Each department or organization participating in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program must designate one full-time, non-student employee to serve as the FWS liaison.
Primary Responsibilities
The FWS liaison is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the department’s participation in the program. Key responsibilities include:
Communication and Information Management
- Receive and distribute all FWS-related information and correspondence to the appropriate individuals (e.g., supervisors, students, business managers)
- Serve as the main point of contact for all FWS-related updates and communications
Job Posting and Hiring
- Post all FWS job openings on Handshake
- Ensure all hiring information is accurately communicated to the Assistant Director for FWS
- Create and manage FWS job postings and positions in UGAJobs
- Oversee completion of the full hiring process for all FWS employees
Funding and Eligibility
- Verify that all FWS positions are correctly funded and that students work only during eligible enrollment terms
- Confirm each student’s FWS award amount before the start of employment
- Ensure that FWS employees do not exceed their semester award limits
- If a student exceeds their award, the department/organization will be responsible for 100% of the excess wages earned
- FWS employees must notify their supervisor of any changes to their award amount
Work Hours and Academic Schedules
- Ensure that FWS employees do not work during scheduled class or exam times
- Students may work during those times only if the class or exam has been cancelled or they have been formally excused
- Students must provide verifiable proof of cancellation or exemption to the liaison before reporting to work
- All documentation must be submitted to [email protected]
Enrollment Verification
- Confirm that each FWS employee is enrolled at least half-time before they begin work
- Students who are not enrolled at least half-time are not eligible for FWS employment
Payroll and Compensation Compliance
Liaisons must ensure that all FWS employees are paid according to the Office of Student Financial Aid’s policy:
- Pay parity:
- Departments and organizations must pay FWS and non-FWS student employees comparable rates based on job function and years of experience
- FWS employees cannot replace or displace full-time employees
- “Replacement” is interpreted as displacement, meaning it is prohibited to fill a full-time position that has been eliminated with an FWS-funded student employee
- This restriction also applies if a full-time employee is replaced by a student position funded with college (non-FWS) funds
- Wage rates:
- On-campus FWS positions: $11.75 – $16.00 per hour
- Off-campus FWS positions: $20.00 per hour
- Each department/organization determines the specific wage rate, which should reflect the job function and the student’s experience
Non-Compliance
Failure to follow these responsibilities may result in the loss of FWS funding for the department or organization.