National Student Employment Appreciation Week: April 12-18, 2026
Each year colleges and universities across the country recognize the importance of the student work experience during National Student Employment Week. Student employment offers career-enhancing opportunities, the ability to develop skills relevant to any career, and better preparation for the job market upon graduation.
At K-State, our student employees perform invaluable services with enthusiasm, dedication, and initiative. Indeed, many departments depend on the contributions of this reliable workforce for their daily operations.
Student Employee of the Year Ceremony: April 8, 2026 in the Alumni Center
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year award. To nominate a Kansas State University student employee in your department or division, please complete thenomination formby Friday, Feb. 13. The top five nominated students will be honored at the Student Employee of the Year ceremony on April 8.
To be eligible, students must be on the student payroll and have served a minimum of six months in an official student employee position between June 2025 and May 2026 (anticipated). GRA, GTA and GA positions are not eligible.
The award winner will be selected based on their reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and defining story. Please be prepared to provide specific and measurable examples of each, as well as a brief description of the student's roles/responsibilities, in your nomination form.
Questions about the nomination process can be sent to Kaidy Smith, employer relations associate, atkaismith@k-state.edu.
Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year award (SEOTY)
A Little More About the Award
Any student who is on the student payroll and will serve a minimum of six months in an official student employee position during June 2025 to May 2026 (anticipated) is eligible.
GRA, GTA and GA positions are not eligible.
The student chosen will be selected based on their reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and their defining story. Please be prepared to explain specific and measurable examples of each, as well as a brief description of the student's roles/responsibilities in their nomination form. Examples of each are below:
Reliability
Punctual — always on time, shows up when scheduled and calls in when unable to make scheduled time
Responsible
Able to work well with fellow employees and supervisor
Quality of Work
Work is accurate, thorough and acceptable
Uses materials and time economically
Completion of work in a timely manner
Consistency in meeting deadlines
Ability to work under pressure
Initiative
Is motivated to finish work on time and properly
Accepts/seeks challenges and identifies problems to solve
Responds enthusiastically to challenges
Willing to accept new projects/methods/information that add to the position and quality of service
Professionalism
Dresses appropriately for the position
Has ability to make sound decisions
Serves as a leader and model for others
Regularly works with peers to contribute to a safe and orderly environment
Defining Story
The lasting imprint this student will leave with your department
What sets this student employee apart from other student employees in your department