Work Study & Campus Employment
How many students are employed and what jobs are available?
Approximately 500 students are employed on a part-time basis during the academic year. The campus employment program tries to provide the opportunity for students who need to work to help meet their educational costs (as determined by their financial aid award). Students also gain valuable and meaningful work experience at Heidelberg.
There are a variety of jobs available to eligible students. Most upper-class students secure a campus job before leaving campus in the spring. First-year students must be willing to work any campus job in order to earn their awarded amount and gain experience. Krammes Service Center, ARAMARK Food Service and the Admission Office employ most first-year students. Many returning students secure a job in an area related to their major or an area of interest in order to gain valuable work experience. Sometimes job openings become very difficult to find. Not unlike looking for a job in your home community, finding a job on campus may require patience and persistence for awhile. A student who is unable to find a job should check frequently in the Financial Aid Office for new openings. He/she can also place his/her name on a waiting list and will be notified through campus mailbox of new openings as they become available.
Who is eligible to work?
Students who have college work study as part of their financial aid award have priority for on-campus employment. The college work study award is the maximum amount the student may earn during the year. The awarded amount is based on the student's need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Should students have any questions about their eligibility to work on campus they should to contact the Financial Aid Office.
How do students find a job?
In the Financial Aid Office, you will find a list of all departments who have students working and the kinds of jobs available. Students are responsible for obtaining a campus job. Most jobs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis according to a student's class schedule, skills and interests.
The Financial Aid Office serves as an information and placement service, but does not hire students for any campus job. Each department interviews and hires students to meet their needs. Students are encouraged to talk with several employers when trying to secure a campus job. Contact with employers can be made during the summer orientation sessions.
How many hours a week do students usually work?
Students are awarded anywhere from 2 to 15 hours per week to work. Some stipend jobs are available. This is when students are paid by the job rather than by the hour. These jobs require certain skills such as working in the theater department, on the radio staff or serving as a resident assistant.
What papers do I need to complete in order to begin work on campus?
You need to have the following papers on file with the Business Office: an I-9 form, a W-4, Direct Deposit form, and a copy of social security card, driver's license and hiring card.
Can I work on campus if I do not have work-study in my financial aid award?
Students without work-study as part of a financial aid must be approved with the department and financial aid office before beginning work.
How do I get paid for work-study?
Students are paid on the 10th of each month beginning in October. Checks are directly deposited to your college or personal account.
What if I don't earn my entire work-study award?
Work-study money is not spending money. It is a part of your financial aid package; therefore, any money not earned becomes a part of your family's responsibility.When do students get paid? How much?
Students earn minimum wage and are paid on the 10th of every month. Since students are awarded a campus job to meet the “self-help” portion of their financial aid, they are expected to apply part of their earnings to their student account. This can be done automatically by payroll deduction. If a student account is paid in full prior to each semester, special arrangements can be made with the Business Office so that no deduction is made from the student paycheck.
What if students earn more than the awarded amount?
Students who earn more than their job awarded will have that difference added to the student contribution for next year. It is helpful to the student to keep a record of his earnings and plan work hours appropriately. The Financial Aid Office monitors the student's earnings. Government and college regulations stipulate that the student can not earn more than awarded. It is important to plan work hours appropriately enabling the student to work the entire year.
What if a student cannot find a job?
Sometimes job openings run out or become very difficult to find. Not unlike looking for a job in your home community, finding a job on campus may require patience and persistence for a while. If a student is unable to find a job, frequent stops in the Financial Aid Office to check current openings is advised. The student can also place his/her name on a waiting list, to be notified through campus mail of new openings as they become available.
Can a student be fired?
YES. Hiring and firing is up to the discretion of the employer, not the Financial Aid Office. Each employer expects appropriate work behavior from the students. Employed students should follow the following guidelines to keep their jobs.
- Be willing to work hard.
- Be prompt.
- Present a neat appearance.
- Be cooperative and pleasant.
- Let your employer know if you'll be late or cannot work because of a class conflict. Do not send a message through another student.
What about off-campus job opportunities?
The Financial Aid Office does receive job announcements from community employers and individuals. Many requests for baby-sitters are received throughout the year. All off-campus as well as on-campus information is posted on a bulletin board outside the Financial Aid Office. The office keeps a list of students interested in baby-sitting, odd jobs or general off-campus employment. When job openings are received, these students are contacted about the opening. Students interested in being on the list should stop in the Financial Aid Office.
What about work during breaks and summer?
There are several departments that offer employment while the students are on break and during the summer vacation. Since students do not have a job award to work during these particular times, students are encouraged to talk to employers about available work. Krammes Service Center, the Admission Office and ARAMARK Food Service employ a limited number of students during these times. Money earned during breaks and summer vacation are not included in the student's job award total.