As summer quickly approaches, some students are securing their summer job positions with Luther through work study or research grants. Students are able to choose from a wide array of positions that serve as enjoyable learning experiences and allow students to explore the campus and the surrounding Decorah area in a different way.

There are a variety of job position options that fit with diverse student interests, which range from working in the Luther gardens to the individual administrative and academic offices. Others departments that offer summer positions include custodial, grounds, dining services, recycling and Preus library.

In the past, the most popular summer position has been working with the grounds crew.

“Being a part of grounds crew in the summer gave me the chance to be outside and learn a lot of different skills,” Josh Dansdill (‘09) said. “Since there are a limited amount of students on campus, I also feel like I got a good sense of how the campus is run.”

Not only does this assortment of positions cater to students’ interests, but the cost of living on campus decreases. By working a minimum of 10 hours per week, students are able to live on campus in the summer months for $10 a day. If students work at least 20 hours a week, they receive a discounted cost of $5 a day.

Approximately 250 summer employees are hired, and Luther students have preference to these job positions until April 15. After that date, students from other colleges and local high schools may be employed.

In addition, students can apply for summer research grants to work with Luther faculty. Luther provides these students with a two-month stipend of $2750, discounts on room and board and $500 for faculty and students to spend on materials and supplies needed in the research process.

“Decorah has a whole different vibe during the summer and was such a calming environment to live in and research,” Julia Jenkins (‘09) said. “It was also nice getting to work with my professor on something that we both happened to be interested in that wasn’t necessarily school-related.”

While working through research grants or work study, students still have the ability to take a summer course or work outside of Luther part-time. Each campus work arena provides students with the opportunity to learn new skills that transcend college.

“Many students are able to get experience in a job situation that they can use on their resumes, whether it be working in an office or doing research for a professor,” Human Resources Assistant, Marsha Wenthold said. “I am sure that many just enjoy the opportunity to stay in the Decorah area for the summer while earning some money along the way.”