Student Employment Program

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  How does this work?

  1. Once a student has a Financial Aid Award that includes Federal Work Study and is registered for the term, they must pick up their employment forms in the Financial Aid Office. Students who are seeking Non Work Study employment do not need a Financial Aid Award; however they must be registered before they can pick up their application forms.
  2. New student employees must complete either a FWS or NWS application packet. Returning student employees (Any student who has been on student payroll within the last 4 years) need only to pick-up their FWS or NWS application and a payroll authorization form.
  3. Check the Student Employment Board or the Titan Career Link for available positions; Contact & interview with potential employers.
  4. Students should take their authorized FWS or NWS application packets to their supervisors to inform them what they are eligible for during the academic year and to have their supervisors complete the employer sections of the packet.
  5. Students must return their completed packets and applications back to the Financial Aid Office before their first day of work. NEW STUDENTS must also provide two pieces of identification one being a picture ID, (i.e. a driver's license, state or school ID card). Acceptable forms of the second piece of identification could include a social security card or birth certificate. A U.S. passport may substitute for documentation of identity and citizenship.
  6. Students record their hours on their electronic timesheet in My Portal and submit the timesheet  to their supervisor on a bi-weekly basis according to the Student Employment Payday Calendar schedule. A student employee's timesheet must be submitted by 10:00 A.M. on the Saturday after a Friday pay.
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  What is the difference between Work Study & Non Work Study?

  Federal Work Study (FWS)

  A "Federal Work Study" student has financial need and has qualified through the Financial Aid Office for a specific Federal or State aid program. The student is granted a specific allotment of money which can be earned. Students earn money on an hourly basis until they have received their allotment, or until the end of the term, whichever comes first.

  It is the responsibility of the student and the supervisor to keep track of the earnings. Once a student earns their allotment, they must stop working, or be switched to non-work study status in some instances.

  Non Work-Study (NWS)

  Any employment that is not from Federal or State programs is considered "Non-Work Study", and is funded totally through the individual department. These are generally hourly positions, but some may be paid through a stipend.

  Included in the Non-Work Study program are Resident Assistants, Teaching Assistants, Graduate Assistants, International students, and any student who may not have a financial need for federal work-study funds.

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  Who is eligible?

  Both Work-study and Non Work-study students must follow the same enrollment guidelines to be eligible to participate in student employment. Students must be registered at least half time (6 credit hours for undergraduate; 5 credit hours for graduate students) during the regular academic year.

  Summer Eligibility

  • Non work-study students must be registered at least half time for the following fall semester
  • Work Study students must be registered at least half time for the summer terms that they intend to work

  There may be times when work-study students enrolled less than half time for the summer term may be able to work, however, that will be dependent on funding for the work study program during that academic year. If a decision is made to allow students to work less than half time then it will be announced to the university during the winter term of that academic year.

  Work Study

  • The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)
  • They must indicate on the FAFSA that they are interested in work study funds.
  • A work-study award is based on demonstrated need, which is determined by the Federal formula. If the student's Federal formula indicates that they have need, then work-study funds will be included as a part of the student's complete Financial Aid Award Package.

  If a student has questions about whether or not they are eligible for work study funds, they should contact their Financial Aid Advisor.

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  Where are the jobs?

  Most employment is on campus, in a variety of offices and departments.

  Some opportunities are off-campus with government agencies and non-profit organizations that have established a contract with the university. Many of these positions are community service related.

  Work-study and Non Work-study job opportunities are posted on the bulletin board outside of the Financial Aid Office and on the Titan Career Link.

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  When are jobs available?

  Jobs are posted during the 4th week in August for the upcoming fall semester.

  Students must secure a position by Oct. 31 for Term 1; or by Feb. 28 for Term 2.

  Students may find jobs on the bulletin board outside of the Financial Aid Office or on the Titan Career Link.

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  Why should students participate?

  Part time employment can provide valuable experience and training and may lead to career opportunities.

  Student's earnings can be used to off set some of their educational cost (books, room/board or tuition).

  Student employees provide great service to the university community and are able to assist in a variety areas.

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  Student Responsibilities

  1. Submit your timesheet on time (every payday Friday), and make sure it is complete with file number, student ID number and signatures.
  2. Report accurately the hours/dates worked (max 20 per week).
  3. Monitor earnings if Federal Work-Study Employee/ Stay within your work-study award amount.
  4. Stop working immediately if your enrollment status falls below half-time (6 credits undergrad; 5 credits graduate student).
  5. Report to work on time.
  6. Notify your supervisor as soon as possible when you will be late or unable to work.
  7. Perform your work in a professional manner.
  8. Take your job seriously, and perform at your highest level.
  9. Refrain from conducting personal business on the job.
  10. Maintain confidentiality of information.
  11. Do not falsify any information on your time card or employment application. (Falsification of information is a cause for immediate dismissal from the Student Employment Program at Detroit Mercy and may be grounds for other punitive or legal action).
  12. Dress appropriately for the job location.
  13. If a problem arises, discuss it with your supervisor and try to resolve it.
  14. If you are unable to resolve a problem, contact the Student Employment Coordinator.
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  International Students

  International students may be eligible to participate in the non work-study program only. They must obtain a social security number and have their I-9 forms completed by the International Services Office (ISO) before they can begin work. Information on how to obtain a social security number is located on the ISO website.

  International students must follow the steps below when applying for on campus employment:

  1. View the open Non work-study positions outside of the Financial Aid Office and contact the supervisors to apply for the job.
  2. If you find a job, return to the Financial Aid Office and obtain the International Student Employee Packet. This packet includes the I-9 form and information on how to apply for a social security card.
  3. Take the I-9 form within three days of being hired to the ISO to have employment eligibility verified.
  4. If you do not already have a U.S. social security card follow the instructions on “how to obtain a social security card”.  NOTE: International Students must have a U.S. social security number before they can begin work.
  5. Return your completed International Student Employee Packet, including a copy of your social security card to the Financial Aid Office before you begin work.

  Eligibility Guidelines

  • International students must be registered at least part-time to (6 credit hours undergrad; 5 credit hours graduate students).
  • They may only work 20 hours per week during the regular academic year and they may work up to 35 hours during the summer semester if they are taking fewer than six credits.  Any international student taking at least six credits during the summer is limited to 20 hours per week.

  International students follow the same Student Employment Guidelines as other non work study students. For additional information on employment for International Students, visit the ISO website.