Work-study is a program that enables students to earn money by working part-time while attending college. The federal government, the state of Colorado, and the institution provide the funding for work-study assistance. Awards are primarily based on need as demonstrated by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A limited number of awards are granted to students on a basis other than need. At Colorado Northwestern Community College, approximately 85 students are awarded each year on the basis of need. Approximately 40 students are awarded on a basis other than need. The average award is $3,000.

Your chances of receiving a work-study award are greatest if you complete the financial aid process prior to JUNE 1.

Colorado Northwestern Community College has work-study positions in a number of areas, including but not limited to administrative offices, student service offices, athletic departments, academic program areas, and student activity areas. Wages range from $7.30 to $7.45 per hour. Work-study employees average from 10 to 12 hours per week. Work-study job listings will be available in the Financial Aid Office, for those students who have been awarded work-study, after the first day of classes.

Your responsibilities after accepting a work-study award:

• Upon receipt of a financial aid work­-study award, students must obtain employment paperwork from the Office of Financial Aid.

• Upon completion of all required employment paperwork, students will be given a Work study Appointment form and a job listing.

• From the job listing, select one or more positions and contact the work supervisor identified on the job description to arrange for an interview.

• If hired by the supervisor, the Work Study Appointment form must be signed by the student employee and the work study supervisor before the student is eligible to begin working. Return the signed form to the Financial Aid Office.

• Supervisors will clearly define the duties and responsibilities with the student so that together both may arrive at mutual expectations. Also, students should clearly identify their workdays and hours. Students are held accountable for maintaining established workdays and hours.

• Students who are ill or unable to report to work must always contact the supervisor in advance to either notify him/her of illness, or to rearrange work hours. Never, under any circumstances, fail to report to work without notifying the supervisor in advance.

• When at work, it is inappropriate to have friends visit or to make personal calls. Students who need to make a personal call must check first with the supervisor.

• Students must record all hours worked on the blue work-study time sheets.  Both the student employee and the proper supervisor must sign the time sheet prior to the supervisor’s submission of the time sheet to the payroll office.  Time sheets must be submitted to the supervisor every other Friday.  Any student who falsifies a time sheet will be suspended from the work-study program, may be suspended from all financial aid programs, and referred to the U.S. Department of Education for suspected fraud investigation.

• Students must never work more than 20 hours per week during periods of enrollment, provided the award is sufficient. Based on the average work-study award at CNCC, most students will be able to work approximately 10 hours per week.

• All College work­-study awards are based upon the availability of funds and may be revised during the school year without prior notice. In that event, every reasonable effort, through student loans, other jobs, etc., will be made to assist a student for the remainder of the year.

• Students whose work performance or attendance is unacceptable may have their contract canceled by the supervisor. Failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic and Incremental Progress will result in the loss of your work-study job. Remember that this employment opportunity can provide documented work experience and references for future jobs. 

REMEMBER- It is clearly understood that academic schedules and programs must take precedence over employment requirements. Students offered and accepting part time employment are expected to coordinate their work schedule with their class schedule and supervisor. It is also understood that these are employment opportunities. Student employees are paid only for the hours actually worked. The college has no obligation to keep students, who consistently fail to meet work schedules or live up to the expected performance standards, in the work-study program.