The Student Union’s Student Employment Program has been recognized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Through NASPA’s award process, the Student Union’s Student Employment Program received a silver award in the category of fraternity and sorority life, leadership, student activities and student unions.
According to Alison Ward, associate director of the Student Union, receiving recognition for the work done over the past ten years has been meaningful and exciting to the Student Union administrators.
“It helps us be recognized for more than just a building,” Ward said. “Because everybody sees the union and is like, ‘this is where I go eat or meet with my student organization or whatever,’ but it’s a big deal to win the award because it shows folks that we’re doing more than just making sure your rooms are set up.”
While the University of Tennessee has long employed student workers, it wasn’t until ten years ago that the program began to see change through several overhauls. It went from simply an opportunity for students to get paid for working on campus to a program that aims to equip students with employable skills and qualities.
Then, the program began implementing core competencies outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The program listened to what employers desired from graduating students entering the workforce.
“As it went forward, it became more about not just them getting experience while they were here on the clock,” Ward said. “But what experiences they were getting that they could use in their career upon graduation. So we started to tie what they did here with us to whatever job that they want.”
The employment program began focusing on producing graduates who were proficient in skills like critical thinking and conflict management. When that change occurred, the program — formerly consisting of eight employees — began to expand.
“If you’re taking communication in this rubric form, the beginner is that you can’t carry on a really good informative conversation,” Ward said. “You can’t explain what you’re doing or why. In the advanced and accomplished category, not only can you communicate effectively, you can do so in a variety of platforms and manners, everything from written to verbal to body language.”
Over the past several years, this aspect of the program has been emphasized by its leaders, ensuring that students leave with valuable experience that is attractive on resumes and to employers. Now, there are 114 students participating in the program, which provides much more than pay to students.
Ward said the program has a strong community aspect and students find a sort of home in it. Students are from various backgrounds, ranging from those studying computer science to those in the theater or music departments.
NASPA’s process for selecting award recipients involves looking at several aspects of a university’s student employment program. This includes looking at whether the program meets student needs and critical campus needs. It also reviews the program’s relevance to the institutional mission and whether it advances the student affairs profession.
“We’ve got students that are coming back saying, ‘I’m in the position that I’m in because of what I learned with you guys.’” Ward said. “So we’re seeing them succeed.”
The program’s success and recognition through the award underscore its vital role in enhancing UT student development and professional readiness.
