For the 28th year in a row, UW-Whitewater's chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has received the Superior Merit award for excellence and achievement.
This national award distinguishes the UW-Whitewater chapter as an outstanding organization dedicated to meeting member needs and advancing the field of human resources management. The chapter was recognized and honored at the 2012 Annual Student Conference in Atlanta on June 23.
SHRM plays an important role in UW-Whitewater students' academic and professional growth.
"SHRM offered knowledge of the HR field not presented in class," said Brittany Williams, a senior human resources management major from Waukesha. "It also helped me build networks with professionals in the industry, understand what the field is like, and develop skills necessary for my future career."
"Internships and scholarship opportunities are also available to SHRM members," said management professor Jon Werner. "UW-Whitewater students have been very successful in receiving SHRM scholarships."
The Superior Merit award is given to the chapter of SHRM that earns the most points during the school year. Points are earned by completing various activities, such as attending speaker meetings and conferences, holding HR related programs, or maintaining social media sites. Williams worked year-round on the award application along with graduate student Gretchen Treml, secretary of UW-Whitewater's SHRM.
SHRM is open to all students, especially those who are interested in focusing on people instead of business within an organization. It is also an excellent way for students to meet others with similar interests and enter the HR industry, Werner said.
Human resource management is the part of a company that recruits, manages and provides direction for employees. HR also deals with issues related to people within an organization, such as compensation, hiring, performance management, safety, wellness, organization development, benefits, employee motivation, communication, administration and training.
The Society for Human Resource Management meets Tuesdays in Timothy J. Hyland Hall during the academic year. To join or for more information, visit http://uwwshrm.com/ or contact Jon Werner or Steve Guo.