Work Study for Students

Federal Work Study 

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federal program which offers eligible students part-time job opportunities. Students may work up to 20 hours per week and will be paid twice monthly. 

Consideration will be given to students who complete their FAFSA in a timely manner each year, demonstrate a high level of financial need as determined by the FAFSA results, and maintain at least half-time enrollment status per semester. Please note a student may only work one work study job at a time.

Work Study Jobs 101

For students who have completed the FAFSA and want to be employed under the Federal Work Study Program: 

  1. Verify Federal Work Study is awarded as part of your financial aid package by selecting the Financial Aid tile in your UAConnect Student Homepage, clicking the Accept/Decline Awards link, and then choosing the appropriate year.
    • If you see Federal Work Study listed, continue to step 2.
    • If you do not see Federal Work Study listed, please contact the Financial Aid Office to inquire about your eligibility.
    • If you choose not to use your Federal Work Study award, click on the Accept/Decline Awards link and check the box in the Decline column next to Federal Work Study. 
  1. Students interested in student employment at the University of Arkansas can view a list of current openings through Handshake. To find and apply to on-campus jobs: 
    • Log in to your Handshake account and click on "Jobs." 
    • Choose "All filters" and select “On-Campus” to view available positions. 
    • If you are eligible for work study, select “Work study” to view available positions. 
    • Graduate positions (e.g. Graduate Assistant, Teaching Assistant) can be found by filtering by "Graduate School."  

    After logging in to your Handshake, make sure you set up your profile to give yourself a boost in your job search. 

    For more detailed information on student employment, please visit the Student Employment website.  

  1. The Offices of Career Connections offers students a variety of resources that can help provide the skills needed to gain employment at the university both before and after graduation:
  1. Employers will contact applicants they wish to interview.
  1. Discuss the details of employment with the supervisor such as: 
    • Job responsibilities
    • Number of hours per week
    • Work and class schedule
    • Hourly wage rate
  1. Once hired, the following steps will need to be completed: 
    • On-campus: The supervisor will request a Job Assignment Form and assist you in completing the HR onboarding process. 
    • Off-campus: Please email the Work Study Coordinator for assistance in completing the Job Assignment Form and the University HR onboarding process.