The CSU Ambassador Program
Become an Ambassador
Sharing is an integral part of learning. CSU encourages alumni to become ambassadors and work with prospective (and current) students to connect and enrich their lives and education. Ambassadors act as guides to help students answer some questions about their field, online education and networking. These volunteer stewards of CSU can provide valuable constructive feedback via their wisdom and experiences.
If you are interested in serving your alma mater in this way, we will provide your contact information to prospective and current students who want to talk with someone who has “been in their shoes.” You are also encouraged to volunteer at college fairs and community events to represent CSU and promote the degree programs we offer.
Get started by emailing your request to represent CSU as an Ambassador to the CSU Alumni Relations Department. Your email request should include your name, address, primary phone number, degree program, graduation date, GPA and a brief statement regarding your interest in the Ambassador Program.
Criteria for Ambassadorship
For a CSU alumnus to become an ambassador, he/she must:
- Be a graduate of CSU, preferably with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree
- Have no academic penalties or dishonesty
- Have graduated with at least a 3.0 GPA
- Have no outstanding financial responsibilities to CSU
Ambassador Guidelines
As an ambassador, your goal is to make a positive connection with prospective/current students seeking help. Consider some of the following suggestions while serving as a CSU ambassador:
Be trustworthy and non-judgmental: The student is sharing personal details with you so please respect his/her privacy. You are an advisor and this means keeping an open mind and listening to the person’s concerns.
Be resourceful: Try to answer questions as best you can. If you can, seek out information you don’t know and verify what you are not certain about. Ask or refer the student to a CSU department or official. Clear answers help uncloud a mind.
Monitor your expectations: Don’t expect the student to do exactly what you say or think. Share your knowledge, don’t enforce it upon others. Also, some students may be confused or not know about certain things.
Allocate time to listen and interpret: Give the student your undivided time so you can truly help them. Also, stay focused on the conversation and simply listen. Often the questions just require simple, well-thought answers.
Ambassador Benefits
Lending a hand to someone in need: It’s always satisfying to know you can really help someone by providing something they want.
You are investing in the careers of others: The advice and comfort you can give may go a long way in boosting the confidence of a prospective student.
Expanding your leadership skills: Advising others often requires a key aspect of leadership, diplomacy. Your words and time are important and knowing how to use them is vital to communication.
A voice of experience: Ambassadors have experience online education—its rigors and rewards. This knowledge is valuable to the prospective/current students and CSU.
Gaining knowledge and professional growth: We all can learn something new and as an ambassador, you just might learn more about CSU, different careers and people.
Although we welcome all requests, please note that CSU reserves the right to deny requests to join the CSU Ambassador Program.
Alumni who are selected will be honored by having a brief biography posted on the CSU website and in the student/alumni newsletter, the CSU Communicator.