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Work Study Research Assistants

Program Summary

The federal work-study program funds part-time employment for needy students by subsidizing student wages. Thus, the institution gets the benefit of a student employee but at a vastly reduced rate. 

The Roanoke College Work-Study Research Assistant (WSRA) Program was started in 2011 to fill a need: to provide students with an attractive job on campus working one-on-one with a faculty mentor and to provide faculty additional support with their research ambitions.  Most students who participate in the program are work study; however non-work study eligible students can participate if they are a particularly good match for the position.  Those students are funded without a work-study award.

Applications for WSRA

Faculty can apply to create a WSRA position by filling out this form.

Students can apply for WSRA positions on Handshake.

Student Tasks

WSRA students complete many tasks for faculty such as:

  • Literature searches
  • Summaries of primary sources
  • Data collection
  • Data analysis
  • Interview transcriptions
  • Laboratory techniques
  • Writing

Faculty Requirements

To receive a WSRA, faculty must:

  1. Complete the application form online.
  2. Wait for approval from the Director of Undergraduate Research.
  3. Interview at least 3 students for the position; after one week of advertising a decision can be made with fewer than 3 interviews.
  4. Ensure that the student(s) hired are not also receiving course credit for research with you in addition to being paid through this program (i.e., no double-dipping).
  5. Complete a Research Learning Contract with the student.
  6. Sign student time sheets.
  7. Provide excellent mentorship to the student.
  8. Ensure that students comply with assessment requirements (e.g., reflection papers, surveys).  

Student Requirements

In order to participate in the WSRA program, students:

  • Must usually be work-study eligible. 
  • Non work-study students can be hired through the program if they are an excellent fit for the position.  These students are funded without using a work-study financial aid award.
  • May not receive course credit for research with the same faculty mentor in addition to being paid through this program (i.e., no double-dipping).
  • May be at any academic level. 
  • Will be paid the current rate for student employees.
  • Must complete HR paperwork before starting work.
  • Must complete a reflection paper at the end of each academic year.
  • Must participate in assessment requirements.