While many university programs are already facing the realization of the $57 million mid-year budget cuts, UA officials are still unsure how student jobs will factor into the 600 employee positions that will be eliminated this semester.

“”The news about the deep cuts is just now sinking in and managers are working hard to determine how to handle the severe reductions,”” said Allison Vaillancourt, UA vice president of human resources.

Vaillancourt said she doesn’t think most student jobs will be cut this semester.

Elimination of student jobs “”will probably be for the next fiscal year which starts in July,”” she said.

Department budgets are set for the semester, so it’s possible that students working now should be able to continue through the semester, said Susan Miller, Career Services senior coordinator of marketing and special events.

Miller said it is too early for students to panic.

The benefits of employing students on campus are great, and as such, the university will be working to protect student positions as much as possible, Vaillancourt said.

“”We know that on-campus employment supports student retention and graduation, so reductions in opportunities would be very detrimental,”” she said.

UA President Robert Shelton, who said he was employed all four years as an undergraduate, also expressed the importance of campus student employees.

“”Students employed on campus are essential to the success of the UA,”” he said in an e-mail. “”They provide important service, whether in an academic setting or a support function.””

Pre-nursing sophomore Meaghan Higuera, a UofA Bookstore employee for six months, said she’s not worried about her position in the clothing department.

“”We don’t really have that many people working in clothing, so they kind of need us,”” she said.

Higuera said many of her friends employed on campus are looking for a second job because their hours have been cut.

Students currently looking for on-campus jobs are facing tough prospects. Most job applications are received in the summer for fall positions, and most campus jobs have been filled already, Miller said, but there are still some options available.

Students interested in jobs should stay updated on Wildcat JobLink and actively use available resources, Miller said.

“”It’s more important than ever that students take advantage of the services available to them,”” she said.

Jobs are in short supply and students should practice interviewing and making themselves presentable in order to give them an edge above other applicants, Miller said.

“”(Do) whatever you can do to put yourself out there,”” she said. “”The more professional than the next person you are, the better off you are.””