NMSU General Work-StudyManual

What is Work-Study?

Work-study is a federally,or state funded, need-based financial aid program that provides part-time employment to undergraduate and graduate students.

To be eligible (and to maintain eligibility) for work-study you must:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually
  • Enroll in a minimum 6-credit hours for undergraduatesor 5-credit hours for graduates
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Etiquette:

It is important to remember that all on campus, and off campus, work-study departments represent the University. Your positionrepresents both your department and New Mexico State University as a whole.

Thus, your attitude is key; it is important to remember the following:

  • Do not use your cellphone at work.
  • Do not login to Facebook, Twitter, or any other personal and social media sites while at work.
  • Homework, generally, should not be done at work; check with your supervisor for your department’s policy regarding homework.
  • Refrain from using profanity in the work place.
  • Treat every department with respect, especially when speaking with colleagues, students, and parents.
  • Speak professionally and be patient.

Dress Code:

Professionalism is a key aspect to every department in the university.

UNACCEPTABLE ATTIRE includes revealing clothing, sweats, shorts (cut above the knee), athletic wear, faded/torn pants, tank tops, mini-skirts, and flip-flops. Your department may require you to dress up more or less depending on your job duties. See your supervisor for clarity.

Time Sheets:

Time sheets can be found on your my.nmsu.edu account by logging in and then selecting the “Employee Tab -> Time Sheet.”

Each student is responsible for signing in when reporting for work and signing out when leaving each day. If a student works two shifts, they should sign in and out for each shift. For example, if a student works from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM in one day, each shift would be logged separately on the time sheet.

Time sheets should be submitted by the last day of the pay period in order to receive pay on time.

Work Hours:

Each work-study will have regular work hours assigned, which will be determined jointly between the student and the staff member to whom the student is assigned. Work-study students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per work week (Sunday-Saturday), and typically expected to work a minimum of 15 hours per work week.

Work Week:

For scheduling and payroll purposes, the work week officially begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday.

Summer and Holidays- Students may work up to 40 hours per week during the spring vacation and holidays that total one-week or more while no classes are in session. Students enrolled for six (6) or more credit hours are limited to 20 hours per week. All hours worked by student employees are subject to departmental approval and the availability of funds.

  1. There are 24 pay periods in a calendar year and students are normally paid on the 15th and the last working day of each month.
  2. Voluntary Termination- The student employee may be terminated at the student’s request. Such a request is normally presented to the employing department in written or verbal form. However, a student employee is considered to have resigned when (s)he:
  • Walks off the job and does not return the next scheduled work day;
  • Is absent for three consecutive scheduled work days without permission and/or without notifying the employer;
  • Doesnot report to assigned work that requires attention seven days a week, such as, livestock feeding, continuous research, building supervision, machinery maintenance, and/or similar positions.

Paydays

Payday occurs twice a month: the 15th and the last working day of the month. Work-studies can receive their checks from their supervisors, but can also set up direct deposit to their bank accounts from their my.nmsu.edu account.

To set up Direct Deposit: Login > Student > Student Account > Direct Deposit Enrollment > Enter Bank Information to PAYROLL PRIMARY.

Job Performance

Work-studies are hired to perform day-to-day duties that are necessary to the success of the department; you are important in contributing to that success. Always aim to perform at your highest level and do not be afraid to ask for help when it is needed.

Congratulations on your work-study position and good luck!

For more information, please consult the NMSU Student Employment Handbook with the link below:

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