Frequently Asked Questions

Students awarded work study have satisfied requirements through their FAFSA filing that makes them eligible for either Federal or State Work Study. This gives  students the opportunity to earn money that can be put toward their living expenses or their tuition that is actually paid out of either Federal or State funds. One of the benefits of any money earned through work study is that it is not considered as an income resource on the next year's FAFSA.

You will receive notice on your Financial Aid Award that you have been awarded Federal or State Work Study. SWS is only awarded to Washington State residents.  If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 509-313-4236.

Yes, any enrolled Gonzaga student is eligible to apply for Institutional jobs on campus. Institutional jobs are paid for by the department's budget. You may inquire with the Student Employment Office as to positions available, or you may contact various departments to determine if such employment exists.

Students should start looking for a job as close to the start of the semester as possible. You can either come into the Student Employment Office or you can view our on-line FWS Job Board or our on-line SWS Job Board. If you are unable to begin your search before school starts, you will want to come to the Student Employment Office the first day you arrive on campus. For on-campus jobs plan on attending the Job Fair during Orientation Weekend.

Once you have found a position for which you would like to apply, contact the hiring supervisor and let them know you are a FWS or SWS student from Gonzaga University and that you would like to apply for their open position. Make sure you are specific as to the position you are applying for. The hiring supervisor will then let you know what the interviewing and hiring procedures are. For off-campus SWS jobs, be sure to have a resume ready to present to the hiring supervisor.

Federal Work Study positions are posted on our on-line FWS Job Board, and handouts are available in the Student Employment Office. Institutional positions are also available by handout in the Student Employment Office. You will see which departments have positions available for a given term and whom to contact. State Work Study positions are posted on our on-line SWS Job Board and in the Student Employment Office. On the job posting you will see which employers have current openings, where they are located, and the contact person. Off-campus, non-work study jobs are posted on the Community Job Board located in the glass case outside the Admission Office and on our website.

If you are offered a FWS or Institutional position on campus, your first stop is the Student Employment Office to process your mandatory hiring paperwork. This paperwork must be done before your first day of work. You will be required to complete a Hire PAR form as well as a I-9 Form and a W-4 Form before you begin working. Original documentation, such as a social security card, passport or original or certified copy of a birth certificate, is required to complete this paperwork. Please bring your original documents to the Student Employment Office. If you are offered a SWS position, you must pick up your State Work Study Hire Form in the Student Employment Office. The SWS Hire Form must be completed by your employer and returned to the Student Employment Office prior to your first day of employment.

On-campus, students can work up to 19 hours a week while school is in session and up to 40 hours a week during holidays or summer. Most students work an average of 10-15 hours a week while taking classes. Students working off-campus under SWS are able to work up to a maximum of 19 hours a week, even during holidays and summer.

Nothing happens other than a resource to earn money for tuition or expenses was not taken advantage of. Please notify Financial Aid and Student Employment if you choose not to use your award.

Wages are paid directly to you whether it is through the University or an off-campus employer. All on-campus student workers will be paid by direct deposit. You must complete a Direct Deposit Authorization form for the Payroll Office; therefore, you need to bring your bank account information with you including your account and routing numbers.  One way to present your bank account information is to "void" a check to affix to your Direct Deposit Authorization form. Forms will be available in the Payroll and Student Employment Offices. You may also elect to have your earnings deposited to your Student Account. Please see the Student Accounts Office for the proper paper work. Students working on campus are paid twice a month,  If you have an off-campus position, your pay periods will be set by your employer.