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91�Թ�’s time-starved students clock a lot of hours on campus, whether it’s in a lecture hall, the library or one of the gymnasiums. And for many, taking on a part-time job that requires a commute can eat into the precious little time they have available.

Luckily, there’s a solution. The 91�Թ�’s work-study program provides meaningful on-campus work experiences for students.

In the past, the program was restricted to students receiving funding from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). But recently, the 91�Թ� has reconfigured the program and made it available to more 91�Թ� students. This year, undergraduate and graduate students may apply for work study jobs on any of the three campuses. Participants can also be studying part-time or full-time and can be either domestic or international students.

In 2012, the Ontario Government withdrew its funding for the student work-study programs. The program is now funded entirely by the 91�Թ�.

In the newly-reconfigured program, students no longer have to be eligible for OSAP. As a result of these changes, the program is open to more students than ever before. This has been great for 91�Թ� students, especially since many who wanted on-campus jobs in the past weren’t permitted to apply for them.

More than 2,600 work study jobs will be available across the 91�Թ�’s three campuses this coming school year. Students can expect to make $10.25/hr in addition to 4% vacation pay. And while that probably isn’t enough to finance a private jet or shopping trips to Monte Carlo, it makes all the difference when hardworking students have rent to pay or need a new textbook for class.

Although the types of work-study jobs vary each year according to the needs of the particular department, division or college employing the student, all participants can expect a job-related experience that will help them apply the skills they’ve acquired in school.

And just in case you thought becoming a participant was as simple as clicking “Like” on a Facebook page, think again. Participants must apply for Work-Study jobs, and should be prepared to review job postings, submit a resume, and be interviewed by potential employers.

For many of students, taking part in this program is their first experience with a hiring process, says Donna Wall, Director of Financial Aid and Awards.

“Interviewing for a job is a skill that is learned and which requires practice,” she says. “The more you do it, the better you become.”

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