Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. If I have Federal Work-Study (FWS), am I guaranteed a job ?
Securing a job on-campus often depends on the flexibility of the student. Although no student is "guaranteed" a job, historically there have been an adequate number of job openings to meet our students' needs.
2. How do I find a job?
Each department is responsible for hiring their own students. Students are NOT assigned or placed into specific job assignments. The Payroll Office maintains this Student Employment website as the main source of job-related information on-campus. Please go to the Student Jobs section of this site to locate openings and then directly contact the department indicated to apply for the job. It is recommended that students take along their class schedule to allow for discussion of work times. Ultimately it is the student's responsibility to secure a job, and it is the individual department's responsibility to attract student workers.
3. Where do most first-year students work ?
The largest employer on-campus is Dining Services. They are the largest employer on campus due to the fact that they are open many hours during the week and have a variety of positions for students. Secondly, many upperclassmen find work within their particular department (Biology, for example) and tend to keep that job until they graduate, therefore there is not a high turnover rate in other areas. The Admissions Office & Athletic Department also employ a considerable number of students.
4. May I work more than one place on campus ?
Yes! However, students are restricted to working no more than two jobs at a time.
5. How many hours can I work ?
The College encourages students to work an average of 6-10 hours per week during the academic year. At no time may a student work more than 20 hours per week!
6. What will my hourly rate be ?
Students will earn at least minimum wage as stipulated by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. The current Pennsylvania minimum wage is $7.15/hour. Wages may be increased for students as they gain knowledge in a job or increase responsibilities. The hourly rate for a student employee is determined by each individual department.
7. Are student employment earnings taxable ?
Yes! Federal, state, and local taxes apply to ALL student earnings and therefore appropriate tax forms must be completed. Please be aware that this tax requirement includes both FWS and non-FWS students. Contact the Payroll Office, Alpha 201, for the appropriate forms.
8. Can I be fired from a job on campus ?
Yes. Students may be terminated from their position immediately if there are cases of serious infractions, such as theft, harassment, etc. Failure to adhere to the employment agreement reached between students and their supervisors are also grounds for dismissal. Fraud and/or forgery with regard to the information provided on the ClocTrak time card will result in dismissal from institutional employment and serious disciplinary action.
9. Will FWS earnings have to be reported when the student applies for financial aid next year ?
No. Although this is taxable income that is to be reported on your tax return, it is a need-based financial aid award that should not be included when reporting previous year income on the need analysis form for the following year. There is a space on the FAFSA (Worksheet C) to "back out" FWS earnings.
10. How will I be paid ?
This is the most important question of all! Students are paid bi-weekly - with their earnings being "direct-deposited" into any valid checking or savings account of their choice. The Payroll Schedule section of the website outlines the pay dates. The Elizabethtown Community Bank Directory provides a list of local banks in case the student selects to open a local account.
