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Ways to appreciate and motivate your student employees

student employee and supervisor

Each year, the (NSEA) designates the second full week in April to celebrate National Student Employment Week, and this year it falls on April 13-19. This is the perfect opportunity to recognize student employees whose hard work and dedication greatly contribute to the success of our campus community. Here are a few ways you can acknowledge your student employees this semester.

The importance of celebrating

Expressing gratitude for your student employees fosters a positive work environment where students feel confident and motivated. Use the designated time during Student Employment Week to applaud the individuals and programs that impact the campus community.

  • Students: Show appreciation for student employees who consistently go above and beyond. Balancing academic responsibilities with on-campus work takes dedication, and their daily contributions are essential to the success of the department and campus community.
  • Supervisors: Recognize supervisors who hire and mentor student workers. They provide invaluable training and development opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.
  • Impact: Celebrate the value of on-campus jobs. These opportunities offer students real-world skills and professional development. At the same time, student employees play a vital role in the college experience for everyone. Through their roles, they help create a dynamic and inclusive environment that meets the diverse needs of their peers.

How to celebrate

Showing appreciation for student employees can be easy, fun and inexpensive. Small acts of recognition foster a sense of belonging and create an environment where students can thrive. Here are some ideas you can use during the week and throughout the semester:

  • “Treat Week”: Dedicate each day of the week to a different snack—cookies, popcorn, candy, trail mix, etc.
  • Shout-outs: Take pictures of your student employees at work to post on social media or an office bulletin board.
  • Employee superlatives: Buy or print blank certificates and come up with creative awards such as an “Interior Decorator Award” for someone with the best desk decor or “Office Bestie Award” for someone who’s most likely to remember everyone’s birthday.
  • Goodie bags: Fill small bags with trinkets, prizes, thank-you notes and treats.
  • Gift cards: Give out small gift cards (e.g., fast food, coffee) or buy them a coffee or snack at their favorite on-campus dining location.
  • New initiatives: Student Employment Week is a great opportunity to start an award recognition program. Look around the office or at home for a “white elephant” item to serve as an award you can present. Give the award a name and purpose. For example, a “Gotcha Award” for when you catch someone in the act of doing something good.

More ways to recognize student employees

The Student Employee of the Year Award honors student employees who go beyond day-to-day expectations and make outstanding contributions in their roles. All nominees are recognized at a special luncheon with the chancellor during Student Employment Week. Thank you to everyone who nominated students this year! Be sure to nominate your exceptional student employees when nominations open in December 2025 or January 2026.

Helpful resources for faculty and staff

Celebrating student employees goes beyond recognizing their achievements. It also involves supporting them as they prepare for life after college. Career Services works with faculty and staff to provide access to the best resources for our students during their job search.

  • Handshake: You can request a staff or faculty Handshake account to help graduating students find job opportunities from local and global employers. If you’re looking to hire student employees, use to post available hourly and work-study positions.
  • Recommendation letters: As a mentor, student employees might ask you to serve as a reference when they begin applying to internships or jobs. Review these guidelines, samples and resources for writing recommendation letters.
  • MySkills: Encourage your student employees to identify the skills they’ve learned in their on-campus job and reflect on how they apply to future careers.

Recognizing the value of student employees’ contributions supports their growth and success. Student Employment Week is a great time to celebrate, but meaningful recognition year-round is key to making a positive impact on students, promoting retention and motivating them to continue excelling.