Student Employment: Recognition
Recognizing the contributions of student employees fosters a sense of community and appreciation in our work environment. Their hard work not only supports the university but also equips them with invaluable skills for their future careers.
Ideas to celebrate your student employees
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.
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.
Goodie bags
Fill small bags with trinkets, prizes, thank-you notes and treats.
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.
Meaningful gestures
Buy them a beverage or snack at their favorite on-campus dining location, or give them a small gift card (e.g., fast food, coffee). For on-campus employers, be sure to follow the Controller’s finance procedural statement for gift cards.
New initiatives
National Student Employment Week occurs in April, and it’s 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.
Student Employee of the Year
CU Boulder’s student employees directly contribute to the university’s success. To recognize our students’ work and accomplishments, supervisors can submit nominations for the Student Employee of the Year award.
Nominations usually open in December or January, and the annual awards ceremony is in April.