Graduate Student Ambassador Program (GSAP)
The Graduate Student Ambassador (GSAP) Program is an opportunity for graduate students dedicated to mentorship and service as guided in Virginia Tech’s motto of Ut Prosim (That I may serve) and expressed within the Principles of Community. Graduate ambassadors will work in partnership with the Support Hub of Inclusive Practices (SHIP), which is located in Room 120 of the Graduate Life Center, to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion events as well as assist with the recruitment and retention of various underrepresented and minoritized groups.
Graduate Ambassadors may expect to assist with Graduate School sponsored events, mentoring new graduate students in their department or college, and promoting the graduate student community. Ambassadors will also serve as an important point of contact to graduate students and applicants interested in their specific or similar affiliated department.
- Develop intercultural competencies through training opportunities
- Assist diverse ranges of students and contribute to their educational future
- Network with university stakeholders
- Gain experience in project and resource management
- Advance your resume with mentorship and leadership experience
- Opportunity to earn letters of recommendation
- Build community within your ambassador group
- Must be currently enrolled as a graduate student at Virginia Tech.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Commit to one academic year (Fall-Spring semesters)
- Demonstrate strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
- Exhibit initiative, dependability, discipline and enthusiasm.
- Participate in Graduate School sponsored events
- Excel at communicating with others
- Provide excellent customer service
- Have a commitment to diversity and cultural pluralism
- Implement inclusivity within their discipline
- Attend training sessions
- Graduate Ambassadors will attend virtual monthly check-in meetings to debrief and review upcoming programs and events.
- Uphold the standards of behavior governed by the University Student Code of Conduct.
Complete the GSAP Application.
Application deadlines will be posted both on the webpage and within the application.
- Applications will be made public via the Graduate School (GLC Weekly) Listserv by the second week of Fall classes.
- Applications close the third week of September.
- Ambassador selections will announced by the third Monday of September.
- On-boarding meeting sessions will be offered when ambassador selections are announced.
Students who participate in the Graduate Student Ambassador Program will learn:
- Various identity-based barriers students face within higher education
- Inclusive, strategic, and equitable diversity practices through educational and social programming.
- Intercultural competency skills through educational and social programming to apply to various departmental or community initiatives
- An appreciation for broad and diverse perspectives
- How to organically cultivate an inclusive community
- Critical thinking skills pertaining to leadership, diverse community dynamics, collaboration, and facilitation.
Should you have any questions regarding the program, please contact Shania Clinedinst, Ambassador Contact, Office of Diversity and Inclusion at sbooker1@vt.edu.