• The Work-Study Allocation

  • I have an award letter for $1,500 Work-Study award. Does this mean I will only earn $500/quarter?

    No, your total award amount is for the whole year. It can be earned unevenly throughout the award year.

  • What should I do if my Work-Study Award is about to run out because I used it all?

    Contact Financial Aid at finaid@ucr.edu or by phone at (951) 827-3878 if your Work-Study funds are about to run out. You could potentially receive an increase based on funding availability. Once you earn all of your Work-Study funds, notify your supervisor immediately for guidance. If you exceed your award amount, your employer will be billed at 100%.

  • If I don’t earn the entire Work-Study award amount this year, does the money carry to the next year?

    No, your Work-Study award does not carry over to the next year.  

  • What happens if I don’t use Work-Study in the year it was awarded to me?

    If unused, the Work-Study award will be lost, and will not be offered in the future.

  • When I calculate my financial aid, do I include Work-Study even though I haven't started working?

    Your total allocation amount includes the Work-Study dollar amount, but the Work-Study allocation will not reduce the direct charges you still owe to UCR for tuition and fees. You will earn your Work-Study allocation as soon as you begin working. You will receive a bi-weekly paycheck.

  • Will my Work-Study be disbursed with the other aid I have accepted?

    No, a bi-weekly paycheck will be issued as you work your Work-Study job.

  • Can I receive my entire Work-Study award at once, or do I have to find a job first?

    You must find a job, get hired, and then work in that position to earn your Work-Study allocation. You will be paid bi-weekly.

• Work Hours and Pay

  • When do I get paid?

    Payday is bi-weekly, as indicated on the payroll calendar. On-Campus Jobs: Speak with your employer regarding procedures and deadlines. Off-Campus Jobs: You will receive instructions within your Letter of Clearance (LOC) email.

  • Where do I access my timesheet?

    Visit timesheet.ucr.edu to access the Time & Attendance Reporting System (TARS).  Please review this timesheet infographic if you need help in understanding the process and how to fill out your timesheet.

  • What happens if my timesheet is submitted late?

    Late timesheets will result in the employee being paid during the next payroll cycle.

  • How many Work-Study hours can I work a week?

    You are allowed to work up to 19 hours per week.

  • What time period can I use my Work-Study funds?

    You can use your Work-Study funds between the first day of fall quarter (September 19, 2022) through the last day of spring quarter (June 9, 2023). Work-Study funds are not available during the summer.

  • Do I have to spend my earnings on tuition and fees?

    You are free to spend your earnings as you wish.

  • Who is responsible for tracking my work hours?

    Both you and your immediate supervisor (employer) are responsible for tracking the hours worked, and for submitting your timesheets in a timely manner.

  • Do I report my earning on my taxes?

    To determine your tax obligations (if any), visit IRS.gov.

• Work-Study Jobs

  • When can I start looking for a Work-Study job?

    You may begin looking for a Work-Study position on August 22, 2022.

  • When can I begin using my Work-Study funds?

    Work-Study funds must be used between September 19, 2022 and June 9, 2023. Work-Study funds are not available during the summer.

  • Will UCR find or place me in a job?

    No, you are responsible for applying for and securing a Work-Study job. UCR does not place students in jobs.

  • How do I find open Work-Study positions?

    All open positions are listed On UCR Handshake.

  • Where Can I Find My Federal Work-Study Eligibility Notification Form?

    A Federal Work-Study Eligibility Notification is used to “register” you for Work-Study. Visit UCR Handshake to print an Federal Work-Study Eligibility Notification, and take it with you to the interview. One Eligibility Notification must be completed and submitted to Financial Aid for each position you obtain.  

  • How do I get a Letter of Clearance (LOC)?

    If this is an on-campus work-study position, you will not need a Letter of Clearance. However you will still need to fill out the Work-Study New Hire form found on the Career Center or Financial Aid website. This form will automatically initiate a process to complete a Student Employment Contract through DocuSign. You will be asked to attach a copy of your job description found in Handshake and your Federal Work-Study Eligibility Notification. Once you’ve electronically signed this employment contract, your supervisor will be notified to complete their portion. For off-campus work-study positions, the Letter of Clearance is the final step of the process. You will still go through the same process as detailed above and then await an email from the Financial Aid Office with the Letter of Clearance to inform you and your supervisor that you are ready to start working.  Your supervisor will determine your start date after receiving this email.  Feel free to refer to hiring process outlined in these instructions.

  • Are off-campus Work Study jobs available?

    Yes, each job description on UCR Handshake will provide details about the placement location.

  • Can I get academic credit with my Work-Study job?

    You could potentially earn academic credit from your Work-Study job. The final determination is made by your academic department. To be considered, the job must be a meaningful learning experience, and it must be related to your coursework. For more information, visit Internships or connect with a Career Center counselor.

  • Are there any tips to finding a Work-Study job?

    Begin your job search early by using UCR Handshake. Tailor your resume to the needs of a desired position. Before uploading it, bring your resume to the Career Center during Drop-in Hours: To schedule virtual drop-in hours, go to this drop-in schedule link which will be open for sign-ups the evening before and will close 15 minutes prior to the end of drop-in hours for that day. For updated drop-in hours, visit careers.ucr.edu. 

Questions