The Off-Campus Federal Work-Study Program is important to both employers and students. Employers gain eager, intelligent and conscientious workers. Students have the opportunity to serve the community, while gaining valuable work experience and needed income to complete their education.

You must first complete a Financial Aid Free Student Application Form (FAFSAF). Your eligibility for financial aid will be determined by the William Paterson Financial Aid Office. If you are awarded financial assistance, Federal Work Study (FWS) may be one of the programs offered to you.

After you receive notice of your FWS award, you should make an appointment with the William Paterson University Community Service-Job Location & Development (CS-JLD) Coordinator to discuss job possibilities and to complete an Employment Referral Form.

All Off-Campus FWS employers must sign a contractual agreement with William Paterson before a student begins work under the FWS Program. Typically, a contract already exists specifying available FWS positions. However, if you choose an employer not on the list, the employer must arrange to set up a contract with the college. Because the contract process can be lengthy, you should select your employer as soon as possible.

It is important that you notify the William Paterson CS-JLD Coordinator once you have selected an employer; at that time, you are provided an Employment Referral Form that must be signed by the employer and a copy returned to the CS-JLD Office prior to commencement of work.

If you have not worked for William Paterson University during the preceding year, you must report to the Financial Aid Office to be added to the payroll system. The Financial Aid Office is responsible for processing your Payroll Authorization Form, W-4 Form, and Address Directory Record (ADR). Students who are on the payroll from the previous semester, or summer, may not be required to submit the above materials.

Your total allowable FWS amount is specified in your Employment Referral Form. Your earnings may not exceed your offer. Your rate of pay is determined by the Financial Aid Office and is based upon the employer's job description. You are paid by the hour and you can expect to receive a check in the mail every two weeks.

Your period of employment is specified in your job assignment. You arrange your schedule and discuss your job responsibilities with your immediate supervisor. All FWS students may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year and 34 hours per week during the summer.

This information is provided as an introduction to the Off-Campus Federal Work-Study Program. For additional information, please contact the Community Service-Job Location & Development Office.

Community Service-Job Location and Development Program
Career Development Center
William Paterson University
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
(973) 720-2441