Written by Shambree Wartel

In 2008 former Mayor John Fretti proclaimed the second week in April as Student Employment Week in hopes of bringing recognition to student workers in the VSU community.

Five years later the student employment team at VSU is continuing this grand tradition.

The Student Employment Office will host a student employment luncheon today at noon in the U.C. Magnolia Room in order to bring awareness for student assistants.

Awards will be given out for students who are nominated by their supervisors.

“This luncheon is necessary because it gives the realization that students are critical partners with the VSU administration in providing a wide variety of services,” Michael Smith, special projects coordinator, said.

Smith believes that the luncheon will help bring awareness and recognition to those who work hard to improve VSU services.

“The Student Employment Office believes, along with many others, that it is important to fully recognize VSU’s student employees as an important human resource, similar to regular faculty and staff.”

According to Smith, each year colleges and universities across the country recognize the importance of the student work experience during National Student Employment Week.

“It’s important because more than 1,500 VSU students are employed as student assistants, federal work-study workers, or graduate assistants,” he said.

Jeron Draine, a student assistant at the Student Employment Office, feels that the luncheon will help honor those who might have been overlooked.

“Hopefully it’ll bring unity among all student assistants on campus,” he said. “We are all working towards one common goal and I hope all the student assistants are able to recognize their worth and how valuable they are on campus.”