The Bowdoin Orient

March 9, 2001
Volume CXXXII, Number 19

SEO sponsors Student Employment Week

by KITTY SULLIVAN, STAFF WRITER

   Over 40 percent of Bowdoin students, approximately 650, have on-campus jobs.
   In order to recognize and honor these student employees, as well as their supervisors, and in order to educate students about the available employment opportunities on campus, the Student Employment Office will sponsor Student Employment Week, beginning April 8. The week is nationally supported and sponsored by the National Student Employment Association.
   One of the highlights of the week is a reception honoring approximately 35 outstanding student employees. Lisa Folk, manager of student employment, said that in order to select which student employees are honored, "supervisors nominate a 'one in five years' kind of employee-the kind of student who gives 120 percent on a regular basis."
   The program is non-competitive and is intended to supplement the student employee of the year award, which is competitive.
   This year, Kate Leppanen '01 was awarded the title of Student Employee of the Year at Bowdoin and will go on to compete for the state title. The winner of the state competition vies for the Northeast award, and then the national title.
   Five years ago, Jennifer O'Neil, who worked in admissions, was selected as Student Employee of the Year, and then went on to win the national title.
   The student employment office also holds a supervisors workshop during this week for full-time staff members and student managers. The workshop focuses on the role of the supervisor as a mentor to student employees, highlighting the active part they can play in the personal lives of the students.
   Erika Leach '02, special projects assistant for the Student Employment Office, said that the week is a "way to say thank you to the students and recognize the contributions they make, because many parts of the College couldn't run without them."
   The student employment office is also hosting an open house at its office, located at Gustafson House, on Tuesday, April 10, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
   Students can also show appreciation for their supervisors by requesting certificates to honor their work as well. The request form is on the student employment web site.