Student Life Revises Student Employee Evaluations to Foster Growth and Professional Development

Student Life Revises Student Employee Evaluations to Foster Growth and Professional Development

Over the past year, Barb Carlton and her team in Student Life have worked diligently to revise the department’s student employee evaluation, filling an important gap in supporting student development. As Associate Director of Facility Operations, Barb drew on her experience at previous institutions and her expertise in supervision to create an evaluation that reflects the needs of JMU Student Life.

Together, the team recognized an opportunity to move beyond traditional evaluations by creating a process that emphasizes growth mindset and soft skills. Student Life currently employs just over 150 students across campus in a wide range of positions, from IT to office support to programming. The new evaluation was intentionally designed through BeInvolved to help every student recognize the transferable skills they are building through their work, regardless of their role.

The revised questions are based on the eight competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), as well as the Iowa GROW Guided Reflection questions. These frameworks encourage students to reflect on skills such as leadership, teamwork and critical thinking. At the end of the evaluation, students are prompted to identify at least one personal or professional goal they would like to pursue, whether related to their job or another area of their lives.

The process doesn’t end when students hit the “submit” button. Instead, the professionals in Student Life work to help each student work toward their goals. That support might include reviewing a resume, connecting students with alumni, or identifying areas for growth. “The idea is to meet them where they are and help them grow into where they should when they leave JMU,” Barb said.

Rather than focusing solely on performance, the questions pose an opportunity for students to thoughtfully reflect on what they are learning in their unique roles. It highlights the transferable skills that can be acquired in every position in Student Life.

This initiative also aligns with President Jim’s vision for JMU students. As Barb explained, “He calls them power skills. These are things students need all the way through college and after, that help them to be more employable and also good citizens.”

This year, the team is aiming to reach a 100% completion rate from every Student Life employee. Barb said her hope is that “students to see the value of what they did here because they make JMU a better place—all of them together.”

Barb extends her appreciation to the Student Employee Committee, as well as the following for supporting the initiative: Jen Grossman Leopard, Joe Debord, Megan Kite, Katy Kennedy, Amy Jefferson and Andrew Evans; and two graduate assistants, Jayden Lowe and Chubi Abu.

Thank you Student Life team for investing in the growth, learning and professional development of JMU’s student staff!