Shannon Roulaine of Honors College wasn’t surprised when she received an email with “Everyday Champions” in the subject line. She was surprised to learn that she was the person nominated for this recognition.
“It was awesome and shocking at the same time,” said Roulaine. “I thought, ‘Oh cool, someone got Everyday Champions. Oh, it’s me!’”
Roulaine, who joined Honors College in 2019 after many years in the finance and insurance industries, was nominated for many reasons, one of which is the student assistant manual she created with Human Resources this year to guide undergraduate students in what is expected in their roles at Honors College.
“This is my pride and joy right now. I realized that our students had no rhyme or reason for where they went and what they were supposed to do,” she said. “There was nothing set in place to tell them when they will get paid, how to register for direct deposit or even how to use a time clock. Now they have a reference that tells them everything they need to know.”
Roulaine also created a manual of expectations and best practices for supervisors who manage students so they know their roles in interacting with students and how they can contribute to the student experience.
She was also recognized as one of 18 Compliance Champions this year, an honor given by UA’s Ethics and Compliance Department.
“Shannon is very collaborative, supportive and service oriented while following the policy and rules,” said Luoheng Han, interim dean of Honors College.
“Shannon’s tireless service to students and faculty and staff, her knowledge about policies and rules and the fact that she is a team player with campus partners make her an Everyday Champion.”
Despite being the sole financial staff member in Honors College, Roulaine is quick to credit others for helping put her ideas to work.
“Jane Batson is my right-hand person. Her institutional and historical knowledge of the University is amazing,” she said. “But, to use clichés, I would say I’m part jack of all trades, but I’m also not a one-person show.”
About Everyday Champions
UA is home to champions both on and off the field and in and out of the classroom. Everyday Champions are staff and faculty members who work behind the scenes to keep the campus running, show enthusiasm for supporting the UA campus, faculty, staff and students and embody the UA spirit of pride, determination and ingenuity. Submit an Everyday Champion you know to be considered for a feature.
Contact
Jennifer Brady, UA Strategic Communications, jennifer.brady@ua.edu