Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the University’s decision to go online for the rest of the semester, the Office of Student Employment has suspended Notre Dame on-campus jobs for the foreseeable future.
“Students who have remained (either on or off-campus) may not continue to work on-campus or at local community service agencies,” senior assistant director Yolanda Teamor said in an email.
Though the office said students who are able to work remotely may continue to do so, this does not apply to all student workers.
“Students whose positions allow it may work remotely if the department can facilitate and needs the work to be completed,” Teamor said.
Though understanding of the unprecedented situation, students are feeling the effects of no longer working since many students rely on on-campus jobs to cover their expenses.
“I’ve been able to save a lot of my paychecks, so I can still cover my monthly expenses, but I know that a lot of student employees don’t have that luxury,” sophomore Madeline Ward said in an email. “I’ll be okay, but not everyone can say that and things are definitely uncertain. I would love to get a job while home, but because of the virus and the current economic situation, I don’t really see that happening.”
Not only has the transition online impacted students’ ability to make and spend money, but it has also impacted scholarly engagement, as some students work in an academic capacity while at Notre Dame.
Freshman Meg Hilbert said in an email she decided to start working on the Grasshopper Research Project because she wanted to get involved with research and learn more about lab work. However, she has been forced to halt her work since lab and research positions cannot be done remotely.
Though some students have been in close contact with their employers, others have heard no word about what the transition online means for them and their jobs.
Sophomore Neila Gross has not heard from either of her campus employers.
“I assume they are dealing with coronavirus stuff, and I would assume that positions will still be open to me,” Gross said.
The Office of Student Employment said it will announce more detailed information about its response to the coronavirus outbreak.
“We understand our student employees have questions and concerns during this time of uncertainty; we look forward to following up with them soon and appreciate their patience and understanding,” Teamor said. “Once determined, student employment guidance will be posted to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response page.”
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