The Daily Bulletin Archive

This week's FACTS article provides information for Federal Work-Study (FWS) supervisors and emphasizes the important role they play in the work of student employees. FWS supervisors not only oversee student employees but also have the opportunity to develop critical mentoring relationships with students who are striving to succeed in the academic environment and beyond.

The FWS home page provides a wealth of information and resources for both students and supervisors. Successful oversight of the FWS employees includes these key points:

Paperwork: Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 1 each year at www.fafsa.gov and accept FWS awards in their Self-Service Banner. Students must present the eligibility letter for work-study to the supervisor before they can be hired. They must also complete all hiring paperwork as outlined on the website.

Tracking hours: Students are not permitted to work beyond the number of hours required to earn their semester awards. Our website offers the FWS calculator to assist you with this tracking.

Timesheets: The supervisor is responsible for the accuracy and delivery of the student’s timesheet. Falsification of timesheets will be treated as a serious offense. 

Staying in contact: Supervisors should stay in contact with the Financial Aid Office (FAO) by reading all messages sent via e-mail and through the Daily Bulletin. All job terminations and returning student requests should be directed to the FAO. Staff members assuming new supervisory roles should notify the FAO as well.

For more information, please refer to the Federal Work-Study Supervisors Guide.

If you have questions regarding this article, please contact us at finaid@buffalostate.edu or ext. 4902. All questions and answers will be posted in the “You Asked for It” section of the FAO website. Click on the “Faculty and Staff” link (bottom left).