Welcome to Student Life— where your contributions matter, and your growth as a professional is part of our mission. As a student employee, you are not only contributing to the success of the division— you’re also gaining valuable skills that will serve you well beyond graduation. That’s where Student Employment Learning Outcomes (SELOs) come in.
What are SELOs?
SELOs are a set of career readiness skills that we’ve identified as essential for success in any workplace. Throughout your time as a student employee, you’ll intentionally develop and reflect on the following core areas:
- Leadership – Make decisions, solve problems, and take initiative
- Communication – Share ideas clearly, listen actively, and navigate conflict
- Professionalism – Demonstrate reliability, ethics, and a growth mindset
- Teamwork – Collaborate respectfully, support peers, and build community
Why It Matters
Your campus job is more than a paycheck—it’s a launchpad for your career. Employers consistently rank these types of skills as the most important in the workplace, and through SELOs, you’ll be actively building them. You’ll also have chances to complete training, get feedback, and participate in projects that help you reflect on your growth.
How It Works
You’ll engage with learning modules, attend occasional check-ins or team meetings, and receive feedback from your supervisor—all designed to help you grow in these key areas. You don’t need to be an expert to start! You just need to be open to learning, trying, and growing.
What You Can Expect
- Real work experience that builds your résumé
- Opportunities to apply your skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork
- Support from your supervisor and team
- Recognition for your achievements
Onboarding Checklist for Student Employees
What Do I Need to Do?
1. Set Up Student Employee Email
All student staff are required to set up a ua.edu email account to be used for business purposes only. This account will serve as your official communication channel for all work-related matters.
2. Discuss Your Job Responsibilities
During your initial meeting with your supervisor, you’ll discuss your specific job responsibilities and how they connect to the Student Employment Learning Outcomes (SELOs): Leadership, Communication, Professionalism, and Teamwork. This conversation is a great opportunity to gain clarity on expectations and to explore how your role can support your personal and professional growth. Come prepared with questions about how you can develop these skills throughout the year and ask about opportunities—such as special projects, trainings, or team collaborations—that will help you gain experience aligned with the SELOs.
3. Complete the Pre-Assessment
As part of your student employment experience, we’re asking all student employees to complete a brief Pre-Test to assess your current skills in key areas such as Leadership, Communication, Professionalism, and Teamwork. This self-assessment is not graded— it’s simply a way for us to better understand your starting point and support your growth throughout the year. Your honest responses will help us tailor resources and development opportunities to your needs. Please take a few minutes to complete the Pre-Test as soon as possible.
4. Complete Your Profile in Handshake
- Go to Handshake
- Log in through the “Current Student Sign-on” (MyBama)
- If this is your first time logging into Handshake you will be asked a series of questions to complete your profile. Do your best to answer each one completely.
- If you have been in Handshake before, go to your profile page (accessible by clicking on your initials or picture in the upper right of the page).
- On that page, fill out each section and upload a headshot picture (headshots are available to you from the UA Career Center, just schedule an appointment in Handshake.)
- Fill out each section to complete your profile.
- Go to your menu in the upper right (Click your picture or initials) and go to the “My Documents” section. If you have not, upload your current resume. It will then be reviewed for you before being included on your profile.
Important Tools
- Handshake – Connect with employers and showcase the skills you are developing
- Iris Automated Photo Booth – Take a professional headshot to include on your profiles
- Crimson Career Closet – Access to professional wardrobe items for interviewing
- VMock – Level up your resume and showcase the skills you are developing
5. Participate in an Annual Evaluation
As a student employee in Student Life, you will take part in a yearly evaluation focused on your experiences and growth in four key Student Employment Learning Outcomes (SELOs): Leadership, Communication, Professionalism, and Teamwork. This evaluation will be completed by your supervisor at the end of each employment period or during the month of April each year. It is based on your performance, development, and contributions in your role throughout your time on the job.
The purpose of this evaluation is to support your professional development. It gives you a chance to receive meaningful feedback on your strengths and areas for growth, helping you better understand how your student job prepares you for future careers. Whether you’re planning to apply for internships, graduate school, or your first full-time job, this evaluation will help you reflect on the skills employers’ value most and how you’ve developed them during your employment.
Supervisors will initiate the evaluation process, and once it’s complete, you are encouraged to have a one-on-one conversation with your supervisor to discuss the results. This meeting is an excellent opportunity to celebrate your progress, ask questions, and set goals for continued learning. We are committed to your success and see this evaluation as a valuable part of your overall student employment experience.