The University of New Mexico will celebrate National Student Employment Week from April 14-18, recognizing the essential contributions of student employees across campus. The weeklong event highlights the role of student workers in university operations while encouraging departments to show appreciation through activities, recognition programs and gestures of gratitude.
“We probably have over 2,200 student employees, maybe more,” said Matt McClung, manager of One Stop and the Student Employment Office. “Their roles range from assisting with research to data entry and customer service. They’re an intricate part of UNM — from the very bottom to the very top.”
Student employees are a vital part of UNM’s workforce, filling roles in academic departments, administrative offices and campus services. Their work supports the daily functions of the university while providing them with valuable professional experience.
“Student jobs give them hands-on experience in their desired fields, a little spending cash, and flexibility to prioritize being a student first and foremost,” McClung said.
Throughout the week, departments are encouraged to find creative ways to recognize student employees. Suggested activities include decorating office spaces, hosting treat days, writing personalized thank-you notes and organizing office-wide appreciation events.
“They do the nitty gritty work — filing, customer service — and a lot of the time, their hard work doesn’t get recognized,” McClung said. “Student Employment Week is a chance to fully acknowledge everything they do to make our departments function.”
The National Student Employment Association, which sponsors the national recognition week, also offers recommendations for celebrating student workers. These include providing small care packages during finals, offering professional development opportunities and hosting team lunches to foster a sense of appreciation and community.
To recognize outstanding student employees, UNM is also inviting nominations for Student Employee of the Year, an award that honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment in their campus roles.
“Not only are they going to school full time, but they’re making our departments better,” McClung said. “They’re the future staff of UNM. One of the best parts of this job is seeing our student workers transition to full-time staff — that’s what makes this place special.”
For more information on National Student Employment Week and ways to get involved, visit the UNM’s Student Employment website.
