Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a limited funded program with awarding priority given to students who show financial need through the FAFSA and have filed their FAFSA on January 1 (prior to the fall semester the student will be attending Mines) and thereafter until funds are exhausted. This program provides both on and off campus jobs for students. You normally will work between 10 to 12 hours per week, starting at $7.25 per hour (the option to increase your hourly rate based on special training that you have rests with the departments/employers that you plan to work for). This results in an annual maximum award of $2,000 (however, depending on the situation, the award can be more). Off-campus employment emphasizes community service work and family literacy programs. Your class schedule must always be taken into consideration when agreeing to a work schedule with the department/employer.
Because work-study is considered spending money for the student, and the student must make the effort to work their award, the School of Mines does not expect workers to use their earnings to pay on their bill with the Student Accounts Office. Students who want to use their earnings to pay on their account must make those arrangements with the Student Accounts Office prior to or during fee payment each semester.
To finalize your Work-Study award, you will need to complete the following steps:
STEP 1: Whether this is your first time with a Federal Work-Study assignment at the School of Mines or it is your fourth, each year all Work-Study students must attend one of the informational sessions offered through the Financial Aid Office. Depending upon which semester you begin a Work-Study assignment, you must attend an information session to go over in more detail your FWS responsibilities and available on and off-campus positions. The dates, time and locations are posted at http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/finaid/FWS .
STEP 2: You must bring to the meeting a photo ID (driver's license or School of Mines ID card) and your Social Security Card.
STEP 3: You will be required to complete paperwork relative to your Work-Study position that must be completed BEFORE you are allowed to begin working.
STEP 4: You will be provided information on positions that are available both on and off-campus.
If your award letter did not list a Federal Work-Study award, you are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@sdsmt.edu or call toll free (877) 877-6044, to see if you would be eligible to be placed on a waiting list.
