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Supervising and developing working learners

Giving recognition

How to recognize the working learner

Share the document below (pages 2 and 3 only) with your working learners to understand how, when, and by whom your working learners like to be recognized and shown appreciation. Recognizing working learners on a college campus is crucial as it validates their dedication to academic and professional pursuits. It fosters a supportive environment, acknowledging their multifaceted commitments and inspiring a sense of achievement. This recognition not only boosts morale but also reinforces the integral role of working learners in the campus community, promoting a culture that values their contributions and strives for their holistic success.
 

Have your working learners fill out the following worksheet at your convenience (your working learners could fill this out when they are first hired on but can update it throughout the academic year - such as at the end of the semester, after completing a project, or upon reaching a significant milestone). It’s ideal to align the recognition with specific accomplishments to ensure the recognition is timely and meaningful.


Note: This page/document is just for supervisors. When sharing this worksheet with your students be sure to only share pages 2 and 3!

 

Download the worksheet

Recognition


Recognition refers to intentionally acknowledging, celebrating, and reinforcing the value of student employees’ contributions, growth, and learning within their campus roles. At ASU, recognition goes beyond appreciation—it connects a student’s day-to-day work to their broader development and future goals.

Recognition in this context includes both formal and informal practices: from saying “thank you” and giving feedback, to highlighting accomplishments, linking achievements to career competencies, or providing opportunities for reflection and growth. Effective recognition makes students feel seen, valued, and supported as learners and contributors to ASU’s charter.

Why is Recognition important?

Recognition is the acknowledgment of a job well done. It is a way to truly show employees that their work matters.

  • Improves morale.
  • Helps build a supportive work environment.
  • Increases employee motivation and retention.
  • Sense of ownership, belonging in the workplace and loyalty.

Types of Recognition


Supervisor Impact


Supervisor and Student Employees of the Year


Supervisor of the Year

Nali VelezFulton Schools of EngineeringCoordinator2026
Ashley CampbellSun Devil Fitness and WellnessProgram Coordinator2025
Yazmin ReyesWalter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass CommunicationAssistant Director2024

Graduate Student Employee of the Year

Stefan Stealey-EuchnerFulton Schools of EngineeringMath Tutor2026
Vanshaj GuptaLearning EnterpriseData Reporter2025
Elena SlobodaThe School of Applied Science and ArtsWriting Tutor Online2024

Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year

Morgan PinkertonMary Lou Fulton CollegeResearch Aide2026
Daniel Aquilera-ZermenoAcademic Enterprise CommunicationSocial Media Assistant2025

Student Employee Community Service Award

Dorian LemarchandSchool of Geographical Sciences and Urban PlanningPeer Mentor2026
Manuel ElizaldeWatts College Design Studio for Community SolutionsEngagement Specialist2025
Francisco OchoaFulton’s School of EngineeringStudent Worker2024

Student Employment Technology Award

Neeharika MandadapuAcademic and Student AffairsProgram Aide2026
Jessica MccleanEdPlus’ Instructional Design and New MediaStudent Intern2024
Daniel Aquilera-ZermenoAcademic Enterprise CommunicationSocial Media Assistant2025

Student Employee Leadership Award

Deep SharmaFulton Schools of EngineeringShift Lead2026
Brennan CampbellUniversity Sustainability PracticesEngagement Assistant2025
Virgil ConnorOffice of Veterans Military and Academic EngagementStudent Worker2024