Work Programs

UPJ offers three work programs to students, the Federal Work Study Program, Campus Employment, and the PHEAA State Work Study Program. You may choose to work in one of many departments on-campus or in a library or business off-campus while learning skills that are beneficial to finding future employment. Working while taking classes offers many advantages to you. You will learn time management skills, will earn money, and will gain work experience that can be a great reference for a resume.

Federal Work Study Program

• You must show financial “need” in order to qualify for the program. Financial need is determined by completing the FAFSA.
• You are paid $7.15 and hour and work 10 hours a week during the Fall and Spring terms. Your schedule is flexible which allows you to work around your classes.
• You may apply for Federal Work Study by completing the FAFSA before the April 1 deadline date and indicating on the FAFSA that you would be interested in student employment.
• On the first day of classes, you may find a job by checking the positions posted outside the Financial Aid Office. You then interview with the supervisor listed, and if hired, you are placed on the University’s payroll so that you can receive a monthly paycheck.
• You are not guaranteed a position, and all jobs are filled on a first come first serve basis.
• Full-time and part-time positions are available during the summer.

Campus Employment

• You do not need to complete a FAFSA in order to be considered for campus employment.
• Individual departments pay for your wages out of their operating budget; therefore, the number of hours and the wage rate is determined by each individual department that is hiring students.
• Most of the campus employment positions are posted by the individual departments. Campus employment positions can be found in the following areas: Academic Support Center, Student Life, Residence Services, The Conference Center, Sports Center, Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center and the Murtha Center.

PHEAA State Work Study Program

• PHEAA conducts an off-campus State Work Study Program which can be arranged for any term. The positions are career related and provide work experience that coincides with your major.
• To be eligible for the program, you must be a Pennsylvania resident and must be eligible for a PHEAA state grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan.
• You can arrange to work under this program during the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters. You may work for an eligible employer in your home town or in any other county. Employers benefit under this program because they are reimbursed for a portion of the your wages.
• You may actually create jobs by asking potential employers to consider participating in the State Work Study program.
• You can obtain a State Work Study Program application and additional information on PHEAA's website www.pheaa.org.