By Michele Barletta

The smell of fried chicken filled the cafeteria at Quincy University while students enjoy the food that their fellow Hawks have helped prepare.

Joe Bordewick is the director of dining services at Quincy University and says that he won’t push any students away from a job in the cafeteria.

“We believe in giving every student an opportunity to work for us if we have a spot available,” Bordewick said.

Diane Kemner, who heads up payroll and is the human resources coordinator at QU, says that there are approximately 115 students currently employed on campus.

“Majority of the students work in the cafeteria, there is also jobs available in the HFC (Health and Fitness Center) , library, SSC (Student Success Center), mailroom, admissions, advancement, financial aid and the Registrar’s office,” Kemner said.

Kemner explained that students can expect an hourly wage of $8.25 and have the option of receiving their earnings through a direct deposit into their bank account, a check, or have it offset against their tuition fees.

Bordewick says that the biggest determining factor on whether or not a student gets the job is their availability to work consistently, when needed.

“Positions often become available again after they’ve filled up because students change class schedules, coaches change practice times, or students lose their positions with us due to absenteeism, poor work performance or being uncooperative,” Bordewick said.

Bordewick mentions cleaning and putting away dishes, prepping and serving food, as well as cleaning tables and putting away stock as some of the tasks a student worker could expect to do whilst working in the cafeteria.

Nick Chapman is a student at QU and has worked on-campus, in the cafeteria, since last September. Nick’s schedule only allows him to work in the mornings and says waking up early is the biggest challenge he faces.

“Sometimes I’m extremely tired and getting up early for work is really difficult, but I enjoy working there so it’s worth it,” Chapman said.

Chapman takes on a number of different roles in the cafeteria depending on what is needed that day.

“I make omelets for breakfast during the week and on Saturdays I help restock the store and do lots of other little things when I’m asked, like cleaning tables and chopping fruit,” Chapman said.

Chapman believes that having on-campus job opportunities makes his life a lot easier as he doesn’t have to worry about going very far just to get to work.

“The best part about working on campus is that I don’t have to commute very far, it’s just a short walk away,” Chapman said.

Chapman says that the extra money he gets from working on campus really makes a difference in his everyday life.

Bordewick explained that there are a number of great students that work for him, and believes that success is inevitable if a student is willing to work hard.

“The biggest keys for success are showing up on time each day as scheduled, being kind and cooperative, and trying your best,” Bordewick said.