NEW SERVICE OFFERS CAMPUS OFFICES FREE STUDENT HELP FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS

Help is just around the corner for campus offices that find themselves short-handed during periods of special projects and looming deadlines.

Last fall, the Career Management Center introduced the Student Temporary Assist Team (STAT), a program that offers short-term placement of work-study students in offices throughout the campus.

Students are paid from a new federal work-study budget line established specifically for STAT that is managed through the Career Management Center, so there is no cost to on-campus employers. Job assignments can range from a few hours to a few weeks. Jobs may include, for example, help with mass mailings, data entry or special events set-up.

Approximately 35 students participated in the program last semester, completing 220 assignments in 30 offices and earning more than $10,000. Another 10 students were added to the spring semester roster.

"The response from both the campus community and student participants has been overwhelmingly positive," said Cathy Moore, assistant director and student employment manager for the Career Management Center. "Several students have even been offered permanent positions in offices and departments where they performed STAT assignments."

STAT truly benefits all who participate, according to Moore. Offices get free help during peak times - and without the hassle of filling out paperwork. The students earn money to help defray the cost of their tuition while learning a variety of skills and networking with others on campus.

"I believe students can learn just as much outside the classroom in a 'real-world' environment as they can in the academic world,'" said Moore.

Any on-campus organization, office or employee can request student workers through STAT. Requests should indicate how many students are needed, dates and times they are needed, and a brief description of the project or event.

Requests should be sent to Koren Goodman, STAT coordinator, at kgoodman@odu.edu.