Work-Study & Other Employment

Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

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Employment Opportunities

Check Handshake, where the Center for Student Opportunity (CSO) staff members post new positions from a variety of sources almost every day including all on-campus employment. You can log in with your Alma College username and password up to a year after graduation. Learn More >>

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Overview of Federal Work-Study

For information from the Department of Education please visit their website: Work Study Overview.

It provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school.
It’s available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need.
It’s available to full-time or part-time students.
It’s administered by schools participating in the Federal Work-Study Program. Check the employment opportunities on-campus to find a job at Alma College that is right for you.

How Much Can You Earn?

You’ll earn at least the current federal minimum wage. However, you may earn more depending on the type of work you do and the skills required for the position.

Your total work-study award depends on:

When you apply,
Your level of financial need, and
Alma College’s federal funding level.

How Will You Be Paid?

How you’re paid depends partly on whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student.

You are paid by the hour.
You will be paid at least once a month.
You will be paid directly

How Many Hours Can You Work?

The amount you earn can’t exceed your total Federal Work-Study award. When assigning work hours, your employer or your school’s financial aid office will consider your class schedule and your academic progress.

Other Resource - 8 Things You Should Know About Federal Work Study

Overview of 1st Year Work to Earn Program

It’s a Freshman-only program.
The Admissions Department determines what students are placed in the program.
It’s designed to get students involved on campus and give the opportunity to earn funding to put towards their expenses.
It’s a one-year, non-renewable source.
Students will be responsible for finding their own employment in future years.

Overview of 1st Year Work to Earn Program

It’s a Freshman only program.
The Admissions Department determines what students are placed in the program.
It’s designed to get students involved on campus and give the opportunity to earn funding to put towards their expenses.
It’s a one-year, non-renewable source.
Students will be responsible for finding their own employment in future years.

If you are a part of the program, here is more information on the next steps.

What Types Of Positions Are There?

To help you get ahead for the program, we’ve provided examples of jobs that will be available so you can start planning on what you might be interested in applying for.

Positions will be open starting May 26th and will remain open through July 24th.

Examples Of Potential Positions

Alma College Bookstore Retail Associate

Position Summary
Assist with the day to day operations of the bookstore.

Essential Functions

Unload trucks, check-in textbooks, set up textbooks for upcoming semesters, return textbooks, box textbooks, and help with textbook buyback.
Check-in merchandise, tag merchandise, fill and straighten merchandise on the floor.
Cleaning, vacuuming, and straightening all areas of bookstore.
Customer Service and cashiering are the most essential part of this position.
Work outside football games and night basketball games.

General Schedule
Hours to bill filled between:
Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Extra hours
Book rush and buyback
Football Saturdays
Basketball evenings

Alma College Library Circulation Assistant

Position Summary
Assist with the day to day operations of the library.

Essential Functions

Re-shelve, check out, check in, and renew library materials.
Accept payment for overdue fines, laminating, etc.
Respond to questions regarding account status, policies and procedures, and directions.
Answer the circulation desk telephone and respond to inquiries in a professional manner.
Assist with basic equipment problems - refill paper, clear jams, change toner cartridges in printers

General Schedule
Set schedule will include occasional evenings and weekends, and during finals week. MUST be available to attend a scheduling meeting on the first day of classes for each term, at approximately 5:30 pm. Note: this usually conflicts with Marching Band and Choir.

Alma College Center for Student Opportunity - Front Desk Assistant

Position Summary
Cover Welcome Desk for lunch hour and other general office duties.

Essential Functions

Greeting visitors and assisting with general questions.
Directing visitors to the appropriate office for appointments.
Collecting information for staff who are not available.
Answering the Welcome Desk phone.
Scheduling Peer Consultant appointments.
Making Copies, scanning, and filing as needed.

General Schedule
Applicants must be available between the hours of 9:30 am - 2:00 pm three days or more a week. Additional hours may be assigned based on departmental need and the applicant’s class schedule.

Alma College Mail & Print Center Mailroom Assistant

Position Summary
Assist with day to day operations and delivery of departmental mail to campus.

Essential Functions