Student Recognition Ideas

Acknowledging your student employee(s) does not have to cost you or your department money; a simple pat on the back and a sincere “Thank you” goes a very long way. If you have other recognition ideas you would like to share, please Contact Us.

• Write a card or note of thanks. Nominate an outstanding student employee for Student Employee of the Year!

• Give the student a pat on the back, handshake, and a simple and sincere "Thank you."

• Make care packages for student employees during finals week.

• Send an email to the student thanking them for a job well done.

• Use professional contacts to assist the student with networking for a full time job after graduation or an internship.

• Provide a word of encouragement after a failed project.

• Recognize progress toward goals - don't wait for the end of the project.

• Acknowledge graduating seniors and offer to write a letter of recommendation for the student as they are seeking full time employment.

• Have the director or dean, or senior staff member present a special award or personally congratulate recognized student employees.

• Practice "one-to-one" recognition; call or visit the student for no other reason than to recognize him or her.

• Make certificates or awards for the student. Use your word processing software to create certificates. Suggestions include:
  • One Academic Year of Service

  • Quality Customer Service

  • Innovation Award

  • Teamwork Award

  • Project Support Award

  • Outstanding Initiative Award

  • Extraordinary Helpfulness Recognition

• Decorate an office bulletin board or the office door for the week in recognition of your student employees (include pictures).

• Notes home - Send a note to the families of your student employees. Let them know what the student does, how their work impacts your department, and how terrific the student is.