Summer Recognition Months and Holidays: Simple Ways Offices Can Support Belonging

Summer can feel quieter on many college campuses, but it is still an important season for student connection, communication, and belonging.

While some students may be away from campus physically, many are still taking summer classes, working on campus, checking email regularly, attending orientation, or preparing for the upcoming academic year. Summer is also a valuable opportunity for student services offices to create visible reminders that students from different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are welcomed and valued.

One meaningful way offices can do this is by recognizing important summer holidays, heritage months, and awareness observances through small but intentional acts of communication and visibility.

These efforts do not need to be expensive or highly elaborate to matter. Often, small moments of recognition can help students feel seen, respected, and included.

Why Recognition Matters

Belonging is shaped through everyday experiences. Students often pay attention to subtle signals:

• what offices acknowledge,

• whose experiences are highlighted,

• what language is used,

• and whether they can see themselves reflected in the campus environment.

When offices intentionally recognize important cultural, historical, and identity-based observances, they communicate: “You matter here.”

These efforts can help create a more welcoming environment not only for current students, but also for prospective students and families visiting campus during the summer months.

Summer Recognition Months and Holidays

Summer includes many meaningful observances that student services offices can acknowledge in thoughtful ways. Some examples include:

• Pride Month (June)

• National Immigrant Heritage Month (June)

• Juneteenth (June 19)

• Disability Pride Month (July)

• National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (July)

• International Day of Friendship (July 30)

• Women’s Equality Day (August 26)

• Hispanic Heritage Month (begins September 15)

Offices do not need to recognize every observance perfectly. The goal is intentionality, consistency, and genuine respect.

Simple Ways Offices Can Celebrate and Acknowledge Observances

Many student services professionals worry that recognition efforts require large budgets or major events. In reality, some of the most effective efforts are simple and visible.

Update Digital Signage and Screens: If your office has lobby monitors, digital signs, or television displays, rotate slides recognizing observances and celebrations throughout the summer.

Even simple visuals can make offices feel more inclusive and welcoming.

Add Recognition to Office Communication: Summer emails, newsletters, social media posts, and orientation communications can also include thoughtful acknowledgments.

For example:

• sharing campus resources connected to the observance,

• highlighting student organizations,

• promoting relevant campus events,

• or briefly recognizing the significance of a holiday or awareness month.

This helps recognition become part of the office culture rather than a one-time event.

Create Small Visual Touches in the Office: Physical office spaces matter too.

Simple additions might include:

• small signage,

• informational displays,

• or book recommendations.

These visual cues can help students feel that your office is paying attention to diverse experiences and identities.

Importantly, these displays do not need to feel overly corporate or performative. Often, thoughtful and authentic efforts are the most meaningful.

Use Recognition as an Opportunity for Education

Recognition months can also create opportunities for learning and conversation among staff.

During staff meetings, teams might:

• discuss student experiences,

• invite campus partners to present briefly,

• or reflect on ways services can become more inclusive and accessible.

This can help offices move beyond symbolic recognition toward deeper awareness and improved support practices. (Related Reading: The Culture Shift That Transforms Advising Offices from Good to Great)

Belonging is not created through a single large initiative.

More often, it develops through repeated small experiences that communicate welcome, visibility, and care.

Summer can be an excellent time for student services offices to strengthen those messages before the busy fall semester begins.