The ISE Department has a long history of student participation in various ambassador programs around campus. None more so than the College\u2019s Engineering Ambassadors Program, where ISE students usually outnumber all other engineering majors \u00ad\u00ad\u2014 currently 12 members. As the Department continues to grow and increase its outreach to potential students, Drs. Julie Swann and Kanton Reynolds decided it was time to harness that spirit of volunteerism and create the ISE Ambassadors\u00a0Program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe created the departmental-level ambassador program so that some of our most engaging students could help showcase the ISE department,\u201d said Swann, ISE department head. Ambassadors host prospective students for campus visits including lab tours and lectures while providing an overview of the program. This includes areas of undergraduate research, student groups, and potential areas of specialization like minors and certificate programs. \u201cI wanted to promote ISE to people because it is not as well-known as other engineering fields and is as significant in the world,\u201d said ISE sophomore Liya\u00a0Thomas.<\/p>\n
The ambassadors serve as portals to the department in giving feedback to faculty and staff members on potential improvements. \u201cThe ambassadors serve as departmental host for a variety of functions and as a \u2018voice\u2019 for the student community to share their needs and desires,\u201d shared Wendy Blue, ISE academic advisor. \u201cI hope to make a real impact in improving the department both externally and internally,\u201d said ISE junior Jackson Proctor.<\/p>\n
Finally, they host guests and take part in events like University and College of Engineering Open House, Fall\/Spring Graduations and other special events. \u201cHaving an ambassador program has already paid tremendous dividends through increased interest in the department,\u201d explained Kanton Reynolds, ISE Director of Undergraduate Programs. \u201cThey provide clarity on why ISE should be the major of choice.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cThis first class of ambassadors has had a profound impact in such a short period of time,\u201d said Reynolds. \u201cThey were a needed investment into expanding the reach of our department.\u201d<\/p>\n
All ambassadors should have at least a 3.0 GPA and have completed the CODA process into the department. They should have no academic integrity or disciplinary issues. \u201cWe expect ambassadors to be outgoing, engaging and willing to answer questions or assist interested students in finding the solution,\u201d explained Reynolds. \u201cBeing able to articulate their own journey in becoming a part of the ISE department is critical in the identification of the ambassadors,\u201d said Blue.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like to share the reaction of alumnus Larry Bowman, who made a remark after meeting two ISE ambassadors for the first time, \u2018My faith in humanity has been restored\u2019,\u201d shared Swann. \u201cWhat a powerful statement to the energy and positivity that our new ISE ambassadors bring to our Wolfpack community.\u201d
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