Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based self-help award. If a student has been awarded FWS, the FWS award is the total that can be earned during the academic year as a work-study student. It is important to note that funds earned in the Federal Work-Study Program are not credited to the student's account.
All students who are employed by Carnegie Mellon submit their hours worked in WorkDay and are paid by check on a bi-weekly basis. Students have the option to have their pay direct deposited into a local checking or savings account.
Most students are paid directly by their employers. Others are paid with a combination of federal and university funds through the Federal Work-Study program, which includes a component for Community Service Federal Work-Study.
Questions about student employment? View Frequently Asked Questions.
Planning to work at CMU? Employment eligibility verification is required.
Form I-9 must be completed within three business days of beginning work for any type of compensation (stipend or employment).
To ensure compliance with federal law, Carnegie Mellon University maintains the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Policy (pdf) covering the university's I-9 and E-Verify Requirements:
- Every individual receiving a stipend from CMU or employed by CMU must comply with the I-9 Policy by completing the Form I-9 within three business days of stipend start date/employment.
- Individuals who expect to work on a federally funded project are further responsible for submitting an E-Verify Processing Request Form to the Office of Human Resources.
For more information, please see CMU's Guidance for Completing the Form I-9 and E-Verify Requirements at CMU (pdf) or visit the Human Resources website to learn more about Form I-9 and E-Verify and to schedule an appointment to complete Form I-9.
PA Act 32 requires Carnegie Mellon to collect Earned Income Tax (EIT) on behalf of its employees - including student employees - for the local municipality in which they live or work.
Students who are employed by Carnegie Mellon in Pennsylvania are required to take action to ensure that the amount of tax withheld is correct and that the tax is disbursed correctly according to the tax residency address. All employees who live in or work in the state of Pennsylvania are required to complete a Local Earned Income Tax Certification form. If this form is not completed and signed, then the employee's local tax withholding may be incorrect.
After the student employee completes an I-9, the Local Earned Income Tax Certification form will appear in the Workday inbox for completion and a signature. For questions, contact cmu-works@andrew.tianjingkeji.com.
