Editor’s note: This is the second installment in a three-part series on student finances.
Many people know of the poor college student stereotype, but hundreds of Baker University students are working to change that reality.
Approximately 300 students participate in work-study programs at Baker, Financial Aid Director Jeanne Mott said.
“We couldn’t accomplish what we do without them,” she said. “Several offices on campus are enriched because of student workers.”
Work-study participants aren’t confined to office positions, though. Junior Allyssa King holds a student work position as the news director for the campus radio station, KNBU-FM.
“I didn’t apply for it so I could get money,” she said. “I am doing it for the experience and for something to put on my résumé.”
She applied to become a member of the KNBU executive board during her freshman year and began working as news director while she was a sophomore.
“The best part is that I am getting to grow with the program,” she said. “We have been lucky to have great station managers and support.”
King said the lessons she learns working for the station are more valuable to her than the money.
“I like having the radio things,” she said. “It’s not so much like work; it’s just fun.”
Freshman Elliott Harvey holds a work-study position at the Baker fitness center. Unlike King, however, he does it more for his bank account than for experience.
“I definitely do it for the money,” he said. “It’s not much, but it helps.”
Harvey also said one advantage of the job is having time to catch up on homework.
“I really just sit there,” he said. “I work about a two-hour shift, so that gives me time to do two hours of straight homework. I get a lot of things done, and I’m getting paid for it.”
Mott said it is beneficial for both students and staff to have the work-study program.
“From my standpoint, it is helpful to have a student perspective when we are a starting a new program or anything like that,” she said. “If the students don’t understand what we’re asking, how can we expect it to work?”
Student perspectives are needed in a variety of areas at Baker, which explains the wide variety of work-study positions offered. Students work in campus offices, the fitness center, student media and many other places.
There are a few different types of work-study jobs at Baker. Some are funded by federal money, but others are funded by institutional dollars. There are also some students who pursue part-time jobs through human resources, but those are not classified under the umbrella of the work-study program.
For students without work-study eligibility looking to earn some extra cash, Baker is currently accepting applications for university admissions assistants, First Year Experience leaders, resident assistants, hall directors, student telecounseling admissions representatives – STARs, and other positions.
King said she served as a STAR previously and recommends the program to others.
“I worked on my own,” she said. “There wasn’t a boss around, which was nice. It is a good position for someone who has a passion for Baker and wants to share that with others.”
Eventually, as one might expect, it all comes down to the money.
“STARs get paid more than other campus jobs,” she said. “You can’t complain about that.”