The OURS Student Ambassador program, launched in the fall semester of 2014, enables undergraduate students with experience in undergraduate research to serve as OURS advocates, spokespeople and peer mentors. Ambassadors for the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) represent the office by providing guidance to GVSU undergraduate students interested in getting involved in research opportunities and by sharing information about OURS events such as Student Scholars Day and the Undergraduate Research Fair.

Who are good candidates for this position?  OURS Student Ambassadors are students who have had a positive undergraduate research experience, who are eager to share their research experience with others, and who are dedicated to publicizing the undergraduate research programs and forms of support for undergraduate research available through OURS at Grand Valley State University. OURS Student Ambassadors are thoughtful, informed spokespeople for the value of undergraduate research and for the opportunities (additional research experiences, preparation for graduate school and fellowships, and more) that open up as a result of becoming involved in undergraduate research. OURS Student Ambassadors represent ALL disciplines across the university and are eager to engage in outreach to all GVSU undergraduate students.

What Does an Ambassador Do?

An OURS Student Ambassador is responsible for the promotion of undergraduate research at GVSU (in EVERY college of GVSU) and in the larger West Michigan community (high schools, middle schools, prospective GVSU students). Ambassadors work to increase awareness of undergraduate research opportunities, undergraduate research-focused events such as Student Scholars Day, and forms of funding support at GVSU by presenting to groups of students, participating in seminars and workshops, and mentoring students who are exploring how best to become involved in undergraduate research. OURS Student Ambassadors help interested students identify the skills needed to embark on research, encourage GVSU students to begin research before their junior year, and promote attendance at the Undergraduate Research Fair, Student Scholars Day, and other events and programs coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship. 

BENEFITS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Being an Undergraduate Research Ambassador comes with a wide range of benefits, including:

• Tuition grant of $1,000 per semester.
• Development of public speaking, communication, and marketing skills.
• Increased knowledge of the work of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship and the Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement.
• Increased familiarity with best practices in tabling outreach, event planning and participation, and program after-action assessment.
• Experience in working with administrative staff, GVSU faculty, and students of all ages.
• Enhanced mentoring relationships with faculty and staff associated with OURS and CUSE.

Being an Undergraduate Research Ambassador also comes with specific obligations, including:

• Weekly hours focused on assigned responsibilities, with accountability for performance and results, depending on the task.
• Classroom presentations - with associated responsibilities to be on time, in presentation dress, respectful and engaging in outreach before, during and after the presentation, well informed about OURS workshops, major events and funding opportunities for undergraduate research, and able and willing to complete pre-presentation research into the class and unit in which the presentation will occur in order to tailor remarks.
• Tabling responsibilities.
• Participation in major CUSE/OURS events, including Chalk Art, Undergraduate Research Fair and Student Scholars Day.
• Specialized responsibilities based on interests and skill sets.

Become an Ambassador

The OURS Student Ambassadors are particularly good spokespeople in settings (classes, clubs, organizations) with students who are interested in undergraduate research opportunities but don't know how to get started. OURS Student Ambassadors are knowledgeable about OURS programs, major events (such as Student Scholars Day and the Undergraduate Research Fair), and OURS funding opportunities. They welcome tips about particular points of emphasis you'd like to see. Here are ways in which an OURS Student Ambassador can be of benefit to you and your students. Do invite them to join you for a short presentation in your intro and sophomore-level classes! 

OURS AMBASSADORS CAN HELP STUDENTS GET STARTED IN RESEARCH:

• Answer questions students may have about the process of research, ranging from how to ask a research question to how to disseminate research
• Mentor students through the Student Summer Scholars program application and research process
• Encourage students to attend the Undergraduate Research Fair in the fall semester and Student Scholars Day in the winter semester

OURS STUDENT AMBASSADORS CAN SUPPORT FACULTY BY ENCOURAGING STUDENT RESEARCH:

• Give a short presentation to your class or department about their experiences in research and the support that OURS can provide to GVSU students
• Share their personal experiences on best practices regarding their direct collaboration with a faculty mentor
• Advocate for the value of undergraduate research as a way to prepare for work or graduate school
• Champion the value of faculty mentorship and support in the undergraduate research process

Request an Ambassador

To request an OURS Student Ambassador for a presentation, please fill out our online request form. If you have any questions, please email the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship at [email protected] or give us a call at (616) 331-8100.

Submit Request

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