2008 Woodie Awards
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Work-study vital for AU
Students learn, earn money as part of financial aid packet
By Mishri Someshwar on 2/16/04
Even though students are treated as "para professionals," as Alatorre puts it, employers do have to make accommodations for their students, including time off during exams.
"I ask that they tell me ahead of time when they need time off," Alatorre said. "If they need time off unexpectedly, I usually ask them to find a replacement. Considering that there are two other work study kids who are desperate to make up the hours, we inevitably find someone."
Most students have no conflicts with their work-study jobs and class work. The most they are entitled to work is 20 hours per week. Even for students taking 15 credits, the flexible hours the job offers, and the understanding employers makes it possible for students to juggle both worlds.
However, the picture isn't quite as rosy for other students.
Harris mentioned that the work-study program has never had a problem running out of work-study funds, which is true for this academic year. Each student is given a federal work-study award based on the student's financial needs, and it is possible for students to reach their limit. However, these students will have opportunity to get extra funds if they estimate their money in advance and call the Financial Aid Office for assistance before their money runs out.
"If a student still has financial need, and has exhausted their initial work study award, if additional funds are available, then our office would increase their award," Harris said.
Meanwhile, other students must cope with the fact that work-study jobs may not pay them enough of money they need.
Freshman Mary Kapsak applied for a work-study position in the library but later turned it down to be a swimming instructor, because the job paid nearly 20 percent more.
Similarly, freshman Aneesa Khan struggled to find a job in the work-study program last fall, even though she started her search weeks before the deadline. All she kept getting were "e-mails saying the positions were filled." This semester she managed to find a position in the D.C. Reads program.
Even Shillenn, who says that her experience with the program has been good, admits that "it's hard to get enough hours, especially since my classes are all during office hours. I don't think I'm going to make all the money they offered me."
"I ask that they tell me ahead of time when they need time off," Alatorre said. "If they need time off unexpectedly, I usually ask them to find a replacement. Considering that there are two other work study kids who are desperate to make up the hours, we inevitably find someone."
Most students have no conflicts with their work-study jobs and class work. The most they are entitled to work is 20 hours per week. Even for students taking 15 credits, the flexible hours the job offers, and the understanding employers makes it possible for students to juggle both worlds.
However, the picture isn't quite as rosy for other students.
Harris mentioned that the work-study program has never had a problem running out of work-study funds, which is true for this academic year. Each student is given a federal work-study award based on the student's financial needs, and it is possible for students to reach their limit. However, these students will have opportunity to get extra funds if they estimate their money in advance and call the Financial Aid Office for assistance before their money runs out.
"If a student still has financial need, and has exhausted their initial work study award, if additional funds are available, then our office would increase their award," Harris said.
Meanwhile, other students must cope with the fact that work-study jobs may not pay them enough of money they need.
Freshman Mary Kapsak applied for a work-study position in the library but later turned it down to be a swimming instructor, because the job paid nearly 20 percent more.
Similarly, freshman Aneesa Khan struggled to find a job in the work-study program last fall, even though she started her search weeks before the deadline. All she kept getting were "e-mails saying the positions were filled." This semester she managed to find a position in the D.C. Reads program.
Even Shillenn, who says that her experience with the program has been good, admits that "it's hard to get enough hours, especially since my classes are all during office hours. I don't think I'm going to make all the money they offered me."