Work study at limit

Four years ago, Bara Bandera slowly made her way through the mass of students crowding the circle drive outside the Indiana Memorial Union. Approaching one of the almost 80 representatives, Bandera was unaware the morning job fair would provide her with employment for an entire college career. \nAccepted applicants for the work-study program are highly marketable for campus employment to help with budget constraints. But regular hourly workers are left with fewer options and longer job searches. \nThere are more than 1,000 job titles across 150 departments at IU, including technical, clerical and administrative positions. Between 5,500 and 6,000 students work on campus, with about 2,700 work-study jobs available, said Jan Nickless, the associate director of the IU Student Employment Office. \nAbout 7.1 million full-time college students receive some form of financial aid, according to the Census Bureau News on Financing the Future. Nearly half receive monetary help from more than one source. \nThe work-study program is federally sponsored to help employers. Four students can be hired for the cost of one regular employee, because the government subsidizes 75 percent of the wages. \nStudents must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid with the Office of Student Financial Assistance, and select consideration for a campus job. \nQualifications depend on monetary funds contributed by the family towards education. Those with the highest need are given priority. \n"It's a combination of wanting it and qualifying for it," said Associate Director of Client Services Bill Ehrich. \nApplicants must be an American citizen, taking at least six credit hours, and be in "good academic standing with satisfactory progress," according to the Career Development Center Web site. \n"We've had more people this year that qualified for work study," Ehrich said. \nThis year's budget is $3.9 million, with around 2,600 work-study opportunities. Based on financial need, out of more than 7,000, those approved could receive up to $1,500 an academic year. \n"I had no problem getting it," said Bandera, who is now a senior. "I was lucky."\nBy the beginning of October, together the IU libraries had hired 235 to 240 work-study students. Another 310 were regular hourly employees, according to Lynn Severn, the hourly payroll coordinator for the Main Library. \n"Our budget is set so low, it forces it to be a big consideration," said the head of Circulation Services for the Business/SPEA Library, Terry Reynolds, about the importance of hiring work-study students. \nEach library handles their budget separately. Most do not hire only work-study employees because of the qualifications needed for a position. \nBandera, now a senior, has kept the same position at the Fine Arts Library for three years and expects to stay until graduation. As a freshman, Bandera applied for work-study and attended a job fair for available positions. She needed a convenient job on campus. \nThe library provides a fun environment, where each week she works behind the desk or shelving books. For projects, it helps to know the computer system and have easy access to the reference librarians. \nBandera could possibly find a better paying job, or one more designed for her education degree. \n"I'm not a money chaser, it's not important to me," said Bandera, who would not have known where to begin searching without the help of the work-study program. \nSophomore Chris Murray worked for the Government Publications Department for the Main Library last summer. On the job posting, work-study was listed as preferred but not necessary. His boss told him that most people stay until graduation. \nMurray liked the relaxed atmosphere, flexible hours, and understanding supervisors. But he was laid off due to budget constraints and encouraged to apply for work-study for next semester.\n"I try to keep them on. And so far we have been able to do that," Reynolds said about budget cuts affecting hourly workers. This year, the libraries are actually spending more than at the same time previous semesters. \nEhrich said estimates are based on continuing employment. If a student decides to leave, this could open up funds at the beginning of next year for another applicant. \n"I wish more people could qualify," said Reynolds, who has difficulty filling positions in the winter and summer.\n"Work-study students are more important on campus," said Murray, who plans to apply for the assistance. "And on campus jobs are the best option for students"