Title - Webster University Student-Employment program enriches the college experience
The Webster University Journal Student-Newspaper - December 2016
Description - This was the capstone assignment for my Media Production for Journalism class during the fall 2016 semester at Webster University. I was tasked with developing a complete news package that focused on one overall topic and producing written and video content that related to multiple aspects of that topic. The main objective was to start and finish a product that was publishable for the Journal Student-Newspaper. This is an important standout for me because it was my first attempt to produce a complete news package publishable for the newspaper and online website. I am proud of this because of how well it illustrates the different elements and essentials of reporting, producing and publishing news.
Webster University - December 2016
(WEBSTER GROVES, MO) Webster University student Aimme Turner set foot in the Sverdrup building for the first time last August; she was terrified. As a freshman, Turner struggled to gain the confidence to speak to others. She felt embarrassed.
Turner immediately began working in the Media Center; nothing changed at first. She continued to struggle having conversations with others. It was a fear that stuck with her since youth, Turner said.
“I was painfully shy during high school and middle school,” Turner said. “There was about a four month period, when I started working here [Media Center], where I did not talk to anybody.”
Turner’s life changed over the last 16 months; she buried her past once and for all. Turner said she found inspiration to overcome her shyness by working with a great group of co-workers and eventual friends. The Webster University Student Employment program gave her the opportunity to change her life.
“As the first year went by, I started to break out of my shell with the people who worked here,” Turner said. “Now, I talk to fellow co-workers and students all the time. It is actually quite enjoyable. The people here are awesome. That feeling of inadequacy is now gone; I can finally be myself.
Webster University offers job opportunities to part-time and full-time students, through the Federal Work-Study and Budget Student Employment programs. Federal Work-Study is need-based and awarded through Financial Aid, according to Webster University’s official website. Federal Work-Study students must be enrolled full-time to receive the award over the course of an academic year.
Budget Student Employment is an option available for current students at the Webster Groves campus. Students must be enrolled at least half-time, six credit hours for undergraduates and three for graduates, regardless of their financial need.
Student Employment Coordinator Danielle Ehrhard said there is a distinction between Federal Work-Study and Budget Student Employment. The Budget Student Employment program is all Webster dollars.
“There is no additional funding from the government. Also, international students cannot work out of Federal Work-Study, so it is really important for them to be able to have opportunities on campus which are strictly for Budget Student Employment.”
Federal Work-Study is only awarded to domestic undergraduate Webster full-time students, Ehrhard said. 13 credit hours constitutes full time. For award eligibility, the need-based requirements are incumbent to the students understanding of whether or not they can receive Federal Work-Study.
“It depends on what your Earned Family Contribution is; that return number from your FAFSA,” Ehrhard said. “Also, your grants, scholarships and loans all go into making the decision of whether or not you are awarded Federal Work-Study.”
Turner said the most enjoyable part about working in the Media Center is hanging out with co-workers and working with students. She enjoys chatting with others and assisting them with the equipment they need.
“It is always nice to hang out with people and help other students who need to come through and check out stuff,” Turner said.
Turner said she has no qualms with her job. Students rushing to the Media Center to check out equipment toward the end of the semester are challenging, but she still enjoys providing students with what they need.
“I am so familiar with the equipment at this point,” Turner said. “The most I need [from the Media Center] is a tablet and stylus, but it is nice to help out the students and co-workers of the Media Center. I know how much they [students] need their things; I love helping them.”
The maximum Federal Work-Study award is $3,000, Ehrhard said. Some students might not have the full need for the maximum award, so the counselors give them whatever they need to meet the full cost of enrollment. It depends on what their needs are, she said.
Hourly rates are determined based on the wage-level assigned to a specific job description; this determines how much the student in that position will earn, Ehrhard said. Some jobs require very unique skill, where some jobs are classified as an entry level position.
“Some [jobs] require students to go out into the community, into the classroom, and help teach students to read and things like that,” Ehrhard said. “Those jobs are a little higher paid, whereas a very entry level position, such as answering a phone for a department or filing, may start at minimum wage which is $7.65 in Missouri.”
Webster University student Jinnie Fitzgerald works at the Emerson Library; she received the position during her freshman year. Now a junior, Fitzgerald said there are several things to like about Federal-Work Study and the opportunities the program gave her.
“The program fluctuates nicely,” Fitzgerald said. “It works around your schedule and the programs work with you to provide the necessary accommodations.”
The adjustment to working in the library and balancing schoolwork was easier than anticipated, Fitzgerald said.
“I did not have a job before working here, at the school, but it has been an easy transition for me. The people are great to work with; I love working with everyone here.”
Turner was terrified when she first stepped inside the Sverdrup building. She knew nothing about it; she knew no one. She overcame her shyness through the Student Employment program; an accomplishment she is very proud of.
“I am interacting with students who generally come through; I now know almost everything about Sverdrup,” Turner said. “This is my building; if you have any questions, I probably have the answers, in terms of this building. I love this job; I would not trade any of this for anything else.”
Video Package (below)
