Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded grant that allows eligible students to work on a part-time job on campus, or off-campus with one of our community service partners (such as Lowndes/Valdosta Commission for Children & Youth, Goodwill Industries, and the Humane Society). Students work and earn money to go towards their college expenses while gaining valuable job skills.

Our primary goal is to provide you with the opportunity to acquire transferable skills that will set you up for future SUCCESS in a full-time job!

Applying for Federal Work Study

The first step is applying for FWS is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You must select “Yes” to the following question on the FAFSA: “Are you interested in being considered for Work-Study?”

FWS eligibility is based on established financial need. As a general rule, you must be Pell Grant Eligible and have an unmet need.

The next step is to go to this website and apply for Work-Study Positions. The jobs are located under Work-Study Openings. FWS jobs are located on and off-campus and work schedules are flexible with your class schedule. It is very important to note job locations.

Once you apply for a position and provide the necessary documentation, you may be contacted by a supervisor. After the selection for an interview, you must contact the FWS office to complete a background check form. Once the background check is completed and you are selected for hire, you will complete the application process in the FWS office. Please bring the following to the FWS office:

a) copy of Student ID,

b) copy of Social Security Card or Birth Certificate and Voided Check or print out from bank that has a routing and account number.

You must contact the FWS Coordinator, Tanja Rouse, and Trouse@valdosta.edu

After the application process is completed, you will receive an email from the Student Employment office informing you of the start date.

FWS employees may begin working as soon as their employing department receives an FWS Referral & Authorization form from the FWS office. This is the form that lists the amount (per semester) that the recipient is to earn. This form must be completed prior to beginning your FWS position.

Student Resources

  1. Be on time
  2. Be responsible for all actions
  3. Adhere to all rules and policies established by your employer
  4. Adhere to the work schedule that has been established and agreed upon by you and your employer.
  5. Perform your job duties as set by your employer
  6. Give two weeks' notice to your employer if you are planning on quitting.
  7. FWS students are allowed up to 2 job/department changes per calendar year.

Although there is no set dress code for most campus positions, students are expected to dress neatly and appropriately in their role as a student employee. “Business Casual” clothing is almost always acceptable as long as it is in good taste. In general, you should avoid wearing tank or crop tops, tattered or ripped clothing, or sweat pants, and must wear shoes at all times. Clothing that could potentially interfere with your work or be distracting or offensive to others is not permitted. Departments may require different clothing rules based on interaction with the public and the type of work that is performed, but, at all times, students must present themselves in a way compatible with the mission of Valdosta State University. Dress appropriately for the job as specified by the supervisor.