Work-study question

Colleges and Universities A-Z Skidmore College
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<p>DS is happy that he got into Skidmore, and we are happy that he got what seems to be quite good financial aid. I'm a bit concerned, though, about a flyer on work study for first year students that was included in his acceptance packet. It says that all first year work study students are assigned to work in Dining Services, and they are not eligible for any other work study jobs except up to 3 hours per week over and above their 9-hour-per-week Dining Services commitment, and even that is only available in the spring semester. This sounds pretty rigid to me, especially compared to the work-study arrangement our other son has at Brown, where eligible students just apply for jobs that become available, thus finding jobs that suit their interests and schedules.</p>

<p>DS is a hard worker, and is glad to have a job on campus, but I'm wondering (1) if current students find this system at all constraining, and (2) whether there is any stigma attached to working in Dining Services. Is there any "class" division between kids on financial aid and those paying full freight? I'd appreciate any insights -- thanks.</p>

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<p>Son is a freshman with a work study award - says about half his class work in the dining hall. They each only work a few hours a week so there are a ton of kids doing it. I actually think because of the dining hall approach Skidmore offers work study to more incoming freshmen, as I have two in college and my daughter is not eligible for work study according to the financial aid office at her school.</p>

<p>My son doesn’t mind working in the dining hall at all, says there is a lot of comaraderie, no stigma, it’s just what the freshmen do. He thinks kind of fun, and he’s gotten good at choppping onions . . .</p>

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<p>Thanks for the insight, carmen. I told my son about your son’s experience, and he thought it sounded fun, too!</p>