FWS (Federal Work Study)

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally funded financial aid program that provides eligible students with part-time employment while they attend Lane Community College. Students earn their award through wages rather than receiving it as a grant.

Federal Work Study positions may be located in Lane departments or with approved nonprofit community organizations.

Student Eligibility

Students are eligible to participate if they:

• Have been awarded Federal Work Study through Financial Aid
• Accept their work study award in myLane
• Remain enrolled in at least 6 credits throughout the term
• Meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements
• Complete all required hiring paperwork before beginning work

Students may only hold one Federal Work Study position at a time. They may not participate in the Learn & Earn program while employed through Federal Work Study.

Hiring a Student

After a student has accepted their award:

1. The student searches and applies for positions in Handshake.
2. The department interviews applicants.
3. The supervisor selects a candidate.
4. The student completes employment paperwork with Human Resources.
5. Financial Aid reviews and approves the hire.
6. The student may begin work only after approval has been received.

Students should never begin working before Financial Aid authorizes the hire.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors are responsible for:

• Interviewing and selecting student employees
• Providing department and job-specific orientation
• Assigning meaningful work
• Monitoring hours worked
• Reviewing and approving timesheets
• Providing coaching and performance feedback
• Completing evaluations when applicable

Whenever possible, work assignments should help students develop skills related to their academic or career goals.

Hours and Scheduling

Students:

• Must remain enrolled in at least 6 credits
• May work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session
• Are encouraged to work 15 hours or fewer per week to support academic success
• May not work more than 8 hours in one day
• May not work when the college is closed, including holidays and in-service days

Supervisors should schedule students carefully to avoid exceeding award limits.

Can Federal Work Study Students Work During Breaks?

Federal Work Study students may work only during the employment periods established by Financial Aid.

For the 2026–27 academic year, the guide lists these eligible work periods:

Students may not work during gaps between the listed employment periods or on days when the college is closed.

Before scheduling work during finals week or an academic break: Confirm that the dates fall within the student’s approved Federal Work Study employment period. Contact Financial Aid when the student’s eligibility or the applicable dates are unclear.

Funding

Federal Work Study awards belong to the student.

Students may earn only up to the amount awarded for the term. Supervisors should monitor earnings throughout the year.

If a student's work study funds are exhausted, the department may choose to continue employment using departmental funds.

Payroll

Students:

• Record hours worked in myLane
• Submit timesheets twice each month
• Are paid through Lane's regular payroll process

Supervisors are responsible for reviewing and approving submitted timesheets promptly.

Performance Evaluations

Students may be eligible for a wage increase after remaining in the same position for two terms.

Raises:

• Are based on performance
• Are not automatic
• Require submission of the Student Employee Evaluation by the deadline established by Financial Aid

Community Service Positions

Approved nonprofit organizations may participate as off-campus employers.

Community service employers must:

• Be an eligible nonprofit organization
• Not be religiously or politically affiliated
• Reimburse Lane for 30% of student wages

Assurance of Employer Nondiscrimination

Lane Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in recruitment, hiring, placement, assignment to work tasks, hours of employment, levels of responsibility, and pay. Please see our COPPS Nondiscrimination Policy for more details.

Documents

Find relevant FWS documents on the Financial Aid Forms web page.

Program Contact

Shelley Evans, Financial Aid, evanssm@lanecc.edu