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SOU cutbacks hit student workers hard Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli J. Winslow Irving is a Southern Oregon University theater arts student who works at Java Union on campus. Some students have already lost their campus jobs and more may follow as budget cuts begin to sink in. Winslow said he's concerned about a pending tuition increase. They worry about paying their bills in the face of a 3 percent tuition increase By AYISHA YAHYA Mail Tribune ASHLAND - Nicholas Klemenhagen worked at Southern Oregon University's physical plant for almost two years until he lost his job Dec. 31. The 22-year-old business major loved working in the grounds maintenance section, mowing lawns, planting flowers and landscaping. The physical plant had to cut its budget and it could no longer afford its students workers. "It was felt like a hit in the face, a slap in the face," Klemenhagen said. He said he had not only liked his job, but it also helped him pay for many expenses. "I took a blow financially," he said. "It took me at least two months to find another job." He had to depend on loans and help from his parents to get by. Like Klemenhagen, other student workers could face more financial burdens if departments decide to reduce student employment hours. At a recent faculty and staff budget forum, department heads said they would reduce student work hours in an attempt to manage the budget shortfall. With a 3 percent tuition increase already budgeted, the possibility of making less money, or none at all, is unsettling for some students. Kristi Shafer, 22, said she greatly depends on her campus job. "I work in order to support myself, make my rent, and sustain myself," said Shafer, a psychology and art major who has worked on campus since her freshman year. She works for the computing services department, which may be subject to reductions. "If I didn't get another job, it would be hard," she said. "Financially it would put a lot of stress and strain on me." About 760 students now work on campus in almost every department including food services, the library, admissions and registration, business services, the mailroom and housing. Students said they like working on campus because it's convenient and employers are willing to work around their class schedules. According to Diane Brimmer, vice president for student affairs, individual departments will decide on student workers' fate once the budget is finalized later this term. "There's a possibility that some students may have to be let go," she said. She said the university would try to minimize the impact. She said the school would work with local businesses and help students land jobs. Kansas Callaway, student government vice-president, said while the cuts are unavoidable, they are still unpleasant. "A lot of students rely on the university for work ... it's going to have a negative impact on some people's personal lives." The physical plant, which is in charge of maintaining campus grounds, already let go of its entire student work force starting Jan. 1. "It was a tough choice, because I realize students need to work," said Bruce Moats, the physical plant's director. Moats said about 12 students worked in the custodial section and three worked in groundskeeping. He said the department will save $90,000 annually by eliminating student jobs. The library, one of the biggest student employers, also reduced student hours this term and may hire fewer students in the fall. Michael Riedeman, the library's management assistant, said the library also is laying off those work-study students whose aid had run out. Previously the library would keep them on staff. Work-study is a financial aid program in which students are mainly paid with federal funds. About 365 SOU students participate in work-study programs at SOU. Jon Uto, a sophomore studying communications, is concerned that regular wage positions may be changed to work-study positions, since those are federally funded. "There are a lot of students who don't have work-study," he said. Uto said he knows the administration is not intentionally trying to harm student interests. "We are always concerned about students finding employment, but we have to be sensitive to the budget situation," Uto said. "It's the reality of our times." Less student manpower is not only an inconvenience for students, but also for the departments. "It would possibly mean reduction in services, the amount of work we're trying to put out," Brimmer said. The physical plant is already experiencing the aftereffects. "It's put a great burden on the staff that is left," said Moats. "Twelve people (in custodial services) - they represented a considerable help." Moats said the custodial staff is now emptying faculty trash cans three times a week instead of five, and has spread itself out to fulfill basic custodial and grounds maintenance tasks. Reach reporter Ayisha Yahya at 776-4468, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.