Although Brown University plans to cut freshman work-study programs, Boston University’s work-study employment will remain unchanged.
Beginning next year with the Class of 2006, Brown will deny freshmen work-study opportunities in favor of raising wages and increasing grant money, according to an article in the March 15 Brown Daily Herald.
In the article, Brown officials said the elimination of work-study for first-year students would allow freshmen to concentrate on academics and make a smoother adjustment to campus life.
BU has not had any problems with freshmen work-study programs, according to Mary Ann French, assistant director of the University’s student employment office.
“I don’t know what Brown is doing, but it’s not really a concern of ours,” she said. “The status quo is good, and I don’t expect any changes. Our funding is OK, so we’re not worried about that, and we plan on running the program the way we have in the past.”
Some BU students said they were skeptical of Brown’s plan.
“It’s much better to adjust with a work-study job,” said CAS sophomore Jessica Weafer, adding her academics are not hurt by her job at the circulation desk at Mugar Memorial Library.
“I can sit here and do my work. You can specify your hours,” Weafer said.
However, some said there was merit in Brown’s restriction.
“That’s not really such a bad idea,” said CAS sophomore Erin Sanders, a guard at Mugar. Sanders had a work-study job her freshman year.
“My grades suffered for it,” Sanders said. “I wouldn’t mind not being able to have done it.”
While some students use their money for personal necessities or recreation, others need the money to pay for books and tuition.
“Not all students have their parents paying for their tuition,” said CAS freshman Okwuchi Anyanwu, a program assistant at the George Sherman Union. “BU has a pre-placement [job] program; I knew I had an income before I even got here.”
While other employment is available in the BU area, work-study gives students the flexibility to be both students and employees.
“Very few work-study jobs prevent you from studying while you work,” said CAS senior Rhys Boyd-Farrel.
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