Information on hiring a student
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive.
Because many students needing to work are not eligible for the FWSP, we ask you to consider hiring non-FWSP students if possible.
What is the FWSP ("Work-Study")?
The Federal Work-Study Program is a federally funded program designed to create jobs for needy students by subsidizing a percentage of their wages.* To hire an FWSP student and benefit from the subsidy, check the "Work-Study only" box as you are posting your job on the network. Not all students are eligible for the FWSP, however, so limiting your posting to Work-Study students reduces the number of possible applicants for your position.
You are also required to complete the Work-Study referral card packet which your student will bring you before he or she begins work. Besides confirming a student's eligibility for the FWSP, the packet of information includes payroll procedures as well as the limitations on the student's earnings, pay rate, and hours.
Packets are available in the SEO for undergraduates and in the Financial Aid Offices for graduate students. Occasionally students think they are eligible when in fact they are not. Employers are responsible for 100% of the wages of ineligible students; so please confirm eligibility with a referral card if the subsidy is a requirement for employment.
*Percentages vary. On-campus and most off-employment is subsidized at 70%. Community service work is eligible for a 75% subsidy and work in the profit sector, a 50% subsidy. All employers in the summer and off-campus employers throughout the year contribute an additional 6-10% for benefits.
What do I pay my student?
The University, in most cases, does not mandate specific wages for particular student jobs, but it does suggest guidelines. The Work-Study range for 2007-2008 (including summer 2008) is $9.00-$11.80/hr for undergraduates and $9.00-$17.15/hr for graduate students.* Employers may not pay Work-Study students either more or less than non-Work-Study students doing the same job. Positions requiring special skills (computer, foreign languages, etc.) may be offered at higher rates.
In general, employers are encouraged to offer their jobs at wages within the guidelines and then reward good work and longevity with pay increases. If you choose to pay your Work-Study student over the maximum FWSP rate, you may charge only the first $11.45 (undergrads) or $16.65 (grads) to the FWSP account number. Food Services, Buildings and Grounds, Libraries, and Security Patrol all have set student payrates.
What if I need someone only temporarily or on short notice?
Short-term positions may be posted on the jobs data base. You can simply add a statement as you post your job on the network stating the short term duration of the position, and we will add it to the "Temporary Jobs" category.
Students interested in short-term or specialized work such as typing or childcare have registered in our Skills File included here on our website. You might want to check that listing before you post your job.
Employers requiring immediate assistance may also call Harvard Student Resources (HSR), an agency within Harvard Student Agencies. HSR will find a student employee and bill you for the hours worked at $10-20/hour. Their number is 495-3033 and their students have good computer, language, library research and tutoring skills, not to mention leaf raking, snow shoveling, moving and bar tending. If you plan to hire a student through the SEO but need help immediately, HSR students can often bridge the gap.
Do you have any tips for finding good student workers?
The best tip is to get your job listing on the SEO Webpage as early as possible. Many students try to get their jobs settled even before classes begin. Informative (but brief!) job descriptions also help, especially comments to attract students with particular skills or interests. Jobs relating to students' career plans are always in demand; but many students find less demanding, routine work a welcome contrast to academic life, particularly when the working environment is pleasant. Regardless of the job, however, all workers appreciate an orientation which shows them how their job fits into the organization as a whole.
