by Whitney Crinklaw, Sports Section Editor
A number of students look for on-campus job opportunities that are within their interests and bring an income. In the article Learning And Earning: Working In College by Jonathan M. Orszag, we read, “Only 15 percent of student workers have an on-campus job. Students working exclusively on campus tend to work fewer hours: on average, they work 16 hours per week.” Therefore, many 
students participate in the work-study program, which allows students to work part-time at their school.
This program is beneficial to several Crowder students. “They are good for students because they respect the student’s schedule and that gives enough time for the student to study and work,” said Sean Chilonga, a custodian for the work-study program. “Work-study can help us to pay for school because for some of us, our parents don’t have the money,” stated Thays Martin, an international student.
“The work-study program definitely has some advantages. Jobs are on campus and designed to work around course schedules. Also, supervisors realize you are a student first,” stated Stephanie Ferguson, Director of Financial Aid.
However, students also express their concern regarding the program. Brian Miller, a Diesel Technology major from Arkansas, wishes he could earn competitive wages at his work-study program-being grounds keeping. “I wish the program could raise the wages,” continued Miller, “and get more job opportunities.”
Martin later stated, “I think it should have more opportunities for international students because we can only work inside campus. Therefore, It would be better if we had more preference.”
“Completing FAFSA is required for all work-study students, and the hours are determined by the information that is provided on their FAFSA. Students unmet needs determine their eligibility.” Students must go through certain steps to determine if they qualify for this program; the most important step being to complete their FAFSA.
The maximum number of hours most students are eligible to work are 19.5 a week. Sean Chilonga works 17 hours, Brian Miller works 19 hours, and Thays Martin works 15 hours. For more about work-study opportunities contact careerservices@crowder.edu, or contact Beth Gandy, Career Service Coordinator, at 417-455-5618.
Leave a Reply