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For Students
Eligible students have a work component as part of the financial aid package, and the amount is directly tied to the estimated $1,900 cost of books and personal expenses. Students are not required to work, but if you do not the College will not replace this portion of your aid. The recommended job at the beginning pay rate would assume approximately 9 hours of work per week. Student accounts are not credited with the amount offered as work-study; instead, students are paid every two weeks for the hours worked.
The Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) is directed by the Financial Aid Office. It was established by Congress as part of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Its purpose is to promote part-time employment for students with financial need and to provide work experience related to a student’s interests. Work-Study is a federally-subsidized program where costs are shared by the federal government and the individual employer. The current wage cost ratio for on-campus employers is 45%. In other words, the on-campus employer pays 45% of each student's wage, and the FWSP pays 55%. For off-campus employers, the wage cost ratio is the same unless otherwise determined by the Financial Aid Office.
The Program must adhere to congressional legislation which is regulated by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal regulations mandate that student employees must not displace or replace existing employees (including those on strike).
Students and employers should remember that each has responsibilities toward the employment relationship. Federal Work-Study students are instructed that their job is second only to academics. They are also expected to practice common employment courtesy, such as calling well in advance if they are unable to work at a scheduled time. Employers should also be sensitive to the special needs of college students, who occasionally may request a day off to study for exams.
Any position for which there is a professional staff person to provide regular supervision is eligible for consideration under the FWSP. Work performed for a professor must be in relation to the work of Trinity College, not for personal projects. Work-study students may not be employed by graduate students to assist them in research unless the student is hired by the department.
The FWSP has expanded off-campus or community service organizations employment opportunities. As defined by federal regulations, community service is designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals, or to solve particular problems related to their needs, including such fields as health care, child care, literacy training, education, welfare, social services, transportation, housing and neighborhood improvement, public safety, crime prevention, recreation, rural development and community improvement.
Trinity College does participate in the 'America Reads Program' to meet part of the community service portion of the FWSP. Through this program, work-study students will be able to make a contribution to the community by working as reading tutors at several local public schools. Check the Joblist page, listed to the left, for this program's job availability.
Getting Started
Required Forms
All students are required to complete an I-9 (Proof of Citizenship), a W-4 (for federal tax withholding) and a CT-W4 (for CT tax withholding) only once during their time at Trinity and submit it to the Payroll Office (M-F 8:30 am–4:30 pm). These forms are state and federally mandated and must be completed prior to the issue of the first paycheck. Be sure to bring the following things with you when you come to complete your forms:
U.S. Citizens (1, 2, 3):
- Passport, or
- A picture ID AND either an actual, original Social Security card or a notarized copy of it, or
- A picture ID AND your original birth certificate or a notarized copy of it.
Payroll and Work Authorization Forms
Once a student has been hired, a Payroll Authorization Form must be completed by the student's supervisor and submitted to the Payroll Office for each student working. Also, a Work Authorization Form must be completed by the student and employer and returned to the Financial Aid Office. These forms are needed for each position worked.
Finding A Job
All students are responsible for finding their own jobs. All available on & off campus jobs will be posted on the Joblist page, including contact information. Hiring practices for different departments or positions vary (interviews, applications, etc.), and are at the discretion of the supervisor. Students should know how much, if any, Federal Work-Study they have been awarded and provide this information to their supervisors. You can check your financial aid status using the Check Financial Aid Status link at the left.
How many hours may students work?
It is recommended Federal Work-Study students work no more than 15 hours a week or otherwise obtain special permission from the Dean of Students, Frederick Alford at (860) 297-2156. A desirable range is 8 - 10 hours per week. Please refer to the Schedule of Estimated Earnings available in the Work Study Document List for more information.
Pay checks
Pay checks are currently issued on a bi-weekly basis. Students will receive their checks in their campus mailboxes on the Friday afternoon of pay weeks. Also, Direct Deposit is available for students who elect to participate. For a schedule of pay dates, please see the Payroll Calendar in the Work Study Document List.
Cashing Checks
Students may cash checks at the Bookstore. There is a check cashing fee of $1.00 per $100 of check value. The Bookstore will cash personal checks up to $30.00. Only one check a day is allowed to be cashed, no third party check and there is a $25.00 bounced check fee.
Year End W-2s
W-2 statements are mailed to all students at their home addresses the end of January each year by the Payroll Office. Each student is responsible for following local, state and federal tax guidelines as per their own particular circumstances.
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