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A special award program administered through the Division of Student Affairs to recognize our employees who provide exemplary service to ������, its students, internal and/or external constituents of the division, or whose efforts enhance the focus of the division's mission.

2023-24 Winners

• Melissa Engler, DeWeese Health Center
• Sarah Helmick, Center for Adult and Veteran Services
• Stephanie Evans, Office of Student Conduct

2022-23 Winners

• Tiffany Reed, University Housing
• Alice Fermaintt, E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center
• Tony Licata, University Housing
• Bryant Rogers, University Bookstore
• Sydney Jordan, CARES Center
• Yvette Roberts, Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services (SRVSS)
• Nancy Groves, Culinary Services
• Jeff Kingery, Recreation and Wellness Services

The Lifetime Achievement Award was instituted in 2011 to honor individuals (living or deceased and no longer working at Kent State) who have devoted significant time and energies and whose actions bring to life the mission of the division. These former employees of the division can be nominated by anyone in the division. The former employee may be from any department currently in the division or was in the division in the past (e.g., Women's Center, Multicultural Center) the Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to the award winners at the annual division breakfast held in the spring.

What is a Student Life Buddy?

A new employee’s onboarding can be greatly enhanced with a Student Life Buddy, an employee from another part of Division of Student Life who provides advice and guidance on the different aspects of working within the division and at the university. A Student Life Buddy can also act as a “sounding board” who offers encouragement as the new employee acclimates to the university culture and workplace.

Selection Criteria and Process

A successful Student Life Buddy is an employee who fully understands the university’s culture and environment, can be positive and constructive in the face of challenges, and wants to be a Student Life Buddy.

Additional criteria include:

• Worked at Kent State and within the Division of Student Life for at least 1 year.
• Time to be available to the employee.
• Work in a divisional department the employee may not otherwise interact with
• A solid performer.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exemplifies the division’s values.
• Well regarded and trusted by others.

To kick off the program, the Employee Engagement Committee will invite people to be buddies and match them with new employees. As program matures, individuals can volunteer to be considered as a Student Life Buddy or can be recommended by others. The Student Life Employee Engagement Committee will make Student Life Buddy employee matching decisions.

Buddy Responsibilities

In assisting a new employee acclimating to the division and the university, a Student Life Buddy serves as a valuable resource by creating a trusting relationship and maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing information on policies and procedures.
• Identifying resources in the workplace.
• Familiarizing the employee to Student Life culture, norms, and unwritten guidelines.
• Introducing the employee to others in the division and throughout the university.
• Taking the employee on an expanded tour of the workplace and campus.
• Answering questions and referring the employee to the appropriate resources.

Suggested Structure

Ideally, there is a formal, six-month relationship between the Student Life Buddy and the new employee. Toward the end of the six months, they can discuss if and how to continue their relationship outside of the structured Student Life Buddy role. Within the employee’s first 2-weeks, introduce the Student Life Buddy and employee. This introduction can be facilitated between the Student Life Buddy and hiring department.  Topics shall include discussing the Student Life Buddy’s role and responsibilities as well as the employee’s needs and answer any questions. The Buddy and employee shall decide on the frequency, length, topics, and method of interaction between the two of them. The structure will vary. What’s important is that the arrangement is clearly defined and works for both the employee and the Student Life Buddy.