work study woes

<p>Ages ago - as in when the world was in black and white :) - I took a workstudy position with the career placement center on campus. No one wanted to work there - so jobs / hours were readily available - and it was by far the best job on campus for someone close to graduation. All of the employers came past my desk on their way to on campus interviews - and I took full advantage of the access... Try there!!!</p>

<p>Our problem is D had her work study amount reduced by more than half this year. Last year, she was "awarded" $3000 and used about $2100, working approximately 10 hours a week in the Admissions Office. As a freshman, we did not want her working more than that. This year, her WS is only $1400, and when she uses that up, she hopefully will be able to stay employed in Admissions through the student employment office. She likes her job, and it gives her spending money for the year. We still do not want her working more than 10 hours a week. I guess she is lucky, as she has several friends who got their WS cut off completely. BTW - this is the only "FA" she receives, other than Stafford Loans.</p>

<p>Update:
I asked my husband to call my son first and then get involved if necessary. I didn't want my annoyed tone to come through the phone, LOL. DH confirmed details as I wrote in the original post and called the woman who told DS there was "nothing they could do". </p>

<p>Amazingly, they were able to find several jobs that fit his available hours. He has two interviews tomorrow, and if that doesn't work out, he is to see someone (name and phone number given) in financial aid. DH was told that DS would get a job that would meet his work study award.</p>

<p>Was this perceived as meddling? I don't really care what they think! We are the ones who would have to make up the $2200 (for the year) difference if he did not earn this money. We have 3 in college this year and money is very tight. The outcome is positive. And I don't think my son would have had the same outcome if my husband didn't call. </p>

<p>As I mentioned, he is a senior and I have never called the school for anything except billing problems. We have always advised him to solve his own problems and where to go to seek answers. Having said that I realize that kids(and parents!) can sometimes act demanding vs. respectful and have advised all of our kids that treating people with respect and occasionally flashing those $3000 orthodontist fixed teeth goes a long way...but not this time.</p>

<p>I am grateful to all of you who posted with such great advice. I'm glad this had a happy ending.</p>

<p>Good for you, Chocolate. Sometimes a parent can get results a lot faster.</p>

<p>I'm willing to bet not only a parent but a male parent. College cultures are strange places, and in most of them, the student counts for nothing. They can be treated rudely, given the cold shoulder, told there nothing that can be done. Faculty members will sometimes get a better response. Parents as well. </p>

<p>I am a staff member on a large campus with a Ph.D. I have been blown off by campus secretaries and staff members when I had a legitimate question or problem. It's amazing what happens when I introduce myself as Dr. People here drop everything and come running.</p>

<p>If he hasn't already, have him check with his professors as they may know of positions available in their department(s). D has been a TA and grader since 2nd semester of freshman year (she's now a junior) by consulting with professors. None of these positions were advertised.</p>

<p>My other suggestion is for him to go to the rec center and/or student center and inquire about jobs.</p>