Employer Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I hire a federal work study (FWS) eligible student to work in my department?
Each year the US Department of Education allocates FWS funds to Vanderbilt University to use for student wages. Therefore, a student working in your department will have their wages supplemented by at least 75% by way of the FWS award. Each student may be eligible for a different amount as determined through a federal application and methodology formula. back to top
- Are students assigned an employment position when awarded FWS funds?
A FWS award does not equate to an employment position. Students must initiate their employment. Each August, Student Employment holds a Job Fair for all FWS students and employers. If you are interested in hiring a student in your department, please have them complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) by visiting the Office of Student Financial Aid website. back to top
- How do I advertise a position open in my department?
Employers are encouraged to list any positions in the student job listings database, HireADore. Both FWS and Institutional Employment applicants (students) will use this to search for positions of interest. Employers may also approach students for whom they are interested in working and discuss employment opportunities. Hiring a FWS eligible student benefits your department budget through savings on the wages paid. back to top
- Do students have to pay taxes on the wages that they earn?
Yes, student wages are subject to federal taxes. However, student employees normally do not have to pay FICA (Social Security) taxes if a student is enrolled at least part time and is working 30 hours or less each week. back to top
- What should a student do if his/her paycheck is lost or stolen?
Students will need to report this immediately to the Vanderbilt Payroll Department at 343-6606. They will put a "stop payment" on the check and will then issue a new check. This process usually takes at least five (5) working days. back to top
- What should students do if they think an error was made on their paycheck?
Employers are encouraged to keep copies of student timesheets after they are signed by the authorized department official. The administrative assistant responsible for payroll paperwork in their home department should review with the student a copy of their time sheet and check stub. If a review of these documents indicates that the student was shorted or overpaid, the administrative assistant should contact the Vanderbilt Payroll Department at 343-6606 in order to assist the student in resolving the problem. back to top
- Is it possible for a student to work in more than one job at Vanderbilt?
Students may work more than one job, however, undergraduates are limited to working a total of 20 hours a week TOTAL for all jobs and graduate/professional students are limited to working a total of 29.5 hours a week.
Students should inform all supervisors that they work more than one job. It will be necessary for a student to complete FWS contracts and/or PAF for all jobs they hold. Working more than one FWS job usually means that the student will earn his/her FWS award sooner, depending on the number of hours he/she works and the total amount of the award. Both the student and the supervisor(s) will be notified when the student is close to earning his full award. If a student earns his/her full FWS award before the end of the year, each department will need to decide whether they can continue to employ the student as an Institutional Employee and pay 100% of the hourly wage. back to top
- How can I check my student employees total earnings to date?
Once all student hiring paperwork is entered into the HR Processing system the student has access to view their wages earned to date. The student should log onto the C2HR system. The hiring department should compare the reported earnings to the student initial award on the FWS Contract. Student Employment has a calculator for employers convenience. back to top
