Story by E.C. McRoy
Dr. Eugene Padilla, VP of Student Services, said that students will have the opportunity to continue with their jobs as work-studies by transitioning if they choose to the new Suncat Ambassador program.
An email sent out Tuesday indicated that all work-study positions would end May 8th, however, Padilla clarified the email by saying that jobs will be transferring to the Ambassador program.
“Students will have the option of changing jobs if they want to keep working, but we want to make that their choice,” said Padilla of the changes to work-study.
Those students who are already able to do their jobs remotely are exempt from the May 8th deadline, said Padilla.
According to Padilla, “As long as people have work to do, they’re good.”
Supervisors will be reaching out to their employees to let students know who is exempt, said Padilla.
While the email indicated that the available positions of the Suncat Ambassador program would be limited, Padilla said that CNM would open up as many positions as there was interest in the jobs.
The catch is that only currently employed students can take advantage of these new positions, said Padilla.
Those students which are interested but not current work studies may have some leeway and their applications may be considered, but only after all current work-study students have applied.
“Everybody who wants to be working, can still be working,” said Padilla.
Padilla said there will not be a delay or a gap in pay as this two week grace period between now and May 8th allows students to transition from their current positions to the new program.
When normal work-study positions will open up will depend on New Mexico’s governor, “We’re responding to conditions of the state, of the nation,” said Padilla. “What we’re doing is a response. If the state starts opening up, then we cane start having some employees come back.”
Students interested in the new Suncat Ambassador program should seek out additional information on it, but also be sure to check their email for updates, said Padilla.
Students concerned about financial strain during the coronavirus are encouraged to look at scholarships available through the CNM Foundation Scholarships, said Padilla.
“A lot of scholarships are out there, many available if the student is willing to write a personal statement and get a few references,” said Padilla. “Sometimes that’s all it takes. Some are more specific, but some are out there that students just don’t know about.”
Padilla recommends students look at the Rust Fund, an emergency fund which is available to students.
The CARES Act is newly available from the Department of Education, said Padilla, indicating that they are expecting a large number of applicants.
Padilla said applications are already starting to come in and are being reviewed; students will start being notified this week.
Approximately 7,000 students have been determined to be eligible and right now there is no cap for that aid, said Padilla.
The CARES Act is designed to go to those students with the highest need, so students need to have already filed a FAFSA and to be receiving aid to be considered.
Students who are approved for the funds and are set up for direct deposit already will receive funds directly in their bank account, while those not set up for direct deposit will be mailed a check, said Padilla.
Padilla said although most aid programs are determined by the cost of attendance, the CARES Act isn’t, and students may receive more despite aid they are already receiving.
“Our hope is that we can help as many people as possible,” said Padilla.
RESOURCES:
Suncat Ambassador: https://www.cnm.edu/depts/financial-aid/student-employment/become-a-suncat-ambassador
CARES Act: https://www.cnm.edu/covid-19/student-resources/cares-act-funding-for-students-in-need
Rust Fund: https://www.cnm.edu/depts/financial-aid/scholarships/rust-opportunity-assistance-fund
For more info on the Rust Fund click here.
CNM Foundation Scholarships: https://www.cnm.edu/depts/financial-aid/scholarships/foundation-scholarships