Frequently Asked Questions for Students
What is the definition of a student employee?
A student employee is anyone employed by the University of Michigan whose primary purpose for being at the University is to obtain an education.
Any individual employed in a temporary position who is also enrolled at least half-time (some exceptions apply to dissertation students and graduating seniors) is presumed to be primarily a student and will be considered a student employee, unless facts clearly indicate otherwise. Student employee status is not affected during periods of typical non-enrollment, such as breaks between consecutive terms or during the Spring/Summer term, regardless of hours worked.
What is Work-Study?
Work-Study is a financial aid program for students with financial need. Students earn the Work-Study funds by performing part-time work for employers who qualify for the program under federal or state guidelines. These employers pay only a percentage of the student's wages, while the federal or state government pays the remaining amount. To receive Work-Study, students must:
Students who qualify for the Work-Study program will have "Federal Work-Study" listed on the Award Notice (students view their Office of Financial Aid Award Notices on Wolverine Access). If you do not have Work-Study, you do not qualify for Work-Study job listings and you may only apply for the non-Work-Study jobs listed in this site.
Do I have to work, or will I simply receive a check for my Work-Study?
Work-Study resources must be earned in qualifying Work-Study jobs; you will not automatically receive a check for the awarded amount.
Because I have been awarded Work-Study, am I guaranteed Work-Study employment?
No, it is your responsibility to find a Work-Study job, by searching through jobs on this web site, then contacting employers and arranging interviews. Receiving Work-Study does not guarantee you will be hired in a Work-Study job.
How many hours should I work?
Most students work between 15-20 hours per week. While there is no federal regulation limiting the number of hours worked, we encourage practices that limit a student to no more than 29 hours per week.
Can I have more than one Work-Study position?
Yes, students can hold more than one Work-Study job, however, combined hours worked cannot exceed 29 hours per week.
Does my paycheck go directly to my student account?
No, paychecks go directly to you either by a check mailed to you or by direct deposit to your bank account (you must complete a Direct Deposit Authorization Form for this convenient service). It is up to you to apply the Work-Study earnings to your student account, if you wish.
Will I be paid minimum wage for any job that I accept?
Yes, positions without tips will pay at least minimum wage or more. Students working at positions where tips are earned can expect their combined wages and tips to exceed minimum wage.
Will I be expected to repay my Work-Study award to the federal government?
No, the only type of financial aid that has to be repaid is loans.
Can I be hired as a Work-Study student without a Work-Study award?
No, students have to apply for financial aid and demonstrate financial need to be awarded a Work-Study award as part of a financial aid package.
Can my temporary position at the mall be converted to a Work-Study position?
No, Work-Study is only for approved non-profit agencies.
What happens if I do not earn all of my Work-Study award?
Nothing; you will not be penalized for not earning all of your award.
What happens if I earn all of my Work-Study award before the end of an academic period?
You cannot exceed your award amount. Once you have earned your maximum Work-Study award amount, you must stop working as a Work-Study student. You may then apply for a temporary (non-Work-Study) position.
I am an international student. Can I get a job and work while I'm attending the university?
Official authorization is required before students with F-1 and J-1 visas can work. More information about the U.S. regulations regarding employment for international students is available on the U-M International Center website.
How quickly must I cash my paychecks?
Student are encouraged to cash checks as soon as possible. Federal regulations require universities to return the federal portion of Work-Study earnings if checks are not cashed within 240 days of issue. If a student does not cash his/her Work-Study check within this timeframe, the employing department will be required to fund the full amount of the student's past earnings. So, cash those checks!
In addition to the above regulation, Work-Study payroll checks expire 180 days after issue. Once checks expire or in cases where a check has been lost or stolen, students must complete and submit a Check Affadavit Application in order to obtain a new check.
Also, remember that the University prefers that students use direct deposit. The direct deposit authorization covers all funds distributed to the student, including Work-Study earnings.
