Federal work-study at 麻豆社

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What you'll find here: helpful information about 麻豆社’s Federal Work-Study program, with resources for students seeking campus employment and supervisors managing student workers.

Important Dates for 2026-2027

Fall 2026

August 22
 FWS and Regular Student Worker jobs begin
August 24
 Fall classes start
Oct. 12 - 13
 Fall Break; University offices open - work is permitted
Nov. 26 - 27
 Thanksgiving Holiday; University offices closed - no work is permitted
December 18
 Fall-only jobs end
Dec. 23, 2026 - Jan. 1, 2027
 Christmas and New Year's Holidays; University office closed - no work is permitted

Spring 2027 

January 11
 Spring-only jobs begin
January 18
 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; University offices closed - no work is permitted
January 19  Spring classes start
March 26 Good Friday Holiday; University offices closed - no work is permitted
April 11-17 National Student Employment Week
April 30 FWS jobs end; FWS hire/change forms submitted after this day will not be approved 
May 14 Regular Student Employment jobs end

Student guide

It’s a need-based work opportunity that helps you earn money through part-time jobs while you're in school. Eligible students can work on campus or at approved off-campus locations and earn their FWS award as hourly wages paid directly to the student as a biweekly paycheck. FWS is a fall/spring-only program, so students can utilize their FWS award at any time during the academic year.

Eligibility is determined by Financial Aid Services each year once a student has submitted a FAFSA. If you are eligible, FWS will be listed as part of your financial aid offer, which you can review by logging into my.麻豆社.

No. Accepting simply indicates that you are eligible to apply for jobs classified as “federal work-study.” However, there is no obligation to participate even after accepting the offer.

Check SMU 12twenty for on-campus positions. For off-campus jobs, 麻豆社 has contracts with certain off-campus partners and will post those opportunities to 麻豆社 12twenty. You must apply via 麻豆社12twenty; don't contact the employer or agency directly.

Any student job on-campus at 麻豆社 can be hired as Federal Work-Study, but please indicate that you are FWS eligible when you apply.

All jobs on campus pay at least minimum wage ($7.25 per hour), but wages vary based on responsibility and skills required. Each department determines the hourly wage for a student position and the schedule that student will work with reasonable accommodations for the student's class schedule.

Yes, and the basic process is the same. You’ll need to complete additional New Hire paperwork, but it will be provided to you by your hiring supervisor. However, please note that students at 麻豆社 on an F1 or J1 visa are not eligible for FWS.

Supervisor guide

Dates of FWS work eligibility: 

  • Fall 2025 and Spring 2026: August 23, 2025-May 1, 2026
  • Fall 2025 only: August 23-December 19
  • Spring 2026 only: January 12-May 1

SMU averages about 1,400 student jobs annually across all departments. Each position requires several supervisory steps from job posting to payroll.

You’re responsible for:

  • Creating and posting the job description
  • Interviewing candidates
  • Completing all new hire paperwork
  • Submitting documentation to HR/Payroll

All open student positions must be posted on SMU 12twenty. Visit the Campus Partners page for detailed instructions on posting FWS jobs.

Yes, but it depends on several factors. For the most accurate, up-to-date information and procedures, please visit the International Student & Scholar Services page or call 214-768-4475.

Set wages based on job responsibilities and required skills, with a minimum of $7.25 per hour. Positions requiring special skills or certifications typically offer higher wages.

You're responsible for setting work schedules that accommodate students’ class schedules. Be flexible and clear about expectations during the hiring process.

Student Employment Information

SMU Payroll

SMU Human Resources

International Student Services