Sponsored by the university's Career Center, the week is designed to bring attention to students who play a role in helping Ball State operate, said Larry Beck, the Career Center's associate director.

"Student employees make essential contributions to campus offices, enabling faculty and staff to concentrate additional time and efforts on serving students," he said. "Many campus departments would be hard-pressed to offer the level of customer service they do to students, parents, faculty and visitors if it weren't for their part-time student employees."

Students work in a variety of on campus positions, including customer service representatives, computer assistants, Web designers, peer tutors, library assistants, intramural supervisors, newspaper staff, food service workers and facilities and grounds helpers.

In addition to earning a portion of the funds needed for their college education, through campus employment students develop their interpersonal, oral communication, and computer skills and learn more about the university.

A campus job also offers convenience, flexibility, and a way to supplement and enrich a student's academic experience, said student employment representative Janet Puckett.

"Students can earn money, meet people, establish a work record, develop skills they can use in other jobs and learn how to manage their time," she said. "They can also develop career contacts and get more involved on campus."

The Career Center encourages campus departments to take time during National Student Employment Week to let their student employees know how much their hard work is appreciated. Acknowledging their efforts motivates, encourages and thanks student employees while providing incentives for them to continue their hard work, Puckett said.

Additional information about Ball State's celebration of National Student Employment Week, including a list of effective methods to recognize students, may be found at www.bsu.edu/careers/nsew.