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Work-Study Financial Aid & Scholarships

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FWS Student Employee Process

Getting Started with FWS

To participate in the Federal Work Study (FWS) program:

  1. Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  2. Review your Award Notification once your financial aid eligibility is processed.
  3. Check your My Sac State Student Center to confirm if you’ve been awarded FWS.

When applying and interviewing for FWS positions:

  • Be prepared to show proof of your FWS award to potential employers
  • Keep your employer informed of any changes to your FWS award (reduction or cancellations) via a Revised Award Notification(s)
  • Monitor your school email for financial aid updates.

Not awarded FWS?

Your FWS Award

  • Typical award: $6,000 for the academic year (or $3,000 per semester)
  • You should keep track of your FWS earnings
  • Work with your supervisor to avoid exceeding your awarded amount

Hours & Pay

  • You may work up to 20 hours per week during the semester
  • You may work up to 40 hours per week during breaks (refer to FWS Dates & Deadlines)
  • Pay rates typically range from $16.90 - $24.50 per hour, depending on the role, responsibilities, and required skill set

Work Expectations

As a student employee, you are expected to:

  • Showing up on time
  • Complete assigned task responsibly
  • Maintain professional communication with your supervisor

Performance concerns (such as absenteeism or not meeting expectations) will be addressed according to university and department policies.

Required Training  

You will be automatically assigned the required training through CSU Learn (Sac State’s online platform)

Important details:

  • Access is available about one week after hire
  • Notifications are sent to our Sac State account, or you can access them through My Sac State
  • Trainings must be completed within your first month of hire at Sac State
  • Trainings should be completed during your paid work hours

Maintaining Eligibility

To continue participating in FWS, you must:

  • Be enrolled at least half-time
    • Undergraduate: 6 units
    • Graduate: 4 units
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards (or probation conditions, if applicable)
  • Be admitted into degree-granting program
  • Demonstrate financial need

Timesheets & Payroll

  • Report your hours daily via My Sac State Employee Center (CHRS System)
  • Use “Report Hours Worked” to log in time

Enter Your Hourly Time Worked: Instructional Video

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Important Reminders:

  • Select the correct WS (FWS) job title if you have multiple positions

Changing or Leaving an FWS Job  

Changing FWS Jobs

  • You can only work one FWS job at a time
  • You must stop working at your current position (example Employer A) before starting a new one (example Employer B)
  • Your total FWS award does not reset when switching jobs

Example:

  • Total FWS Award: $6,000
  • Totals FWS earned with Employer A: $1,235
  • Remaining balance of FWS earnings: $4,765 (available with Employer B)

Be sure to inform your new employer about your previous FWS job. They may verify your remaining balance with the FWS Program.

Leaving a Position

Please follow professional standards by providing your supervisor with at least a two-week notice

Returning FWS Students

To continue next academic year:

  • Complete your financial aid file
  • Be awarded FWS again

Eligibility is reviewed after spring grades are posted and may depend on:

Student Employment Resources

FWS Program
Financial Aid & Programs Office
Division of Enrollment Management

Student Employment HR Office
Department of Human Resources
Division of People and Climate

Career Center
Student Life