Frequently Asked Questions
Please click any of the topics below to if you have a question about:
Questions about pay, onboarding, or eligibility in response to COVID-19, please view FAQ sheet here.
How much can I earn through work-study?
Students may receive up to 4,000 in federal work-study awards. However, awards are based on the level of financial need and aid by other sources such as scholarships and grants.
Am I guaranteed a job if I qualify for Work-Study?
No, there is not a job placement guarantee for Work-Study students.
How do I apply for a work-study job?
Work-study jobs are posted on Handshake. In Handshake, you can filter by work-study postings. We recommend selecting the "work-study" filter to quickly browse opportunities. All students may view and technically apply for work-study jobs, but only students with an active work-study award will be considered for the work-study job.
When can I start a work-study job?
Students can begin working a work-study job on the first day of Fall quarter. This is typically the week before Fall classes begin. For Fall 24, the first day of Fall quarter is September 21, 2024.
I don't have a work-study award. How can I appeal?
If you do not see a Work-Study award in your MyUCSC portal and would like to be reconsidered for Work-Study, fill out the Request Work-Study eForm located in MyUCSC.
To locate the eForm:
- Log into myUCSC
- Go to the Undergraduate Student eForms tile
- Locate and submit the Request Work-Study eForm
- You will be notified on next steps as your eForm is evaluated and processed
Can I apply for a non work-study job if I have the work-study option?
Yes, you are allowed to apply for non work-study jobs, but we highly recommend you apply for work-study postings to utilize your work-study award.
What is the difference between a work-study and a non-work-study job?Students who receive the Work-Study option are awarded a set dollar amount which their wages for the academic year may not exceed. Only students who qualify for Work-Study may apply for Work-Study positions.
Non-Work Study refers to jobs that are open to any student and do not require a work-study award. These positions are not federally funded and are paid directly from the budget of the department you are working for.
What are the benefits of working on campus?
Some of the benefits of working on campus include:
- Convenient work location
- Flexible work schedules to accommodate students' class schedules and study needs
How can I use my work-study in a job I have been hired for?
For on-going jobs, work-study authorization is provided by completing the 2024/2025 Work-Study Authorization Form.
- If work-study authorization is received before work-study has begun, work-study will be applied to the job effective 9/4/24.
- For authorization received on or after 9/4/24, work-study will be effective the date the authorization is received and cannot be made retroactive.
- Work-study is not applicable to Resident Assistants or any BYA job.
- This process is not applicable to Academic Reader or Tutor jobs; please contact your Academic Division business office.
If students have any questions or concerns, please have them contact their timekeeper.
Questions about Work-Study?
General questions concerning how to locate work-study jobs can be directed to the work-study coordinator at ucscel@ucsc.edu. Visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships website or in person at 205 Hahn Student Services Building for information regarding work-study financial decisions.
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Do I need another Blue Card?
If you were employed by UC Santa Cruz, ended that position, and then applied for and was hired for another position, you will need another Blue Card.
If you are currently employed at UC Santa Cruz and accept another role, that is a continuing hire and you do not need another blue card.
What if I lose my Blue Card?
The Blue Card is fully digital - email studentemployment@ucsc.edu if you need to re-confirm your blue card status.
Can I provide a copy of... (a passport, birth certificate, social security card, etc.)?
NO. The federal government requires that you present your official documents to your authorized representative. They cannot be faxes, photocopies, or scans.
What is the CANRA form?
When signing a CANRA (Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act) form, you become a mandated reporter of signs of child abuse and/or neglect.
What is a Background Check / Live Scan?
Background checks are required for individuals under consideration for hire or appointment into critical staff and student employment and volunteer positions.
How can I sign up for a Background Check?
You can complete the application here - note that you will receive a direct email with instructions regarding how to complete the Background Check.
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You will log your hours on CruzPay.
What if I need to turn in a late timesheet?
First, print out a paper timesheet, fill out the hours that you've worked, and then turn it in to your supervisor.
Please direct all CruzPay-related questions to your department's PAT Timekeeper. You can find their contact information here.
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As a student employee, you will get paid bi-weekly on Wednesdays.
Where is my paycheck?
Paychecks will be delivered to the current address on file in UCPath unless the student has signed up for a direct deposit.
How can I sign up for direct deposit?
- Login to UCPath
- From your UCPath Dashboard, use the menu on the left side of the screen to navigate to the Direct Deposit Add/Update page:
- Employee Actions > Income and Taxes > Direct Deposit.
- The initial Direct Deposit set-up may take up to two weeks to become effective.
If you choose not to sign up for Direct Deposit, your paycheck will be mailed to the home/mailing address on file in UCPath. Please review your personal information to ensure that the address listed is correct
Please direct all CruzPay-related questions to your department's PAT Timekeeper. You can find their contact information here.
Work-Study
Blue Card
Onboarding Process
CruzPay
Getting Paid / Direct Deposit
