Being a student comes first for most freshmen and transfer students, but they may not know that some jobs cater to them being students. The campus work-study program can help students make money without the stress of traveling to an off-campus job.

“I think work study is a great opportunity,” Carolina Ramirez, a freshman who assists with athletic training, said. “Since it’s a campus thing, hours are super flexible for most people, so if there’s a conflict or something, it’s easy to work with.”

Annie Hannon, who has been the director of the work-study program at Baker for the last two years, said that close to 200 students participate in the work-study program on Baker’s campus.

“You don’t need any prior experience,” she said. “Usually the supervisor of each department will train you, or a student that has worked there before will train you.”

Jobs include teaching assistants, note takers, recycling collectors and athletic assistants. Hannon believes almost any students can find a job that’s right for them as long as they maintain good grades and do not exceed the financial aid limit.

“You can usually get jobs in your major to help you more,” Hannon said. “I get a lot of people who use them as references.”

Freshman Rhianna Becker hopes to stay in the sports medicine work-study program until she leaves the Baldwin City campus to continue at Baker’s School of Nursing in Topeka.

“The more experience the better for a nursing student,” she said. “No experience is bad experience.”

Becker said it is a great opportunity to meet people and make potential career connections.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for kids who plan to go into sports medicine or nursing,” she said.

Work-study limitations include not working over eight hours a day, no more than 20 hours per week and no more than six hours without a break.

The waiting list for work-study is divided into two categories. The first priority list is for those who have turned in the FAFSA early and are considered for “federal work.” This is to make sure those who are most in need of jobs are able to find work. Those who qualify for first priority can come in and receive a list of open positions at the beginning of the school year.

Those who don’t qualify for the first priority list must wait until Sept. 15. Then, they can receive a list of job openings as well.

Hannon encourages students to contact her if they have any questions. She is in the Office of Financial Aid in Denious Hall.