By Gabrielle Cochran (cochgr08@uwgb.edu)
Student Ambassadors at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) contribute to many major events on campus and for its students. While working in this role, they have to find a balance between work and academics.
These Ambassadors lead numerous events on campus throughout the academic year and during the off-season. UWGB Student Ambassadors are required to work four days over the summer, during which they help incoming students pick classes and answer questions about their future at UWGB.
Finding a balance between work and academics while remaining in the same environment is essential for these students. They must stay organized and make sure not to overload themselves with work.
Student Ambassadors are the face of UWGB. They are the first people incoming students meet and serve as guides. Student Ambassadors give tours, work GB Welcome Week orientation, and write to incoming students. They also give tours to elementary, middle, and high school students. They assist at job and internship fairs, help with interviews, give Phlash tours/international tours, Phuture Phoenix Day, commencement, and student engagement training.
UWGB currently has around 25 Student Ambassadors and recently accepted about 40 more for the 2025-26 academic year. Elsa Harvey, a senior at UWGB, says, “We give admitted students day tours which are college-specific tours, and we stop at different locations to explain more in-depth about the spaces.” These tours are based on their availability. “Some weeks, I’ll have three tours; others, I’ll have none,” Harvey concluded.
“Each student Ambassador is to work about 12 hours per semester, volunteer two hours per year, and also participate in two hours of DEI training per year; this helps us stay educated to give out the most accurate information,” said Harvey. They go through multiple training days per year.
As for their day-to-day lives, Ambassadors’ schedules vary depending on availability. Working a campus job means academics remain a top priority. Harvey said, “Every Thursday, we get an email with the requests that come into our boss’s email. We then go through and say yes or no to the events we are available for, and the email is due by Monday at noon.” Biweekly meetings help the ambassadors divide up event hours and tours.
It is not just freshmen that the Student Ambassadors support. Student Ambassadors also assist with commencement ceremonies, ensuring graduates receive their diplomas.
Being a Student Ambassador is not just about leading events or giving tours. It involves significant personal interactions. Ambassadors help introduce students to campus life and encourage new connections. Harvey shared her personal story about transitioning to UWGB, saying, “I had a student ambassador in my freshman year who challenged me and helped me to become involved in activities. He was very helpful and changed my view of college to a positive one.”
These Student Ambassadors set an example and lead by it. “You meet so many people while in this role, and it is so rewarding. I’ve gotten to see many of the students that I’ve had during Welcome Week grow to become involved on campus,” Harvey said.
Student Ambassadors are one of many strategies employed by UWGB to provide a welcoming and fostering environment for its student body.