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Student Employee of the Year

Student Employee of the Year Award

The goal of the Student Employee of the Year award is to recognize the extraordinary work being done by student employees acting as leaders and innovators in their roles.  Hourly student employees carry out important services with passion, initiative, and dedication, all while cultivating professional skills and helping our university and community thrive.

The winner from Iowa State University each year is entered in a regional and national competition with the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators and National Student Employment Association.

Nominations are judged on the following 5 key categories and must meet the following guidelines to be eligible:

Nomination Categories

  1. Community Service
  2. Collaboration & Teamwork
  3. Leadership
  4. Technology & Innovation
  5. Critical Thinking

Qualifications

  1. Currently Enrolled at Iowa State University in an Undergraduate Program
  2. graduate students, residence assistants and teaching assistants are not eligible for this award.
  3. Students must hold a current, hourly student employee position; salary staff are not eligible.

Student Employee of the Year Nominations

  • Reception Photos - Chad O Keynote2

    Submit Your Nomination

    If you wish to nominate an hourly student employee, please complete the online nomination form and submit it by February 1st, 2026 at 11:59PM. The nomination form can be found in the Microsoft Form linked below and requires the nomination in the form of a letter, limited to two pages. Please submit as a PDF.  

    Please note that additional materials will not be considered. The information you provide may be shared with the public through press releases and other promotional opportunities. 

    You may nominate more than one hourly student employee for this award by completing a separate nomination form for each individual student. 

    Check out the 2025 Student Employee of the Year award winners here.

Timeline

Nomination Form Goes Live: November 17, 2025

Nominations Close: February 1st at 11:59 pm

Review Committee Meets in February

All Nominees, their supervisor, and two guests are invited to an Award Reception March 24, 2026

Student Employee Supervisor of the of the Year

Nominations will open November 17, 2025 for the Student Employee Supervisor of the Year award as well. Check out the 2025 SESOTY award winners here.

CYtation Awards – Professional & Scientific Council

Supervisors of full time staff can be nominated for CYtation Awards. Read more here: https://www.pscouncil.iastate.edu/cytations-awards.