« Student Employment Handbook

Student Employment Handbook:

Student Employee Recognition Ideas

Student employees make a significant contribution to Kent State University.
The recognition ideas below are just a sample of the many ways you can let your student employees know just how much you appreciate them -- whether it be during National Student Employment Week (second full week of April) or any time during the year!

• No/Low Cost Ideas
  • Write a card, send an email or e-card, to thank students individually for a job well done!
  • Give students a simple and sincere "thank you!"
  • Recognize progress toward goals - don't wait for the end of a project.
  • Offer to write a letter of recommendation for the student.
  • Decorate an office bulletin board or door to recognize your student employees.
  • Make a "thank you" banner and hang it in the office.
  • Create Appreciation Certificates (download certificate) for students.
  • Surprise students with small tokens of appreciation such as candy, cookies, or a treat bag. Here is a sample list of mementos with a message:
    
    
    - Extra Gum - Thanks for going the extra mile!
    - Mint - You are a breath of fresh air to our office!
    - Smartie - To remind you of the expertise you share with others!
    - Life Saver - Thanks for being a real life saver!
    - Starburst - You're a star!
    - Fireball - Thanks for keeping us fired up!
    - Nestle Crunch - Thanks for your help at crunch time!
    - Gold chocolate coins - Student employees are worth their weight in gold!
    - Andes mints/peppermint patties - Your service is worth a mint to us!
    - Candle - No one can hold a candle to you!
    - Good Egg Award - Fill plastic eggs with goodies and give out "Good Egg" certificates that list all the ways students contribute.
    
    
• Other Ideas
  • Place an advertisement in the Daily Kent Stater's Student Employee Appreciation Edition (each April) to recognize your students.
  • Have a recognition potluck, ice cream social, or lunch for students where staff bring in lunch and dessert.
  • Make care packages for student employees during finals week.
  • Leave a flower, balloon, gift card or a University Bookstore gift certificate at the student's work area.
  • Purchase Kent State memorabilia for the students.
  • Hold a special party for graduating student employees

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