Jacob Durgala (L), 20, a sophomore sports management major and Trevor Johnston (R), 20, a junior accounting major, work the front desk at Friedsam Memorial Library Wednesday night, Oct. 22, as part of their campus work study.
Photo courtesy of The Bona Venture
BY: DANIELLE CLARK, STAFF WRITER
Enrollment at St. Bonaventure University steadily increased with a 20% increase yearly since 2020. This year has the most amount of students enrolled in the past, with relatively the same amount of employment opportunities on campus.
“Our Federal Work Study (FWS) awarding to students remains consistent with past years as we aim to award as many students who are eligible,” said Chris Cartmill, director of financial aid. “We maintain flexibility to benefit students who have eligibility and want to work.”
Cartmill said students who qualify for work-study through their FAFSA are automatically awarded. Students not initially offered work-study can request a secondary review if they are interested in a position. For some students, however, finding a job after can still be a challenge.
“There are many factors that come into play, including when a student begins looking,” said Molly Moretti, director of the Career and Professional Readiness Center (CPRC). “We recommend applying during the summer before the semester starts. If a student waits until after the semester begins, it will be harder to find a position.”
Students with work-study can apply for any on-campus job, even if the position does not specifically list eligibility. Students without work-study cannot apply for jobs that require it. The CPRC can also help students find employment off campus if there are no positions available on campus.
“We ask that students come to us directly so we can have an individualized conversation if they are struggling,” said Moretti.
The CPRC manages Handshake, the university’s student employment platform, but the number of available positions are determined by individual departments and hiring managers. Some students hold multiple jobs, which affects the number of positions open at a given time.
“It is not the same answer for all on-campus employment, as situations are on a case-by-case basis,” said Moretti.
Students can visit the CPRC in Room 222 on the second floor of the Reilly Center, schedule an appointment on Handshake or email the office for assistance.
Moretti said the CPRC works proactively to help first-year students access job opportunities. Staff meet with incoming students during Spring into Bonas and Summer Orientation. They send an email to all incoming freshmen and transfer students in early August with instructions on how to apply for jobs.
“All students have access to Handshake the summer before their freshman year begins,” said Moretti. “We also help students with resumes, applications, networking and interview preparation. A student can come in without a resume and leave with one ready to use.”
Despite steady enrollment, the number of on-campus jobs have not increased, leaving some students still struggling to find positions through Federal Work-Study.
