The Work-Study Award

• I have an award letter for $1,500 Work-Study award. Does this mean I will only earn $500/quarter?

  No, your total award amount is for the whole year. It can be earned unevenly throughout the award year.

   

• What should I do if my Work-Study Award is about to run out because I used it all?

  Contact Financial Aid at (951) 827-3878 or finaid@ucr.edu if your Work-Study funds are about to run out. You could potentially receive an increase based on funding availability. Once you earn all of your Work-Study funds, notify your supervisor immediately for guidance. If you exceed your award amount, your employer will be billed at 100%.

   

• If I don’t earn the entire Work-Study award amount this year, does the money carry to the next year?

  No, your Work-Study award does not carry over to the next year.

   

• What happens if I don’t use Work-Study in the year it was awarded to me?

  If unused, the Work-Study award will be lost, and will not be offered in the future.

   

• When I calculate my financial aid, do I include Work-Study even though I haven't started working?

  Your total award amount includes the Work-Study dollar amount, but the Work-Study award will not reduce the direct charges you still owe to UCR for tuition and fees. You will earn your Work-Study award as soon as you begin working.

   

• Will my Work-Study be disbursed with the other aid I have accepted?

  No, a paycheck will be issued as you work your Work-Study job.

   

• Can I receive my entire Work-Study award at once, or do I have to find a job first?

  You must find a job, get hired, and then work in that position to earn your Work-Study award. You will be paid bi-weekly.

Work Hours and Pay

• When do I get paid?

  Payday is bi-weekly, as indicated on the payroll calendar. On-Campus Jobs: Speak with your employer regarding procedures and deadlines. Off-Campus Jobs: You will receive instructions during your Letter of Clearance (LOC) appointment.

   

• Where do I access my timesheet?

  Visit timesheet.ucr.edu to access the Time & Attendance Reporting System (TARS).

   

• What happens if my timesheet is submitted late?

  Late timesheets will result in the employee being paid during the next payroll cycle.

   

• How many Work-Study hours can I work a week?

  You are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.

   

• What time period can I use my Work-Study funds?

  You can use your Work-Study funds between the first day of fall quarter (September 19, 2016) through the last day of spring quarter (June 16, 2017). Work-Study funds are not available during the summer.

   

• Do I have to spend my earnings on tuition and fees?

  You are free to spend your earnings as you wish.

   

• Who is responsible for tracking my work hours?

  Both you and your immediate supervisor (employer) are responsible for tracking the hours worked, and for submitting your timesheets in a timely manner.

   

• Do I report my earning on my taxes?

  To determine your tax obligations (if any), visit IRS.gov.

Work-Study Jobs

• When can I start looking for a Work-Study job?

  You may begin looking for a Work-Study position one week prior to the start of fall quarter.

   

• When can I begin using my Work-Study funds?

  Work-Study funds must be used between September 24,2018 and June 14, 2019. Work-Study funds are not available during the summer.

   

• Will UCR find or place me in a job?

  No, you are responsible for applying for and securing a Work-Study job. UCR does not place students in jobs.

   

• How do I find open Work-Study positions?

  All open positions are listed On UCR Handshake.

   

• Where Can I Find My Placement Form?

  A Placement Form is used to “register” you for Work-Study. Visit UCR Handshake to print a Placement Form, and take it with you to the interview. One Placement Form must be completed and submitted to Financial Aid for each position you obtain.

   

• How do I get a Letter of Clearance (LOC)?

  A Letter of Clearance (LOC) is only required for off-campus jobs. Drop your completed Placement Form and job description in the HOSS drop box in the Student Services Building, or email as a PDF to workstudy@ucr.edu.  Business and Administrative Services (BAS) will contact you directly for a hiring appointment to complete your hiring paper work. The LOC will be emailed to your employer authorizing you to start working. This step can take up to 10 days.

   

• Are off-campus Work Study jobs available?

  Yes, each job description on UCR Handshake will provide details about the placement location.

   

• Can I get academic credit with my Work-Study job?

  You could potentially earn academic credit from your Work-Study job. The final determination is made by your academic department. To be considered, the job must be a meaningful learning experience, and it must be related to your coursework. For more information, visit Internships or connect with a Career Center counselor.

   

• Are there any tips to finding a Work-Study job?

  Begin your job search early by using UCR Handshake. Tailor your resume to the needs of a desired position. Before uploading it, bring your resume to the Career Center during Drop-in Hours: Monday-Thursday (10am-3pm) and Friday (10 am-12 pm). A counselor will offer suggestions to make it shine.