Work Programs
Work awards contribute more than financial assistance to your college education. In an increasingly competitive job market, employers want applicants with both work and academic experience. Campus employment will introduce and prepare you to enter the working world. In addition, the Occidental community benefits from the unique talents and experiences you bring. You will become a member of a team representing the College and making significant contributions to Occidental's operations.
Occidental Work Award
This program is funded by Occidental College and is limited to financially needy students (including international students). If you are awarded this work award, it is your responsibility to seek on-campus employment. On-campus jobs are not guaranteed.
Federal Work Study
This program is partially funded by the federal government and is limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who demonstrate financial need. If you are awarded this work award, it is your responsibility to seek on-campus employment. On-campus jobs are not guaranteed.
Your Work Award
Your work award amount is set for an academic year. Therefore, your award should be earned during both semesters and should not be earned within a few months. If your work award is for only one semester, it should be earned during that one term.
If you were awarded a work award of $3,100, that is the maximum you can earn for all on-campus jobs. Once you have earned the amount of your work award, you must stop working. Thus it is important that you keep track of your earnings so that you do not exhaust your work award before the end of the academic year. Visit Work Study Calculator for information on how to plan you work schedule with your supervisor.
Limitations
Students may only work a maximum of 15 hours per week for all combined on-campus jobs. This limit has been established by the College to ensure that students primarily focus on their studies. On a case-by-case basis students may appeal to increase their total work hours to 20 hours per week. An appeal letter must be written to Vice President of Student Affairs Barbara Avery and Director of Financial Aid Maureen McRae. If your appeal is approved you will be notified by the Dean of Students Office.
Studying Abroad and Work
Students who study in an approved study abroad program have their work eligibility, for the semester they are abroad, replaced with student loans, if funds allow. Visit Aid for Study Abroad for more information.
Multiple Jobs
If you are working multiple jobs, you and your supervisors are required to keep track of your earnings to ensure you do not exhaust your work award OR work more than 15 hours per week while classes are in session.
Incoming Students
If you have been awarded a work award, you should start your job search early. Most job positions for the academic year are posted in August and September and may be limited thereafter. Jobs are posted on the Human Resources website and on the bulletin boards outside the Human Resources Office in the lower level of the AGC Administrative Building.
Returning Students
If you are a returning student who is being rehired into your previous position, you may begin work before the first day of classes, as long as your supervisor has completed all hiring requirements with the Human Resources Office.
