Johnny Thunderbird with open arms

Employee Engagement

Engaging employees in work and life

Why be engaged?

... because work is simply better when you are!

The goal of this webpage is to offer you many ways to connect to colleagues, students and the University in your daily life. Gallup research tells us that employees want opportunities to do what they do best, to develop and grow in their roles, to have strong coworker relationships, and to share in a common mission or purpose. And while your manager may play a pivotal role in helping you feel engaged, Human Resources, too, wants to help you feel involved, respected, appreciated and successful at St. John's University.

However you choose to connect with us - whether joining an ERG that shares your interests, meeting coworkers at a Mets game, participating in service with students, or cheering on the Red Storm from the sidelines, we want you to be a part of St. John's and to love working here.

Human Resources Policy Manual Employee Handbook

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Johnny Thunderbird hugging Mr Met.

Past Employee Events

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Recognition

We recognize and celebrate our employees in many ways - the Values and Inclusion Program (VIP), Outstanding Achievement Medals, Years of Service Recognition, and Retirement Certificates.

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Employee Resource Groups

ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that help to foster an equitable and inclusive workplace, as well as cultivate a greater sense of belonging.

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More ways to engage...

On campus educational and student events provide significant opportunities to share time with students, explore learning together and show your support for their achievements.

University Events
Events held throughout the year, such as Convocations, Commencements, Homecoming and Family Weekend, Spring Week activities, fairs and other programs are announced on the University calendar. You can also visit the calendar on Student Success website for a host of ways to engage with students.

There are many ways to make a gift to the University and make a difference in our community of learners.

It is through the sustained generosity of donors and special friends, dedicated alumni, parents, employees and students that St. John’s is able to spread its mission throughout the world and impact global change through a commitment to academic excellence and social justice.  There are many ways to make a gift to the University and make a difference in our community of learners.

Employees may make financial contributions directly through payroll deductions. The Loughlin Society Patrons Program recognizes outstanding donors who are also St. John’s employees.  In addition to special recognition in the annual Honor Roll of Donors, members receive VIP seating at selected on-campus events and invitations to Loughlin Society gatherings and other special events held throughout the year.  To enroll in employee payroll deductions, visit the Ways to Contribute page.

Programs run by University Career Services, give employees incredible opportunities to directly help shape a student’s professional development and career path. Find out more here.

Conversation Partners Program
International students who are learning English may feel comfortable in the classroom, but less so with everyday, colloquial language. As an employee, you can help an international student feel a part of the St. John's family by volunteering to be a Conversation Partner. To find out more and complete an online volunteer form, visit the International Student and Scholars Engagement Opportunities page.

Coach Program
COACH stands for Count on Alumni for Career Help.  While centered on the idea of alumni-student mentoring, COACH allows employees, too, to share their diverse career experiences with students in a coaching role.  Find out more and get involved as a COACH!

SAFE Program
Consider mentoring a freshman or sophomore student during the upcoming academic year by participating in the Student and Faculty Engagement Program (SAFE). SAFE provides mentorship to freshman and sophomore students with the goal of helping them successfully transition to the University and develop a sense of belonging. The program was created in 2011 and has grown from a small cohort of 20 faculty to 75 mentors that include faculty, staff, administrators, graduate students and upperclassmen from across the University. To find out more about how you can mentor a student through this program, visit SAFE.

Internships
There might be an opportunity for your area to support an academic internship for credit, so elevate the idea to your supervisor and connect with the appropriate college for additional information. for guidance and tips on how to host an academic internship, download the guide. The Career Services website lists the academic internship contact information for each college, as academic departments have specific guidelines and requirements that vary by major.

Employees and students are encouraged to continue the great mission of St. Vincent de Paul by integrating service to the poor into both academic and employment experiences at St. John’s.

Some of the ways you may choose to engage students through service are to participate in the following:

Founder's Week Celebration
Founder’s Week is held annually during the week of the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul in September. The University organizes a full week of events. This week helps us to deepen our understanding of the Vincentian mission of St. John’s University and to celebrate the many ways that our Vincentian heritage continues to guide our entire University community. Find out more about our Founder’s Week celebration opportunities.

University Service Day
On the fourth Saturday in September, in celebration of the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul, St. John’s organizes a University Service Day. This annual event unites the University family on all campuses in volunteer efforts at service sites throughout the community. To participate, contact the Office of Mission in Queens at 718-990-6353.

St. John’s Bread and Life
Employees and students can volunteer in the Bread and Life Soup Kitchen in Brooklyn. On Monday afternoon, students can volunteer in the Mobile Soup Kitchen from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. On Fridays, employees can volunteer for Friday in the Soup Kitchen from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You can also learn more by visiting the Bread and Life website, or by contacting Campus Ministry.

Faith and Mission Opportunities
Employees are welcome to join in many of the student-centered service opportunities made available by St. John's University. Walks and runs, sponsor a family, and many others are open to employee volunteers.

Ladies of Charity
This is a group of Catholic women who care deeply about their faith and the most vulnerable in our communities. They serve God in the person of the poor with "humility, simplicity and charity."

Campus life at St. John’s is rich with a multitude of cultural and social experiences.  We hope that you take advantage of the diverse cultural and social opportunities, and that your participation serves to further broaden and enrich your life and the lives of our students.

Events and activities can be found on the St. John's web site, or you can contact the Office of Student Life in Queens at 718-990-6567, Staten Island at 718-990-4445, or Manhattan at 212-277-5170.

Faith and service engagement opportunities abound at St. John’s. Find out about how you can engage with students on a spiritual level.

Campus Ministry coordinates many opportunities for the University community to come together through spirituality.  Some of these include interfaith services, liturgical ministry, music ministry, retreats, Lent programs, Catholic men’s and women’s groups, prayer and reflection.

St. Vincent de Paul Society
This student-run organization reaches out to the poor and those in need in New York City through volunteering, retreats and reflection.  Employees can participate with students in many activities throughout the year.  In Queens call 718-990-6115 and in Staten Island 718-990-4497, or call the main number, 718–990–6255.

Catholic Lecture Series
Our Catholic Lecture Series is intended for both Catholic and Non-Catholic adults, and addresses issues of Catholic belief and teaching.

Vincentian Mission Certificate Program
This compelling 16 month personal and professional development program rooted in our Vincentian charism.  The program is centered on three major components:  Education; Service; and Reflection; and is designed to empower staff and administrators to live out and reflect upon our Vincentian Mission. 

Worship  
Join the campus community as we celebrate Mass together. Visit St. Thomas More Church on the web for more.

The entire University community comes together to support our athletic teams.  By coming out to the games, you show your support for our student-athletes and the University.

Red Storm Sports
The entire University community comes together to support our St. John's athletic teams.  By coming out to the games, you show your support for our student-athletes and the University. View the Red Storm Sports web site for information and game schedules.

Intramurals, Recreation, Health and Fitness
The Campus Recreation Department provides the entire University community with the opportunity to participate in formal and informal activities ranging from team sports to individual and dual sports, as well as competitive and non-competitive activities.  Fitness centers and a variety of courts on the University campuses offer great ways to engage students in healthy activities.  All staff, administrators, students and faculty currently enrolled or employed, who present a valid St. John’s StormCard, may participate in any of the University’s Intramural sporting programs.  Check out the Rec Center Fall Fitness calendar!

Abundant opportunities exist to engage student workers in your department in informal mentoring and by collaborating with them on meaning work assignments.

Talk with, listen to and help the student workers in your office. Connect with Student Employment to learn more.