Changes in federal student aid qualifications might be the reason for a decline in on-campus student employment.

Nick Rengler, associate director of student financial aid, said, “A student now has a choice of a guaranteed student loan or a work study award, instead of receiving both a loan and a job.”

Now that the student has a choice between a loan and work- study, students often choose the loan, said Rengler. He is trying to “convince more students to borrow less.” Work-study awards not only reduce student debt, but also provide work experience and job references.

Julie Vincent, associate director of the university food services, said student employment is at the lowest she has seen in the past three years she has been with the food service.

Vincent said she does not understand the decrease in employment because she feels working for the university food services has many advantages.

Students start out at minimum wage, and students with experience are eligible for increased hourly wages, Vincent said. Also, students have the opportunity to become student managers and earn up to $4 an hour.

Vincent said raises usually are available every semester after a year of employment, but this spring the student employment board did not allow funds to give raises.

Vincent said she thinks there are several reasons for the decrease in on-campus employment. She said the reasons for the lack of on-campus employment include greater hourly wages offered by off-campus employment, financial support (spending money) from parents, and the negative image of working on campus.

Rengler also said when students work to help out with the expenses of their education, they have more pride in their efforts, as well as appreciate their education. He said he does not want students to graduate with a debt.

Louise Strasser, an administrator at Founder’s Memorial Library, said student employment is not a problem at the library. Administrators in charge of hiring at the library always have applications to look over, she said.

Trish Schaflein, a student employed at the library, said the hours are flexible to her schedule. She also said student employees start out at $3.35 per hour and are eligible for a raise every semester by evaluation.