Midlands Technical College
Student Financial Services
Federal Work Study Student Orientation

Congratulations on receiving your Federal Work-Study award. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

To maintain Federal Work-Study eligibility, Students must always be in good financial aid standing” to keep a Federal Work-Study grant.  It is very important that you familiarize yourself with the “Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements set by Student Financial Service in accordance with federal regulations at:  http://www.midlandstech.edu/sfs/SAP2.html.

Work-study contracts are known as “Referrals”.  You must have a signed Referral on file in the FWS office prior to starting work. The Referral start date may vary but the end date of all Referrals is the last day of class for the current semester.  Any work done beyond that date will not be approved for payment.  Any change to these dates must be approved by your supervisor and the work-study coordinator in advance.

To the maximum extent possible, students are placed in jobs that complement or reinforce their educational or career goals. You could be assigned to work on-campus in one of the College departments, off campus at one of the contracted non-profit agencies or as a tutor under the guidelines of the America Reads Program.  Work-Study funds can only be used for positions approved by the Midlands Technical College Work-Study Staff.   

DRESS CODE

In the interest of health and safety, shoes that cover the length of the foot and shirts that cover the chest are required of all students.  All students are required to dress in a manner that is considered appropriate for the workplace. Some academic programs require specific dress or uniforms consistent with employment practices in the field of study.  This information is included in academic program guides or on class syllabi.  Preferred work attire should be discussed with your supervisor.

HIRING PROCEDURES

Upon completion of an employment packet, eligible students are given two job referral forms for job placement based on information obtained from their FWS application.  The job referral form will list the hiring department/agency, the address and supervisor’s name and contact number.  It is the responsibility of the student to schedule interviews for employment.  The job referral form must be returned to the Federal Work- Study Office within fourteen business days of receipt.  Failure to do so will cancel the FWS award.   When notification of intent to hire is received by the Federal Work-Study Office, the Work-Study Coordinator will complete the work-study Referral.   The work-study award may be reduced or cancelled if you receive additional financial assistance (grants, scholarships or loans) during the academic year that places you in an over award status.  Over awarding occurs when the total of all awards a student receives exceeds their Cost of Attendance.  http://www.midlandstech.edu/sfs/cost.html   You are also encouraged to view the status of your award online at www.midlandstech.edu/mtconline.

Due to federal regulations, students cannot work during a scheduled class time.  A work schedule must be submitted to the FWS office with your signed referral.   The schedule should not conflict with scheduled class times and you must allow “travel time” from your class to your work site.  Students cannot work during a scheduled class time.  If your class has been cancelled or dismissed early, you cannot report to work before your authorized time.  Any change to your work schedule must be submitted to the FWS office.  A work schedule is required for each semester you receive work-study funds.  Students are allowed to work a daily maximum of 7.5 consecutive hours with the following stipulations: 

1. A 30 minute break must be taken if you work 7.5 consecutively
2. You cannot exceed the weekly total of hours allotted
3. These hours cannot be worked during a scheduled class time

TERMINATION

In addition to work time violations, student employment can be terminated immediately by the FWS staff for the following reasons: 

1. The student has earned the total amount awarded for the semester before the end of the term.
2. The student has been suspended from MTC academically or from the financial aid program.
3. The student is not making satisfactory academic progress per regulations.
4. Complete withdrawal from College.
5. Falsifying time sheets.  (Random audits of time reported and actual class time are performed periodically by the FWS staff.) 
6. Theft, destruction, damage or misuse of department/MTC property.
7. Disclosure of confidential information to unapproved party.

Students can also be terminated by the FWS supervisor for the following reasons (not all inclusive):

1. Job abandonment (three consecutive days where the employee has not called or reported to work.)   Also, failure to report to work at assigned times or notify supervisor may result in termination
2. Violation of job site rules and regulations.
3. Poor job performance. 

JOB TRANSFERS

When a student accepts a job assignment, it is expected that the student will stay on the job for the entire award period.  If a transfer is requested and approved, an evaluation of the student’s performance must be completed and submitted to the Federal Work-Study Coordinator’s office on the Beltline Campus.

PAY  PROCEDURE

Students are paid on the 15^th of each month based on actual hours worked as reported on their timesheet.  College employees are paid by direct deposit. If you do not have a checking or savings account, the College has an agreement with Wachovia Bank that gives employees an opportunity to open an account at no cost.  Contact the FWS Office if you would like more information on this service.  All direct deposit information must be submitted to the Payroll Department, Reed Hall, on the Airport Campus.  Failure to submit these documents in a timely manner may affect your pay.  Timesheets are due the 1^st