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Work study reduction creates controversy
Due to a recent reduction of the work study program, SCSU's students and staff are left in a whirlwind of uncertainty and mixed emotions.
"The condensed version is that (the state) overspent (by) about $22 million," said Diana Burlison, associate vice president of administrative affairs.
And that's precisely it. The Higher Education Service Organization (HESO) serves the state with childcare and work study funding, and the state is responsible for approximately fifteen percent of SCSU's funding for the work study program. And now the state is faced with having spent beyond the means of their budget. The work study program will now suffer because of it.
"There will be no funding for state work study and child care programs," Burlison said.
"In my opinion, this action wasn't necessary," said Frank Loncorich, director of Financial Aid. "This is the first time the state has taken more from (HESO) to (feed) the shortfall in the state grant program. If there's a problem within the state grant program, they should cut (elsewhere), not rob it from HESO."
However, there is still hope for survival of the work study program. There are still federal funds and university funds on which SCSU can rely.
"Right now our goal is to minimize the impact on the students and the university," Burlison said. "It's a difficult situation to be in because the university relies on student employment, and the students rely on the university."
Student and Mitchell Hall desk worker Rory Dubiel thinks the impact will be minimal.
"It really doesn't affect me," Dubiel said. "If I go over in hours, (my place of employment) has a different account (they can rely on). Even if they go over in hours, they will still need people to work."
By Aug. 1, the university will know exactly where they stand. SCSU has recently sent out letters to students who have been awarded the option to participate in the work study program. They must reply by Aug. 1 if they want to take place in the program. The intent of this situation is to separate the students serious about the work programs from those who are not.
"There are many students who perform vital acts for the institution. (In order to function) we need to provide proper funding."
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