Work-Study for NAU students

What is Federal Work-Study?

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is an employment program available to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need (as calculated by the FAFSA). The FWS program helps students meet educational expenses through part-time employment.

How does it work?

FWS students working in an eligible position will receive a paycheck every two weeks from their employer. NAU doesn’t regulate how the money is spent, nor are funds automatically applied to students’ NAU charges.

What types of FWS jobs are available?

There are three types of FWS jobs:

1. On-campus jobs are located within NAU departments.
   • This does NOT include third -party contractors, including Sodexo, Starbucks, or the bookstore (eFollett).
2. Off-campus jobs are located throughout the Flagstaff community and are available with a wide variety of nonprofit or community service organizations.
3. America Reads is a collaboration between the Federal Work-Study program and the NAU College of Education to provide tutoring to elementary school children in Flagstaff.

How do I qualify for Federal Work-Study?

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once a student has completed the FAFSA, the Federal Government determines financial need and notifies us. If a student has financial need, they might be eligible for FWS. If you are awarded a Federal Work-Study award, you’ll need to accept or decline your award by Sept. 30.

I want to accept my award, now what do I do?

Now it’s time to start looking for a part-time job. NAU posts all open positions on the Handshake website. (NAU students can log in to Handshake using their LOUIE login.) Make sure your Handshake profile is up to date and then begin searching for and applying for jobs you’re interested in.

For assistance navigating Handshake, check out the “Help Center” tutorials within Handshake or call 928-523-1087 during business hours.

I’m not interested in this award, now what do I do?

If you don’t want your Federal Work-Study Award, be sure you “Decline” the award, as this updates your financial aid account.

• Access your LOUIE student account.
• Select “Main Menu”
• Select “Self Service”
• Select “Finances”
• Select “Accept/Decline Awards”
• Select the Aid Year for the financial aid you want to review.
• Next to the Federal Work-Study award, click the “Accepted” box to accept or decline your Federal Work-Study award, and then click the “Submit” button.