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For many students, Widener isn’t just the place where they study. It’s also where they work. 

Student employees contribute significantly to university operations. 

“Working a job on campus can have multiple benefits,” said Austin Duckett, assistant dean of students. “It can provide experiential, hands-on learning opportunities, helps students become involved on campus, and strengthens their ties to Widener in a way that encourages them to persist in earning their degree.”

Students can hold positions through federal work study, but non-work-study options are also available. Eligibility for federal work study benefits is outlined in a student’s financial aid offer letter provided by by the Financial Aid Office. Eligibility is need based, and determined after an analysis of a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

“If you are awarded the money it doesn’t mean you are awarded a job,” said Julie Abrams, associate director of Career Design & Development. “You still have to secure a position.”

Abrams organizes a Campus and Community Employment Showcase the week classes begin, to help students in the market for a job connect with university offices that are looking to hire, as well as community partner organizations that work with Widener to hire students. Her office also administers , an online portal where Widener offices that are hiring post their openings.

“Student workers are instrumental to my area,” said Hilary Bentman, director of social media in the Office of University Relations. She works with about five students each year who assist with everything from brainstorming ideas for social posts to conducting interviews and shooting video, and even captioning the final product. “Students help us ensure we’re sharing posts that are on trend and appealing to the interests of their peers, and they add wonderful energy to the office.”

Kelli Bixler, student financial services representative whose office is in Lipka Hall, recommended students secure a position before visiting Lipka to prepare employment paperwork. But it may be helpful to know whether they are eligible for federal work study before they interview for a position. 

“Their financial aid portal is probably the best place to find that information, or they can email us at workstudymc@widener.edu to ask about their eligibility,” Bixler said. Students may also call the office at 610-499-4161.

For students who are eligible for federal work study, a portion of their paycheck comes through federal government financial resources. Those who are not eligible for work study are paid entirely through university finances. If a student is not work-study eligible, they can still pursue campus employment. 

Abrams said her office sees an uptick of activity when students arrive for the fall semester. She encourages students to begin their search on Handshake by clicking on “career center” and scrolling to “on-campus student employment opportunities.” Applications can be completed right on the platform. 

She also recommends students follow up with the person identified on a job listing as the hiring manager, and encourages students to email that individual a resume to reinforce their interest.

“This is good practice for the work world they will enter after Widener,” Abrams said. 

In addition, students can attend the employment showcase – scheduled this year for Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the University Center – or inquire with faculty and their advisor about opportunities. Stopping into the Career Design & Development office is another option.

“I always want students to know they can come to us and ask us questions about this. We are here to help them with Handshake, to help them prepare any materials they need to search for jobs, and to help them search for jobs,” Abrams said. “We just can’t ensure them a position.”

Once a student is offered a position, they’ll need to visit Lipka Hall, where Bixler said they will complete initial tax paperwork. “That’s a one-time thing,” Bixler said. “Once it is in the system that step doesn’t need to be repeated.”

Students should bring identification when completing the paperwork. If they have a valid passport that is all they will need. Or, they can bring a birth certificate or social security card, and a photo identification such as a driver’s license or Widener photo identification. International students have additional identification requirements.

Once tax paperwork is completed, student workers are given an employment contract to have their new university supervisor sign. Once it is completed and they return the contract to Lipka, their documents will be processed so they can be paid.

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