Student employees are critical to helping Metropolitan State University of Denver meet its mission. The University employs around 1,200 student employees who contribute approximately 981,600 working hours per academic year (not including summer), helping faculty and staff members in virtually every department and office on campus.
As a part of Student Employee Appreciation Week, here are some easy ways to show student employees how appreciated they are (and why it’s important to do so).
Nominate a student employee for a Roadrunner Shoutout Award
Student employees often go above and beyond in their roles. Consider asking the student employee how they like to be recognized and nominate them for a Roadrunner Shoutout Award if they are comfortable with public recognition. Winners are recognized at the monthly President’s Cabinet meetings.
“It feels nice to be acknowledged and appreciated for the work I put in as a student employee. That is the most important thing for me,” said Andrew Seidenstat, a former student employee and Roadrunner Shoutout Award winner who after graduation joined MSU Denver as beverage and lab coordinator in the School of Hospitality.
Additional ways to say thank you
- Consider printing out one of these cards and filling it with a thoughtful message to ensure that student employees know they are appreciated.
- If a student employee is comfortable with public recognition, share praise during department meetings and to department or team leadership for further acknowledgement.
- Offer flexibility for students to attend events, meet with professors or advisors, or take part in activities that align with their studies.
- Offer meaningful mentorship by encouraging students to participate in professional development opportunities to build their skills, resume and confidence.
Why it matters
Student employees often juggle academics with personal and professional commitments on and off campus, and students who receive formal recognition are more likely to achieve academic success and stay enrolled.
“With all these hours worked throughout the University, student employees are building real-world skills and bringing unique perspective to the workplace,” said Derek Bowers, associate director of Communications and Operations in the Classroom to Career Hub. “Student employees help make MSU Denver better for all students, and we really couldn’t do all the work we do without them. And while it’s great to support them this week, we should be finding ways to support them every day.”