Mavericks who rely on campus jobs as a source of income may be frustrated by new healthcare limitations that restrict their opportunity to work to 20 hours per week. After years of harsh political gridlock, excessive lobbying efforts, and an unheard- of 40 attempts to repeal the Obama Administration’s comprehensive healthcare reform, mandates are slowly starting to affect businesses, communities and even college universities.

The problem, CMU’s Vice President of Student Affairs John Marshall explained, is that new healthcare mandates would require anyone working more than the allotted twenty hours per week to be covered under an insurance policy. Marshall noted that most students under the age of 26 are already covered under their parent’s policies, while some students even receive Medicare benefits.

“In some cases we’d essentially be providing a triple coverage,” Marshall said, “and we need to understand why.” Conflicts then are attacking on a variety of fronts.

“I would go as far to say that roughly 90 percent of the student population also work,” Marshall continued.

Many students that attend classes are forced to work considerable hours on the side to afford their education, and there’s a legitimate concern about changes on campus affecting students’ success.

“It forces me to get a second job,” student employee Dylan Brown said.

Brown used to work 20 hours on campus and 20 hours at the local Loco gas station, but after leaving his job at Loco to pick up more hours on campus, the new healthcare laws threw a wrench in his plans.

“I’m living off food stamps right now,” Brown said. “I know they’re trying to help, but it’s really just making it harder on everyone.”

As if the changes weren’t disruptive enough, there is still some question as to how certain employees who don’t work off an hourly basis will be paid. Marshall pointed to the Outdoor Program, Residence Life, and The Criterion as prime examples of organizations that can’t logically operate off an hourly salary.

“Campus jobs matter a lot,” Marshall said, “and we’re going to continue to find every opportunity so it’s working for students… it’s a work in progress.”

Currently, students can pick up an Appeal for Exemption from The Student Life Office on the second floor of the University Center. Students must demonstrate strong academic performance and meet financial need requirements.