SCSE Ambassadors Program

Swenson College of Science and Engineering Ambassador Program

Applications for Ambassador Program due April 6, 2026

The SCSE Ambassador Program is currently recruiting its first cohort, with Ambassadors expected to enhance the student experience, support recruitment, engage with alumni and prospective donors, and serve as key connection points for new students.

Purpose

• Serve as a liaison between the student body and college leadership, ensuring transparent dialogue and mutual understanding of policies, processes, and programs.
• Provide real-time student perspectives on proposed college initiatives, curriculum changes, and long-term strategic planning.
• Create a pipeline for student leaders to gain professional governance experience and mentorship from college leadership.
• Act as the "face" of the student body at high-profile events, sharing authentic narratives with prospective students and donors to illustrate the tangible impact of college programs.
• Strengthen student retention and engagement by spearheading a peer connections program that connects first-year and transfer students with experienced leaders.

Who Can Join?

• Open to all SCSE undergraduate students in good academic standing
• There are no GPA requirements for membership selection. There are no college leadership expectations for membership selection. 
• Members will be selected to represent a diverse set of majors, years, and background experiences from across SCSE.
• Participation on certain subcommittees may have additional requirements or training expectations. 

Ambassador Roles and Responsibilities

• Meet regularly with college leadership to share input on topics that impact student experiences and opportunities (curriculum, programs, facilities, relationships across campus)
• Engage in dialogue and activities with peers to bring a wide perspective to ambassador discussions
• Support efforts in the college related to one of the following subcommittees:
  • SCSE Recruitment
    • Ambassadors will support college efforts for recruitment by serving as student representatives at campus recruiting events such as Bulldog Fridays, Campus Preview, and Admitted Student Days. Members of the SCSE Recruitment Subcommittee will be required to participate in training to prepare them for participation in recruitment events. 
  • SCSE Alumni and Donor Engagement
    • Ambassadors will support college efforts to engage with SCSE alumni and donors at events like the SCSE Academy of Science and Engineering dinner and Freshwater Discovery Day. They will also work with Development on outreach connections to college alumni. Members of the SCSE Alumni and Donor Engagement Subcommittee will be required to participate in training to prepare them for participation in Alumni and Donor events. 
  • SCSE Peer Connections Program
    • Ambassadors will support incoming first year students with the transition  to UMD in a mentorship capacity, whether those students are transitioning from high school or another institution. Members of the SCSE Peer Connections Program Subcommittee will be required to participate in training to prepare them for the Peer Connections role. 

Benefits of Ambassador Participation

• Work closely with college leadership to co-create solutions and provide student-led perspectives on college goals.
• Directly influence college policies and programs that will impact future generations of students long after you graduate.
• Develop the ability to listen actively to feedback, manage disagreements professionally, and build consensus among peers.
• Build the "soft skills" required to carry yourself comfortably in professional settings, from professional meetings to formal donor dinners.
• Develop the ability to authentically represent the "beneficiary" perspective, ensuring donors feel the significance of their contributions.
• Develop high-level coaching and advisory skills by guiding first-year and transfer students through their transition, learning how to empower others and build inclusive communities.

Time Commitment

• Kickoff meeting each fall and spring to review roles, discuss responsibilities, and participate in leadership development
• One additional meeting per semester with College leadership (dinner included) to discuss feedback from students
• Participation in one Ambassador subcommittee. Each subcommittee will require attendance at a minimum of two events per semester. A calendar of events will be provided at the beginning of each semester to help with scheduling. 

Timeline for Selection of 2026 Ambassador Cohort

Ambassador Application

To apply for the 2026 SCSE Ambassador Program, please fill out the application no later than April 6, 2026 at 5pm.