We deeply value the contributions of our student employees and their supervisors, and it is important to us that their efforts are properly recognized!
Every year, the Midwest Association for Student Employment Administrators (MASEA) and the National Student Employment Association (NSEA) designate the second full week of April as National Student Employment Week. This initiative serves to raise awareness and celebrate the hardworking students who balance their academic responsibilities with part-time employment. These students provide essential support to their departments and the university, demonstrating remarkable enthusiasm, dedication, and initiative. National Student Employment Week is also an opportunity to acknowledge the supervisors who play a crucial role in shaping the student employment experience, offering guidance, training, and professional development that help students prepare for successful careers.
National Student Employment Week April 13 - 17, 2026
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026
The Red Carpet Recognition Awards (Invite Only)
The Red Carpet Recognition Awards honor the recipients and all nominees of Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year, Graduate Student Employee of the Year, and Student Employment Supervisor of the Year for their excellence, dedication, and impact on the campus community.
Student Center Ballroom
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
The Red Carpet Refreshment Bar
The Red Carpet Refreshment Bar offers attendees a fun, customizable beverage experience featuring a syrup flavor of your choice paired with a Pepsi product of your choice. You can also pick up Career Center swag while enjoying a festive refreshment break that adds a touch of Hollywood flair.
Scramble Light
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
Lights, Camera, Donuts!
Lights, Camera, Donuts allows you to enjoy a free donut of your choice, pick up Career Center swag, and take part in a meaningful moment of appreciation. During the event, you can fill out a "Thank You" card for your supervisor, which the Student Employment team will deliver on Thursday as part of this week's celebrations.
Scramble Light
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
Behind the Scenes: Honoring Student Employment Leaders (Invite Only)
The 3rd Annual Student Employment Appreciation Banquet celebrates the hiring managers and supervisors whose leadership, partnership, and guidance help student employment shine. This is an opportunity to connect with colleagues across campus and share insights that elevate the student employment experience.
Student Center Ballroom
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
Star-Studded Swag Bags
The Student Employment team will be delivering fun event swag bags as part of this week's celebrations. At the same time, they will deliver supervisor "Thank You" cards completed by students on Tuesday, helping to share appreciation and recognize the support supervisors provide throughout the year.
Departments Around Campus
Throughout the Day
Nominations
Awards are given for three categories:
Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year – process and criteria
Graduate Student Employee of the Year – process and criteria
Student Employment Supervisor of the Year – process and criteria
Nomination Form