We provided a department-focused Supervisor Learning Cohort for the Newman Center of Performing Arts. Over the course of seven weeks, these student employee supervisors took sessions on core supervision topics, including supervisor styles, equitable recruiting & hiring, developing students, identity conscious supervision, performance evaluations, addressing performance issues, and well-being in the workplace. At the end, supervisors received a certificate in Supervisory Skills: Student Employment.
The Supervisor Learning Cohort embeds 4D and NACE career frameworks within the student employee experience, all through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. Tools and resources are designed to help supervisors navigate the entire student employment lifecycle. As part of the cohort, supervisors are given the opportunity to take part in an on-going community that encourages deeper connection and learning. These cohorts will continue to run quarterly, including the summer.
Below we are highlighting student employee supervisors who is leading the way in how we supervise and develop our student employees. Feel free to reach out and connect with them.
Max Manoles, Box Office Manager, Newman Center for Performing Arts
What is your favorite thing about supervising student employees?
My employees make me laugh all the time, I think my favorite part is getting to know everyone’s different personality and laughing together!
What is one piece of advice you would give to other supervisors about creating a meaningful student employment experience for student employees?
Don’t ever forget, school is always first to the student employees. Keep in mind their finals/upcoming tests and try to give them extra support/lenience during finals weeks.
What is one resource you would recommend to other supervisors who would like to grow their supervision skills?
The Supervisor Learning Cohort training is a fantastic resource to learn how to better interface with student employees!
Andryn Arithson, Director of Business Operations, Newman Center for Performing Arts
What is your favorite thing about supervising student employees?
My favorite thing about supervising students is learning about their major. I love to hear people talk about their academic interests.
What is one piece of advice you would give to other supervisors about creating a meaningful student employment experience for student employees?
One piece of advice I have is to get to know the student’s learning style.
What is one resource you would recommend to other supervisors who would like to grow their supervision skills?
I recommend DU’s student supervisor class, of course! It has been the best supervisory training I have attended at DU.
Luke Watcher, Associate Director of Education Initiatives, Newman Center for Performing Arts
What is your favorite thing about supervising student employees?
There are two aspects of working with student employees that I find really valuable. I like to create meaningful learning experiences that help students grow while contributing to the goals of the department in meaningful ways. I also think students bring unique perspectives that can’t be found with other types of employees, and that adds a lot of value to our work.
What is one piece of advice you would give to other supervisors about creating a meaningful student employment experience for student employees?
Seek out students who can contribute something new to your work culture. Find out how their goals align with your mission and make space for professional growth where it makes sense.
What is one resource you would recommend to other supervisors who would like to grow their supervision skills?
The training and resources from the Student Employment office have been really great! I have learned a lot about creating mutually beneficial working relationships with students.
