Student employees are essential to the Wisconsin Union. Across dining, hospitality, events, facilities, and other departments, they create the experiences that make the Union a welcoming home for our campus community. The Student Employee Advisory Group (SEAG) ensures their voices are heard, their contributions are recognized, and their ideas actively shape the student employee experience.
About SEAG
The Student Employee Advisory Group (SEAG) is a student-led board representing departments across the Wisconsin Union.
SEAG provides a platform for student employees to share ideas, raise concerns, and improve the workplace experience. Working alongside Union leadership, the group focuses on building community, strengthening recognition, and ensuring students have a direct voice in decisions that affect them.
SEAG's Work Includes:
- Representing student employee perspectives across all Union departments
- Sharing student feedback and recommendations directly with Union leadership
- Developing recognition programs that celebrate student accomplishments
- Fostering connection and community among student employees
- Identifying opportunities to continuously enhance the student employee experience
Student Employee Recognition Fund
One of SEAG’s core responsibilities is guiding the Student Employee Recognition Fund, which supports programs celebrating student contributions across the Wisconsin Union. Donations fund recognition opportunities for all student employees, including behind-the-scenes team members as well as guest-facing staff.
Recognition Programs Include:
- Meal coupons distributed each fall, spring, and summer term
- Recognition gifts for graduating seniors
- Student Employee of the Month awards and stipends
- Staff recognition pins
- Finals-week study support and snacks
- Community recognition events (as funding allows)
Supporting Student Recognition Through Donations
Guests who wish to support student employee recognition can make a voluntary donation through any of the following methods:
- At checkout: Select a donation amount on the credit card terminal during payment
- In person: Place cash in a designated donation box
- Online: Make a contribution through our online giving portalFree or discounted meals for student employees
Donations go directly to the Student Employee Recognition Fund; they are not personal tips and are not distributed directly to individual employees
Why the Union Does Not Accept Tips
Wisconsin Union policy does not permit individual employee tipping. Because our operational model relies on shared registers, rotating shift assignments, and University payroll systems, tracking and distributing individual tip income is not feasible.
Some credit card terminals may still display the prompt "Tip" on the screen. Any amount contributed using this option is automatically routed to the Student Employee Recognition Fund.
Donating is always optional. Guests are welcome to select $0, and no contribution is expected.
Get Involved with SEAG
Every student employee has a voice in shaping the Wisconsin Union workplace.
To share ideas, suggest recognition initiatives, or provide feedback on the student employee experience, reach out to your departmental SEAG representative or contact the group directly at seag@union.wisc.edu.