Point Park University owes its work-study students an apology and has a direct responsibility to ensure their wellbeing for the rest of the semester.

Before spring break, it was announced by Human Resources that the Federal Work-Study program would be reducing the number of hours that students could work and that the program would be ending earlier in the semester. One week prior, they had indicated to us that the hours would be reduced, but that reduction was significantly less than the current reductions.

The university has defended this cut by pointing out that the Federal Government reduced the number of hours that they were given. While this is true, it is very clear that internally, Point Park mismanaged the amount of money that they had and over promised the amount of work-study funds available.

These mistakes happen, and I am not faulting the university. We, as a student body, should be understanding of logistical issues that come up.

That being said, the university needs to own up to this, and take care of these students for the rest of the semester. The Globe employs two work-study students, and on our staff are numerous others who hold work-study positions at the university. Although the pay for these positions is nothing glamorous, the students rely on that money for groceries and rent, especially groceries. 

There are over 150 students employed by the program, and now that’s 150 students that are at risk of going hungry. Our university is already one of the most food-insecure higher education institutions in the region, and this will just make it worse.

There are a few possible solutions to this. The university can severely ramp up the Pioneer Pantry to meet the needs of these students. This is most likely what I see the university doing, but I do not know if this can be effective. The university needs to do more than a photoshoot of someone handing out soup cans. If the Pantry is the route to go here, it needs to be substantial.

The better option is to give these students complimentary meal swipes. I understand that that may not be the best financial option for the university immediately, but they owe these students for their mistake.

Interim President Chris Brussalis made a very good point when addressing the faculty assembly earlier this semester. If one student tells five prospective students that they love Point Park, then Point Park will see a large number of incoming students and enter a prosperous period. I agree with him on this front.

Students who lost their jobs because of the university’s own failures are not going to tell prospective students to come to Point Park. If anything, they’re going to tell them to steer clear away. But a student whose university took care of them in a time of need? That’s a different story.