Student Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.
All enrolled students are eligible to use the job listings available through HireADore. Both FWS and Institutional Employment applicants may also approach departments and/or professors for whom they are interested in working and discuss employment opportunities. Students eligible for FWS funding, should share that information with a potential employer. It benefits the student and their employer! 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
- May students have their paycheck applied to their student accounts?
No, federal regulations prohibit directly crediting a student's paycheck (earnings) to his/her student account. However, students who wish to apply their paychecks to their student account may take their paychecks to the Office of Student Accounts, 100 Baker Building, 110 21st Ave. to have it applied to their student account. The office hours are 8:00am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. 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?
Students should review a copy of their time sheet and check stub with the administrative assistant responsible for payroll paperwork in their home department. 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 a 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
- May a student work a non FWS job off-campus in addition to a FWS job?
Students may choose to do so. Any income earned from an off-campus job will be considered as part of the student's income contribution toward meeting educational expenses for the next award year, as reported on the FAFSA. back to top
- Is it possible to increase a student's FWS award?
If a student would like his/her financial aid package reviewed for a possible increase in his/her FWS award, the student should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid. back to top
- How can I check my 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 C2HR to view their earnings. Students may verify their FWS award through the Access Your Financial Aid link. back to top
