Many student workers at Cleveland State University anticipated financial hardship because of the school closing over COVID-19 in March. Although some student workers, such workers in the admissions department, are able to work remotely during the closing, the university also wanted to help its many other student employees. 

The university has authorized an unemployment payment for student workers who can’t work remotely.

“It’s important for us to support our students financially and support students in general," said Randy Deike, senior vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Success. "They’re family.”

The formula the university is using for payments to student workers is 50% of the student’s weekly average hours in February. The unemployment payments were paid to students on April 24, and will be paid again on May 8, and May 22. According to the university, student employees are generally not eligible for Ohio unemployment compensation.

Deike said the university is still deciding how to move forward for summer and fall with classes and continuing unemployment payments. The university has been discussing the continued use of remote learning for fall semester. The final decision for fall remote learning will be made by President Sands with consultation from the board of trustees. 

“Knowing when to make the decision is the challenge,” Deike said. 

“Even though it is half the normal amount, I’m just thankful to be receiving anything at all," said Landon Oglesby, a student worker at Mobile Campus. "These are definitely hard times for all of us, and I’m sure universities are bound up having to figure out how to reimburse money and pay unemployed workers while revenue is shortened.”