How many hours do work-study students work a week?

On average students work 8 -10 hours a week.

Students are only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week or 40 hours every two weeks while school is in session.

Pay Rate:

Students are paid at least minimum wage and may work a maximum of 8 hours per day, and 20 hours per week when school is in session. Most students work an average of 8-12 hours per week.

The starting hourly wage is $7.25 and is assigned at the discretion of the supervisor, based on the position and skill set involved.  All positions have a possibility of wage increases, depending on the student’s performance, and supervisor discretion.

Pay Checks:

Students are paid for the number of hours they work during every two week pay period, upon completion and timely submission of their timesheet.*

For specific pay periods and pay dates please refer to the 2011-2012 SAP and CWS Schedule.

* Students are required to complete and submit a timesheet to their supervisor upon the completion of each pay period. In turn, the Supervisor must submit completed timesheets to the Student Financial Services Office based on the dates found in the 2011-2012 SAP and CWS Schedule. Any late timesheets will be paid under the following pay period.

Break Rest and Meal Periods:

Break, rest, and meal periods are provided to increase productivity and reduce fatigue and the risk of injury. During your break and meal period you will be relieved of your work duties and are free to leave your assigned work area.

Breaks such as a “Rest Periods” or “Coffee Breaks” are given at the discretion of the supervisor. Such breaks are usually between 5-20 minutes in length are paid as work time, and do not need to be recorded on your timesheet.

If your shift is a consecutive 6 hours or more you must take a 30 minute unpaid meal period during that shift.

What your Supervisor expects of you:

• Arrive to work when you are scheduled and on time. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible to request any time off. This includes if you expect to be late, will not be able to report for work, or would like to have some time off.
• Use work time for work related duties only. This is not a time to do your homework or use the office equipment for reasons outside of you work duties.
• Attend your scheduled classes. You are not allowed to work when you should be in class. If your class is cancelled or dismissed early, your supervisor may approve that you work. Your supervisor will need to sign off on that time on your timesheet for that pay period.
• Be up-to-date on your assignments and tests.
• Complete your work to the best of your ability.
• Show an interest in what you are working on.
• Be able to take direction, follow instructions, and ask questions if you do not understand the assigned task.
• Be able to take correction.
• Keep socialization to a minimum.
• Act in a professional manner. Every time you speak with the public, either in person or on the phone, you are projecting the image of Purchase College. It is very important that proper office and phone etiquette be used.
• Wear proper office attire. Follow the department’s dress code. If you have questions about what is appropriate attire, please ask your supervisor.
• Respect the confidentiality of college and student records and any other information which you may encounter at work. Breaches of confidentiality and any act of dishonesty may be cause for immediate dismissal from the Work-Study program.
• Follow all departmental and campus safety rules. If you do not know what they are, please ask your supervisor.

Your supervisor is a potential reference when you are seeking employment after graduation. Following the above expectations will help your supervisor be able to give you a good recommendation.

If you are not performing satisfactorily, you may be placed on probation, suspension, or be terminated.

Switching Positions:

Switching your work study position is only allowed if your position on campus conflicts with your class schedule.  If this is the case please email: workstudy@purchase.edu

If you have earned your work-study award amount and would like to continue working in your current position:

Speak with your supervisor as your department may be able to hire you as a student assistant.  As a Student assistant you would be paid from the department’s budget. This process would go through your Work Study supervisor.