For me and probably for most students
it's a hassle to work said Angela Green, who works at Specialty Books, 5 N. Court St. I would definitely rather not work and I know I would get better grades if I didn't.
Most students admit they would prefer not to work, but for those who must, both Ohio University and Athens provide many employment opportunities.
Assistant Director of Student Employment Daniel Frech said that although students can make more money working in a bar or restaurant, university jobs are more flexible with scheduling, especially because students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours a week.
According to Frech, studies have shown that students working 15-20 hours a week do better in school than students without jobs. Maybe it teaches them a work ethic and a scheduling pattern
he said. But once they start working more than 20 hours
they start doing worse because they can't handle everything.
I just work at really inopportune moments
said Andrew Weiland, an employee of Perks, 49 S. Court St. I'll have to close and then type a paper or work a really early shift before going to class. I'm pretty busy just trying to keep my head above water.
University jobs are divided into three categories - federal work-study, Program to Aide Career Exploration, or PACE, and centralized student employment.
Work-study eligibility is determined by financial aid information. Students choose where to work and start at minimum wage. More than 900 students participate every year.
PACE, which employs about 400 students, is a campus-based internship program that is more of a vocational job, Frech said. Students start at $6 an hour, paid through endowments.
About 4,000 students work through centralized student employment in 200 different departments, such as the library, in dining services or through an academic office.
The departments appreciate that they are getting good labor for relatively nothing
so they have no problem limiting hours and accommodating student schedules
Frech said. Yes
we need students to do x
y and z for us
but that is secondary. We are an academic institution first and foremost.
On average, students with university jobs work around 12 hours a week for just more than minimum wage. Many university jobs are clerical and allow time to study during the shift.
I like working because I can do homework
