Student Employment Handbook

To be considered for the programs marked with an asterisk (*), you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).   

Note:  All students not previously employed at Fort Lewis College must complete an I-9 form required by the federal government.  They must present a driver's license and a Social Security Card or other suitable identification to confirm their identity and eligibility to work.  All new student employees are required to complete the I-9 process before their work contract will be approved.  Contact the Office of Financial Aid for further information.  

Federal College Work-Study

Students who show financial need may be awarded need-based employment as part of their financial aid package.  Federal College Work-Study is a campus-based program that provides money to fund this employment opportunity.  All Fort Lewis College students, who have completed the FAFSA process, specified their interest in work-study and are early applicants will be automatically considered.   

Wages range from minimum wage to $11.00 per hour in accordance with the Standard Student Employment Pay Plan approved by the College.  The specific wage rate is based on the nature and type of employment, years of service and job performance.  

The maximum award is $2,500 per academic year.  The work-study award is split equally between fall and winter trimesters.  The last day a student can earn the work-study award is the last official day of the winter trimester (i.e. last day of finals).  

Colorado Work-Study

The State of Colorado provides funding for employment of students who are Colorado residents.  The Office of Financial Aid awards most Colorado Work-Study  funds after determination of financial need.  All students applying for financial aid at Fort Lewis College, who have completed the FAFSA process, specified their interest in work-study and are early applicants will automatically be considered.

Wage rates for this campus-based employment program are set according to the provisions of the College's Standard Student Employment Pay Plan.  These provisions include nature and type of employment, years of service and job performance. 

Colorado No-Need Work-Study 

Up to 30% of the Colorado Work-Study funds allocated to Fort Lewis College may be used to fund job opportunities for students who do not demonstrate sufficient financial need to qualify for "need-based" work-study.  This ineligibility must be confirmed from the results of the FAFSA.  In order to be considered for Colorado No-Need Work Study, the applicant must be a Colorado resident for tuition purposes.

To apply for no-need work study, the student must submit the FAFSA by February 15 each year and indicate an interest in work-study.  They must respond immediately to any requests for additional documentation so they will complete their financial aid file early.  The standard award for those that qualify is normally $2,000 per year.  

Institutional Employment

Fort Lewis College routinely employs approximately 600 students; almost half of them are not eligible for work-study.  The departments employing these students pay their wages.  Job vacancies are listed with Career Services.  The pay range is minimum wage to $11.00 per hour.

Off-Campus Employment 

Job opportunities for students in the Durango area are limited, and students should apply directly to the agency where they wish to work.  Occasionally, employers in the community will call the Office of Financial Aid with notification of job openings.  These job listings are posted on a Job Vacancy Board located at the Office of Financial Aid, 101 Miller Student Services.