Succeeding With Student Employees
Model strong work habits through efficient, dedicated work practices. Let your own daily work ethic be an example from which students can learn.
Understand that student employees are students first, and employees second. Although it is important to have high standards on the job, it is also important to be flexible to accommodate academic obligations.
Communicate job standards and expectations. Provide students with an orientation session including information about the mission of the department, supervisor name and contact information, written job expectations, absence from work procedures, safety rules, etc.
Student jobs are "real jobs". Take time to train your students in important work skills, attitudes, and habits including perseverance, time management, telephone etiquette, quality service practices, and how to handle difficult situations.
As a team leader, develop and nurture the unique contributions of each team member. When you see a student "go the extra mile", acknowledge this in front of other staff and peers. People need to feel appreciated.
Provide consistent and appropriate feedback to your student employees. Student workers, like all employees, benefit from feedback on job performance.
Conduct periodic performance evaluations and counsel students if work performed is unsatisfactory. Provide constructive criticism and positive reinforcement -- see sample Student Performance Evaluation in the Forms Library and also review the Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.
Have regular meetings with your student employees and let them know how their work fits into the larger mission of the department and university. Remember, purposeful work is meaningful work.
To the degree that we each contribute to the lives of others, we are all educators. How can you contribute to the education of your student employees?
See upcoming Education and Training Events for additional resources to support your role as supervisor!
Student Employment Handbook: