WORK STUDY FAQS FOR DMACC STUDENTS
1.
What is the College Work Study Program (CWSP)?
This program funds part-time employment opportunities on-campus (and sometimes off-campus) for eligible students while studying at
DMACC. The program is overseen by Financial Aid with assistance from the Career Center and HR.
2.
3.
What are the benefits of being a work study employee?
 Wages from your work study job will provide a source of income while in school

You will gain valuable professional skills (communication, time management, workplace etiquette, etc.)

Work study jobs can help you build your resume and gain new professional references
What kind of work study jobs are typically available?
The types of positions offered vary widely from semester to semester, but some examples of positions offered include office/clerical
assistants, lab or shop assistants, marketing or communications assistants, or equipment managers.
4.
5.
What are the requirements for me to be eligible to work as a work study employee?
 Receive a work study award from Financial Aid (you must file FAFSA to be considered for the CWSP)

Maintain at least half-time enrollment during the term(s) of employment (6 credits min. in Fall/Spring; 4 credits min. in Summer)

Pass a criminal background check and complete other pre-hire paperwork as required by Human Resources
How do I apply for work study jobs?
 Confirm that you have received a CWSP award from Financial Aid; you can check your Financial Aid award information through
your Web Info System account or by contacting Doreen Jamison, Financial Aid Specialist, at dkjamison@dmacc.edu

View current openings posted on the work study website to find positions you would like to apply to

Follow any instructions listed within a job’s description to apply

Supervisors will contact you directly if they are interested in hiring you; an interview may be required
Note: each campus handles applications differently; please contact your campus’ work study representative listed online for details
6.
A supervisor wants to hire me! Now what?
If the job is at a campus other than Ankeny, please contact your campus’ CWSP representative for instructions. If the job is at the Ankeny
campus, please contact the Career Center to begin the pre-hire process (described below):

Criminal Background Check: The Career Center will help you complete all necessary forms and will submit them to HR;
background checks can take anywhere from 1-15+ business days to complete

Orientation: Ankeny campus candidates who pass the background check will attend an orientation session at the Career Center;
basic policies and procedures will be covered and Payroll paperwork (I-9, W4s, and Direct Deposit forms) will be completed
7.
What other important details should I be aware of?
 CWSP award decisions are made based on financial need information provided to Financial Aid through your FAFSA each
academic year; in order to be considered for the CWSP program (and other forms of financial aid), you must submit a new FAFSA
every year

Receiving a CWSP award does not guarantee that you will find employment; there are more eligible students than there are job
openings, so the job application process is competitive

Your CWSP award can be earned during Fall and/or Spring terms; Summer CWSP awards vary each year and may be awarded
separately in May to qualifying students if funds are available

CWSP awards are earned as a hourly wage ($8.25 per hour for most positions); paychecks will be delivered via Direct Deposit to
either a personal bank account or to your DMACC Higher One account (your choice)

If you earn this year’s full award amount before the end of the Spring term, your CWSP employment will be terminated unless
additional funds are granted by Financial Aid; contact Doreen Jamison, Financial Aid Specialist, at dkjamison@dmacc.edu for
more information

You cannot work more than 20 hours per week unless you hold two work study positions; students with two work study jobs can
work up to 25 total combined hours per week

You cannot work when school isn’t in session (e.g. during breaks) without Financial Aid’s approval
Learn more and view CWSP job openings online at www.DMACC.edu/WorkStudy
For Appointments: 515-964-6200 | Other Inquiries: 515-964-6463
Building 1, Student Services – Ankeny Campus
careers@dmacc.edu | DMACC.edu/CareerCenter