An Introduction for Community Partners

An Organization’s Eligibility

Federal College Work-Study students may use their FCWS award at pre-approved community service organizations. Contracts must be in place each academic year before an off campus employer is designated as a Federal Work-Study approved site. Copies of such contracts should be filed with the Bonner Center for Service and Learning and the SEO.

Job descriptions for approved sites are also listed on the Oberlin Online Classifieds at http:www.oberlin.edu/classifieds and with the Bonner Center for Service and Learning. Students may not use their FCWS award at any other off campus sites.

Criteria for Community Service Partners Participating in the Community Service Work-Study Program Oberlin College

The following criteria will be used to determine whether or not an organization may be part of the Community Service Work-Study Program. This does not guarantee that Oberlin College students will be placed in your agency. Although the Bonner Center for Service and Learning works with students to place them in appropriate positions, the recruitment process is primarily up to the individual partner agency.

1. Community Partners must submit a completed application that includes the following:
• Proof of ability to meet required 25% match of student employee’s salary by submitting annual budget.
• Completed Agency Agreement.
• Completed Job Description(s) that accurately reflect the work to be done, time frame of work and how the work fits in to overall mission of organization on the Oberlin College Online Classifieds.
• Completed Supervision Plan.
2. Partner agencies must be a federal, state or local public agency (these include city or county government offices, public schools, community-owned hospitals, public libraries and community centers) or a private nonprofit organization.
3. Agencies must be based in Lorain County and serve residents of Lorain County.
4. Student employees must provide services that are designed to improve the quality of life for
   community residents or to solve particular problems related to those residents’ needs.
5. If the work to be performed by student employees is outside of the Oberlin area, participating partners must have a transportation plan for student employees to get to and from their work sites, at the agencies’ own expense and in a manner acceptable to Oberlin College.
6. Agencies must provide a work environment conducive to student employees that is flexible, provides for open communication and allows the employee to grow professionally and personally from the experience.
7. Agencies must agree that student employees will not participate in proselytizing activities of any kind.
8. Site supervisors must agree to attend mandatory fall orientation and supervisor meetings each semester.
9. Site supervisors must agree to conduct evaluations with student employees at least once per semester, allowing for student employees to give feedback to supervisors in the process.
10. Community Partners in the Community Service Work-Study Program must be committed to the principle of equal opportunity and equal treatment in employment regardless of a person’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, national origin, or family relationship to Oberlin College or Community Partner Agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work-study program?
The Federal College Work Study (FCWS) program provides part-time employment to students attending institutions of higher education who need the earnings to help meet the costs of post-secondary education.

How do students become eligible to receive Federal College Work-Study?
Eligibility is determined by the information received from the Free Application for Student Assistance (FAFSA). Based on this information and using a formula established by the federal government, the Office of Financial Aid then determines a student's eligibility.

How do students know when they have been awarded Federal College Work-Study?
Work-study will be listed as such in the student's financial aid award letter. To check the award letter, students may logon to PRESTO.

Can eligibility change once students are awarded Federal College Work-Study?
Yes. Federal College Work-Study is awarded based on the financial information provided at the time a student file is evaluated. If additional information is provided, the award can change and subsequently Federal College Work-Study can be changed. If a student's family receives a "revised" award letter, they should check to see if Federal College Work- Study is still awarded. If it is not, the student is responsible for notifying his or her supervisor as soon as possible.

Will the Student have earning limitations?
Students on Federal College Work-Study have a maximum amount that they can earn for the academic year. The most common amount is $1700 - $1850. When a student exceeds his or her Federal College Work-Study limits, the student can no longer work for a Community Partner unless the organization will pay the student out of the organization’s funds.

How many hours a week can students work?
We recommend 8-12 hours per week. However, the student will make that decision. Students should review their class schedules and other school commitments before deciding how many hours they can work.

How does a student find a job on campus?
Job opportunities will be posted on the Oberlin College Website Classifieds at www.oberlin.edu. This information can be accessed from any computer. It is the student’s responsibility to search and apply for a job. The SEO is available for advice on the process.

Once a student finds a job, do they need to do anything else?
Yes:

1. Every student must complete a Student Employment Card (SEC) for each job he or she is working. The SEC must be completed and signed by both the student and the employer.
2. A Form I-9 must be completed. The federal government requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees, including students. By law the Form I-9 must be completed before the student begins working. A list of acceptable documents appears on page 2 of the I-9. Originals of these documents must be presented to the Student Employment Office or Office of Financial Aid. If the student cannot produce the original document(s), he or she will not be allowed to begin work or be paid.
3. W-4 (State and Federal) Since work-study earnings are taxable under federal and state law, the student is required to complete both forms. A student's withholding is based on the data the student provides on the form.