100 Work Study jobs to be added, CMU deciding where jobs will be allocated

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Jane Halcrow has sought a job on campus “for two years and eight weeks.”

The St. Clair junior said she has filled out an average of 15 applications each semester for jobs in food service, technology, campus offices and the library.

“I’ve applied for every single (job) I’m applicable to,” she said.

In an effort to reduce the prevalence of situations like Halcrow’s, Central Michigan University is allocating $250,000 to create 100 new jobs through Work Study.

“It’s come to our attention that there are a number of students concerned about the number of jobs available to them here on campus,” said University President George Ross, after the Sept. 23 board of trustees meeting.

Jon Goodwin, manager of Student Employment Services, said he does not have details about where the jobs will be or when they will be available.

“The wheels are still turning behind the scenes at the moment,” Goodwin said. “I think right now they’re trying to determine which departments have the most need (for student employees).”

Ross said while the number of Work Study jobs available to students on campus remains the same as last year, the number of jobs available in the community have decreased.

“We’re trying to endeavor to — I guess I’ll use the term ‘bridge the gap’ — between what’s happened in the community with less jobs available to students,” Ross said.

He said university reserves will fund the costs necessary for creating jobs.

A student’s eligibility for Work Study jobs is dependent on their FAFSA application, according to Student Employment Services. If they qualify, students are notified on their financial aid award letter.

General Student Assistance jobs, on the other hand, are available to any students enrolled at CMU at least half-time.

Because she does not have a job in Mount Pleasant, Halcrow goes home one weekend each month to work 15 to 20 hours at her summer job as a gas station clerk. While the job helps cover her expenses, Halcrow said working on campus would be more convenient.

“(The Work Study increase) would be helpful, it’d be nice,” she said.