Professional and leadership development through undergraduate student ambassador program

American Society for Engineering Education, 2017. Engineering programs continue to grow enrollment and expand offerings of high impact learning experiences, such as study abroad, research and internships. As the two increase simultaneously, a need arises for student services to promote and advise students on the myriad of opportunities and guide them to pursue those most relevant to their interests and goals. To assist in this need, our department has established a student-led program providing peer-to-peer mentoring through individual conversations with both current and prospective students. The student peer mentors are called student ambassadors. In addition to assisting the department in its student advising efforts, the program creates an opportunity for the department to foster its student leader development. The student ambassadors are involved in recruitment efforts with the department, outreach to prospective and newly admitted students, and special projects that enhance the student services our department offers. Their personal growth is assessed through self-reflection pieces, which also serves to guide improvements in the program. As a result, our department is able to meet with more prospective students, has increased on-campus recruiting efforts and provides mentors for newly admitted students.

Professional and leadership development through undergraduate student ambassador program Conference Paper