Warren Wilson College Makes Big Changes to Student Workers’ Pay
Sierra Davis | March 17, 2021
“In response to feedback from students through listening sessions, surveys, and direct conversations, we feel that it is important to increase hourly pay for work completed through the Work Program,” read an email from the Work Program Office (WPO).
Without any hint from the administration or the WPO, students saw this opening sentence in their inbox during the morning of March 17. The WPO is increasing the pay of the students campus-wide. Though this story is still developing, there are answers to basic questions.
Previously, Warren Wilson College’s work program ran under a three-tiered model of hours, all with the same pay. Students could choose between working 10, 15, or 20 hours per week, and each tier would get paid the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The new model only contains two tiers — 8 or 16 hours per week — with both tiers being paid $9.05 per hour.
The email goes on to say that students should keep a look out for an upcoming email about how this change will affect their fall semester. In this future email, the WPO will confirm hour goals with students for the fall semester of 2021. The email also states that students should speak with their work supervisors if they wish to be on a 16 hour contract.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your hours or crew, please reach out to the WPO or your work crew supervisor. Also, please keep your eyes peeled for a more in-depth story regarding changes in the Work Program Office, coming out with the next issue of The Echo.
