Student's Handbook

Summer Work-Study

Summer work-study is an opportunity for students to help meet the cost of their education through full-time off-campus summer employment at a participating Community Service Agency. Students are allowed to work up to 37.5 hours per week, and are expected to save a portion of their earnings to meet the cost of their education for the following academic year. For the 2008-09 academic year, each student is expected to save $1,800.

How do I find out if I'm eligible? You must be able to demonstrate Federal Work-Study eligibility for the 2008-09 academic year. Students completing graduation requirements are ineligible for Summer Work-Study. Students must have the following financial aid materials filed in the Financial Aid Office by May 1st, 2008. For an explanation please contact the Financial Aid Office :

• University Application (UAPP)
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• CSS Profile
• 2007 Parent and Student Tax Returns

Once eligibility is confirmed (by receipt of an award announcement or confirmation by the Work-Study Office), students may contact a participating community service agency for an interview. Due to budgetary constraints, students must secure employment (and approval) by July 1st (including students who plan to begin their jobs later in the summer) in order to participate in the Summer Work-Study Program.

• I didn't use up my work-study award this year. Can I use it up during the summer?
  Your federal work-study award is only available during the academic year (Sept-June), as is the rest of your financial aid. Work-study during the summer is a completely different form of aid that allows you to save your summer earnings and apply it to the cost of your education the following academic year.
• I have an on-campus job lined up for the summer. Can I do it as Summer Work-Study?
  Summer Work-Study at NU is a federally funded program offered through participating community service agencies in the Evanston community and surrounding area. Most on-campus summer positions are considered temporary non-work-study jobs, funded 100% through the department's own budget.
• I'd like to do community service in my hometown. Can I get paid as a work-study?
  Summer work-study is limited to the Evanston community and surrounding area. Out of state jobs, even at community service agencies, cannot be paid through Northwestern's Summer Work-Study.
• I'm not planning to work full-time. Do I still have to save my earnings?
  Since the program is designed to help you meet the self-help part of your education, every participating student is required to save a portion of their earnings. If you are unable to save the $1,800 you may appeal to have the summer earnings expectations replaced with additional loan assistance by submitting a copy of your summer expenses and summer earnings statement to the Financial Aid Office.
• What if I want to work more than 40 hours?
  The federal work-study program cannot pay for more than 37.5 hours per week (full-time hours for Northwestern Employees) during the summer. Any hours worked over 37.5 at a community service agency will be considered volunteer hours.
• Where do I find out about summer work-study jobs?
  Visit our Web site at Off-Campus Jobs and check agency listings, which can be found alphabetically in the agency listings. Or contact the Work-Study Office at 847-491-7574.

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