OSE FAQ

Where is the Office of Student Employment and how can I contact you?

The Office of Student Employment can be found on Oakwood Road directly behind Peters Hall (white building # 5026). Call us at (256)726–7424.

How do I become eligible to work on campus?

Student employees should be on-going students who are presently enrolled. Students must be70% clear financially before they may fill out a contract and begin working during the school year. Must have and maintain a GPA of 2.0 to work.

Can I work more than one job?

NO, effective Fall 2012 school year, student can only work one job.

Can I work without a contract?

Absolutely NOT, you cannot start work without completing an employment file and a completed contract must be returned to the office of student employment.

How will I know what jobs are available?

An employment listing for students can be found here

Call each department that you are interested in to find out more about the job and its availability.

What is Institution Work Study?

This is an agreement between the Institution and the Students to have their pay credited to their Oakwood University student account until they are 100% clear financially, at which time their pay will be deposited in their personal bank accounts. The pay rate for students receiving Institutional Work Study is $6.20 (85% of minimum wages. The Department of Labor allows the institution to pay a student no less than this percent). Students may access My.Oakwood.edu and click on “Student Accounts” to track wages placed on their account.

What is Federal Work Study?

The FWS Program provides funds that are earned through part-time employment to assist students in financing the costs of postsecondary education. Financial need is determined by the Department, using a standard formula established to evaluate the financial information reported on the FAFSA and to determine the expected family contribution (EFC). Student must be PELL eligible to eligible for FWS. This is free monies that do not have to be paid back to the Department of Education.

How do I qualify for Federal Work Study?

All students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in order to receive Federal Work Study funds. A student establishes eligibility for participation in the Federal Work-Study Program by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The Office of Financial Aid determines a student’s eligibility using the FAFSA application filled out by the student. . A student must be PELL eligible to receive FWS. In order for an eligible student to received FWS, they would have to be employed by one of the designated departments who have FWS slots.

What documents are required for me to begin working?

1. Proof of enrollment
2. I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form (copies & faxes not acceptable of documents and must be unexpired.). You can find this list by clicking on OSE Forms then I-9 Form Employment Eligibility Verification page 5.
3. A-4 Alabama Department of Revenue Form
4. Federal W-4 Form
5. Payroll Deduction Form
6. Direct Deposit Form
7. Signed contracted on file in the Office of Student Employment.

Also available at our website.

 I just began work today and can’t clock in, what should I do?

Keep a very accurate account of the times that you clock in, clock out, and the number of hours worked each day. Keep doing this until you are in the system, and turn your hours in to your supervisor at the end of the week. To expedite the process have your supervisor send an email to ose@oakwood.edu requesting you to be added to TimeClock. Name and ID and department code should be added in the email. Why? Because all contract do not indicate if the student is a new worker.

Can I work during chapel?

Attendance to Institutional Chapel is required for all students and they may not work during this time. Seniors can check with Student Services to determine if you are eligible to be exempt from chapel. If so, you can make arrangement with their supervisor to work if necessary.

Can you fax a blank contract to me?

No, each student must come to the Office of Student Employment and pick up their contract in person and the original contract must be submitted back to the Office of Student Employment.

How many hours can I work during the school semester?

The hours you work are determined by your supervisor and they could be less based on the departments needs. The maximum cannot exceed 17 hours a week during the semester.

Can I work during thanksgiving/winter/spring/summer break?

Some departments are not open and/or have no budget for these times. Check with your supervisor to find out if you can work during a break, and make sure that you are aware of the beginning and end dates of your contract. Your hours could be less based on each departments needs. The maximum hour cannot exceed 28 hours.

How long can I work after I graduate?

You must terminate your Work-Study employment immediately upon withdrawal or completion from Oakwood University.

General Guidelines:

• All student employment jobs are part-time.
• Fringe benefits such as sick leave, vacation pay, and holiday pay are not part of your compensation.
• You will not be paid to study.
• You will not be paid funds for hours worked in excess of the maximum semester amount listed on your contract or after the semester ends.
• You and your supervisor are responsible for keeping up with the number of hours you are authorized to work. If you exceed your total award for a term, part of your other aid for the academic year may be canceled.
• Students who accept jobs are expected to work the entire period of the assignment, to be punctual, and to perform efficiently. Student should notify supervisors in advance when illness or unforeseen circumstances prevent attendance.
• You must terminate your employment immediately upon withdrawal from Oakwood University.
• You must maintain a minimum of six credit hours to prevent cancellation of your employment.

What do I need to know about being interviewed?

To ensure your interview is a success, here are a few tips:

• Dress professionally. Your appearance makes a lasting impression.
• Be punctual. Arrive a few minutes early and make sure the potential employer knows that you are present.
• Bring a list of references, both past employers and personal, to present if requested.
• Know the interviewers name and title, if any.
• Extend a firm handshake.
• Establish good eye contact.
• Be positive, friendly, and businesslike.
• Listen carefully. Answer questions completely but concisely.
• Be honest. If you don't know something, don't be afraid to say so openly.
• Find out all you can about the job.
• Don't exaggerate or downplay your best qualities or experience.
• Show interest and enthusiasm.
• Send a thank-you note. A brief, well-written note can strengthen a potential employer's positive impression of you.