Triton Student Employee of the Year
The Student Employment Office recognizes one student employee from each of the 12 Vice Chancellor areas with the Triton Student Employee of the Year award.
The Triton Student Employee of the Year Program is an annual opportunity for the UC San Diego community to honor student employees who have shown exceptional performance, tireless dedication, and/or outstanding leadership in their roles. This award recognizes students who not only excel in their work but also demonstrate proficiency in UC San Diego’s career readiness competencies. Through this program, we celebrate the significant impact student employees make on campus and highlight their valuable contributions to the university’s success.
Process
Step 1: Announcement (Early Winter Quarter)
The Student Employment Office sends an official communication to HR representatives and People Leaders in the middle of winter quarter, informing them that the nomination window is open. This communication includes a detailed timeline, nomination instructions, and a link to the nomination form.
Step 2: Nomination Submission (Throughout Winter Quarter)
People Leaders are responsible for submitting their nominations through the provided platform. They are encouraged to nominate students who excel in their roles by highlighting specific achievements or competencies demonstrated. The nomination window remains open for a designated period within winter quarter.
Step 3: Selection Committee Review (Early to Mid Spring Quarter)
A selection committee, comprising a diverse, representative panel of staff members from various departments across campus, is formed to review all nominations. Before review, any identifying student information is removed to ensure impartiality. Each committee member independently evaluates the nominations based on the provided details.
Step 4: Review Criteria (Throughout Review Process)
The primary review criteria are UC San Diego’s 12 Competencies, which serve as the foundation for assessing each nominee's performance and impact. Each nomination is measured against how well the student demonstrates these competencies in their work.
Step 5: Reciepients Notified (By End of April)
Student Employment Office finalizes the selection process and notifies the winning students by the end of April. Students receive communication regarding their recognition and details about any awards or recognition events tied to the initiative.
Step 6: Reciepients Receive their Award Package (By End of Spring Quarter)
By the end of the spring quarter, award recipients will be presented with their award package, celebrating their outstanding contributions and commitment to excellence in student employment.Award Package
The Triton Student Employee of the Year recipients are honored with an exclusive award package, which currently includes a custom plaque and a $50 Amazon gift card, celebrating their outstanding contributions and dedication.
Furthermore, recipients and their stories/experiences are featured on the Student Employment Office website, Instagram account (@ucsdstudentjobz), and other university news publications, further recognizing their remarkable accomplishments.
Considerations/Notes/Restrictions
- Who Can Nominate: Only people leaders, HR representatives, or those who work in close proximity to student employees are eligible to nominate students for the award.
- Triton Cash Gift Card: All nominees are entered to win a Triton Cash gift card.
- Previous Recipients: Students who have previously won the award are ineligible for future awards to ensure recognition of new talent.
- Anonymous Review: Identifying information is removed from nominations prior to the review process to ensure fairness and impartiality.
For Departments/People Leaders
We encourage departments to nominate students who have demonstrated truly exceptional performance and embody UC San Diego's Competencies. While we understand that many student employees contribute meaningfully to their roles, this award is designed to honor those who have gone above and beyond, setting a standard of excellence. If a student is not nominated, it in no way diminishes their valuable contributions, and we appreciate the efforts of all student employees.
Resources:
Past Triton Student Employee of the Year Recipients
Curious who’s already earned the title? Click the links below to meet past Triton Student Employees of the Year.
Meet the 2023 Recipients
Notable Accomplishment: Kamiah Johnson spearheaded the dynamic production of ESPN+ broadcasts, highlighting her expertise in sports media production.
Meet the 2024 Recipients
Notable Accomplishment: Irene Chen adapted an assay to analyze single animals' foraging behavior, leading to a groundbreaking finding that made her a key author on a research publication.
2025 TSEY Recipients
The 2025 Triton Student Employee of the Year winners could include you! Step up, shine bright, and let your hard work lead the way - you just might find yourself in the spotlight for this prestigious award in 2025!
Sponsored by the Vice Chancellor Chief Financial Officer and
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Want to Read More Success Stories?
Maximize your motivation! See how more UC San Diego students are turning their campus jobs into career-boosting experiences.
Make an Advisor Appointment
Schedule an appointment with a Student Employment Office representative to get personalized guidance on your student employment journey.