SELFIE program: Empowering student leaders and interns through engagement

With more than 750 student employees, including over 500 student leaders and volunteers, Student Affairs knows that working on campus is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity for growth, connection, and real-world learning. Through its SELFIE (Student Employee, Leader, Fellow, and Intern Engagement) program, Student Affairs is reimagining student employment by focusing on what students need to thrive—both in their current roles and in their future careers. 

As part of Student Affairs’ strategic initiative to revitalize engagement and belonging, the SELFIE program equips student employees with the resources, training, and opportunities they need to succeed personally, academically and professionally.  

Key efforts include collaborating with Human Resources to standardizing the hiring process, offering hands-on training and mentorship, and providing monthly workshops and handbooks for both student employees and their supervisors.  

These efforts are guided by data from the 2024 Student Employee Engagement Survey, which was aligned with National Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ (NASPA) on-campus student employment rubric. This framework evaluates various aspects of student employee opinions and insights, including leadership engagement, hiring practices, professional development and student learning outcomes. 

Notably, survey results revealed that 41% of student employees in Student Affairs are involved in student organizations or clubs—indicating that many are actively engaged in campus life beyond their job roles. This level of involvement promotes their sense of belonging and helps build valuable leadership and networking skills. 

“When students feel connected to their workplace, they’re more likely to engage in other areas of campus life—building relationships, developing leadership skills, and learning to balance responsibilities,” said Bryan Hubain, associate vice president for Student Development and Community. “These experiences not only enhance their time at the U, but also prepare them with lifelong skills that serve them well beyond graduation.” 

By centering student employees’ needs, investing in professional development opportunities, and fostering meaningful campus connections, the SELFIE program not only supports students today—it lays the foundation for lifelong success.