UC Davis’ Bookstore has developed effective strategies to engage, manage, and develop student employees, ensuring both operational success and valuable student experiences. Here are the key practices:

Engagement Strategies

To combat downtime due to the academic calendar, the bookstore provides variety by collaborating with other departments to assign meaningful tasks. Emphasis is placed on challenging work, when possible, to keep students mentally stimulated. Additionally, fostering organic interactions between student managers (SMs) and staff creates a cohesive environment. For example, SMs actively engage cashiers by quizzing them on procedures and checking in on their well-being. This addresses feedback about cashiers feeling disconnected, building a stronger sense of community.

Punctuality and Accountability

To maintain reliability, the bookstore enforces a clear three-strike policy for tardiness or unapproved absences. Strikes are documented, and the student is notified via email, with career staff copied for transparency. After the second strike, students meet with career staff to address any challenges affecting their performance, such as academic or personal issues. Resources are offered, and policies are reiterated to align expectations. This supportive yet firm approach has proven effective in helping students improve or, when necessary, recognize if the role is not a good fit.

Classroom Application and Development

Although bookstore tasks may not directly link to academic coursework, they focus on transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The team is developing a structured curriculum to help students advance in these competencies, ensuring relevance to their future careers.

Success through Challenge

Challenging students with autonomy and responsibility builds ownership and pride in their roles. By explaining the "why" behind tasks and the basics of what they’ll need to be successful at the store. After that, we give them room to try, fail, and succeed, always with a safety net under them. The hope is that this encourages a sense of ownership of the operation as opposed to them feeling like they’re just there to work and earn some money.

Through these methods, the UC Davis Bookstore creates an enriching work experience that balances engagement, accountability, and professional growth.