 "Photo: Christa Watson/Echo staff photographer")
If all goes according to plan, long lines may be a thing of the past for continuing work-study students.
According to Sharon Oliver, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management, Financial Aid is working on a new plan for next fall that will let students renew their work-study contracts without reapplying each year.
"The program shows that it is successful and we try to improve it every year," said Oliver.
Work study, which has been at NCCU since 1965, is intended to provide students with work experience, and prepare them for the real world, and is supposed to imitate a real job.
"I enjoy it because it looks nice on your resume and opens doors and opportunities," said English freshman Gerra Harmon.
Last semester, Financial Aid started giving employees their paychecks bi-weekly.
It's more convenient for students to get paid bi-weekly instead of monthly so they wouldn't have to wait a long time for their paychecks.
The program functions like a real job environment, but it doesn't give hours like a real job.
According to Oliver, students are not allowed to work more than 10 to 12 hours a week because of authorization from the government and school policies.
"Students shouldn't work that many hours because that can affect their academics, and their grades are more important."
In order to be eligible, a student must fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) and show financial need. In order to be funded, the student's EFC (Expected Family Contribution) has to be $4,618 or less, according to the school's Web site.
Students have to check with Financial Aid to see if they received funds. Funded students can receive their contract, fill it out with their supervisor, and return one of their copies to Student Services.
Although the process seems simple, some students are complaining about it.
"It's really inconvenient applying for work study," said Chavon Franklin, sociology senior.
"The lines were ridiculous. I was in line for two to three hours and you don't even know if you're going to get it."
According to Oliver, NCCU received $500,000 for work study last year, and every year it remains consistent.
In 2009, although 1,000 students applied, only 567 kept their work study.
"We wanted to simplify the process and give everyone an opportunity to get a contract. We're going to send out e-mails at the same time to give students a fair chance," said Oliver.
Since there is a high demand for work study funds at NCCU, Financial Aid decided that this new process will be simpler.
Oliver suggests that students fill out the FAFSA early and check to see if they are eligible because the funds disappear quickly.
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