worked, the student's current Federal Work-Study funds, etc. On the low end of the spectrum, On-Campus jobs pay a minimum of $7.25, which is the current NY State minimum. On average, most On-Campus positions pay $8-15. On the higher end of the spectrum, for a many Graduate and Doctoral students, pay can reach up to $40+/hour.

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Am I allowed to hold more than 1 On-Campus job?
You may hold as many On-Campus jobs as you'd like, however you must be aware that there is a maximum of 20 hours combined, that you are permitted to work when classes are in session. See the following question for details.

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You mentioned that On-Campus jobs are part-time. How many hours can I work per week?
When classes are in session (i.e. during the Fall and Spring semesters) you may work up to 20 hours per week. When classes aren't in session (i.e. Winter break, Spring Break, and Summer Break) you may work up to 35 hours per week, which is the standard NYU Full-Time work week. If you have more than one position On-Campus, your total hours worked per week must not exceed 20 when classes are in session and no more than 35 during term breaks.

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I've been hired for the first time. I'm completing the I-9 form and I do NOT have my passport or any other documents here On-Campus with me, they're all back home. Is it ok if I have my parents email or fax a copy for me to bring to the Student Employment Office?
Unfortunately we do NOT accept any copies. By law we are required to see original, signed, unexpired documents in person when completing our portion of the I-9.

Per the I-9 instructions, you must bring in original, signed, unexpired documents. You may bring either a single item from column A of the I-9 instructions OR bring in one (1) item from column B AND one (1) item from column C.

Keep in mind that the I-9 must be completed within 3 business days of your start date, so if you do not have the documents handy within that time frame, you cannot work. If you're an incoming student that's interested in working On-Campus, and have not yet left home to attend NYU, we recommend that you pack up one or two of your documents to bring to campus with you.

If you've already been hired, are currently on campus, but your documents are back home with your family, you will have to somehow obtain those documents and bring them into our office within 3 business days of beginning employment. We often recommend having someone back home send them securely overnight or via express mail. Often parents and students worry about sending these documents, however there's no need to worry, as most legal documents, such as your passport and Social Security Card, are first received by their owners via mail.

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I've worked On-Campus before. Do I need to redo the I-9 and W-4 forms?
If you've worked On-Campus before, you do NOT need to redo the I-9. You do have to redo the W-4 if it's been over a year since you've worked On-Campus or if you've made changes since the last time you completed the form. For the forms and for more information: http://www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment/students/oncampus.php

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I'm an international student, I've been hired, but I don't have a Social Security Number. What should I do?
Step-by-step instructions for applying for your Social Security Number can be found here on our site: http://www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment/students/oncampus3_initial_nossc.php

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Are there On-Campus job opportunities available while studying abroad? If so, am I able to use my Federal Work-Study funds while studying abroad?
Yes and yes! There are On-Campus job opportunities abroad. Some On-Campus abroad opportunities are listed on the NYU CareerNet site, however the majority of the On-Campus jobs abroad will be announced once you arrive at your abroad study site. For more details, you may contact the NYU Study Abroad office: http://www.nyu.edu/admissions/study-abroad.html.

Once hired at your abroad site, you will work with the HR coordinator on site to process the appropriate work forms. If you have Federal Work-Study funds, the HR coordinator will take the necessary steps to compensate you using your award.

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