State Work Study

Washington State Work-Study (SWS) Program

State Work Study (SWS) is an employment program funded by Washington State in collaboration with outside employer organizations.

In a nutshell, the state helps create jobs for for law-school students by allocating funds through Gonzaga to outside employers.

Working in professional legal settings around the area, students gain work experience, earn money to help pay for law school, and build their resume/recommendations post-graduation.

Eligibility is based on student financial need. as determined by the as determined by the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial Aid guidelines/deadlines, and the availability of SWS funding.

Site placements must be approved by the school and the state. During summer sessions, students may take their SWS positions outside the state (companies must have GU and Washington State approval).

Students should contact Joan Henning, Senior Financial Aid Counselor, at (509) 323-3859 for eligibility requirements.

To Obtain SWS Employment

Gonzaga University’s Student Employment and the School of Law’s Career Services offices assist students in locating SWS law positions. Any and all SWS law position openings are posted in Law Career Services, (509) 323-3705. Review job listings and contact SWS employers directly about their postings.

Once you are hired, you and your employer must complete and return your SWS Hire Form to Gonzaga University’s Student Employment Office. This form will tell you and your employer your award amount and the dates for which the award is valid. The SWS Hire Form must be received before SWS timesheets can be processed for employer reimbursement.

On receipt of your SWS Hire Form, Gonzaga University’s offices of Student Employment and Financial Aid will determine whether or not SWS funding is available to fund your position. Important Note: SWS employment is secured on a first-come, first-served basis. The fact that you have been awarded a state work-study amount or award as part of your financial aid offer does not secure you a funded position.

You are your employer are required to complete Washington State Work-Study timesheets within 15 days of the end of your pay periods. Timesheets can be accessed on the student employment website located under Student Employment Forms.

Students may recruit new employers to the SWS program. Contact Melissa Thompson, SWS Program Specialist, at (509) 323-6218 to learn how to recruit a new company.

Important SWS Information

SWS guidelines mandate a maximum 19-hour work week during the academic year. Students may work a 40-hour work week during school-scheduled vacations as long as they don’t exceed their SWS award amount.

SWS funds are nontransferable from one aide term to another.

Rate of pay is determined by the SWS employer and must be a competitive entry-level wage. Washington State must approve pay rates prior to job approval. SWS employer pay students directly.

SWS students must complete SWS timesheets. Timesheets can be accessed under Student Employment Forms on the Student Employment Web site: www.gonzaga.edu/studentemployment.

You may only work for one SWS employer at a time. Earnings from SWS are excluded as income on your next year’s FAFSA.

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