U of R ambassador program creates on-campus leaders
Want to grow your leadership skills? Check out the U of R ambassador program!
The Centre for Experiential Learning (CESL) at the University of Regina empowers students through volunteering opportunities, co-op placements and internships. Located on the first floor of the Riddell Centre, CESL officially opened on November 22, 2022, and has since replaced the UR Guarantee Program, which students used to sign up for on-campus and off-campus volunteer opportunities, career employment and counseling services.
In the Ambassador Program, students are trained in various leadership roles and learn what is expected of them once they are registered in the program. This spring CESL has a variety of events lined up including ambassador socials and UR Celebration.
Maliha Jabeen Khan, a fourth-year pre-medicine student who was Ambassador of the Year in 2023, shared her insights about the the Ambassador Program on U of R campus with The Carillon.
How does the Ambassador Program align with the U of R’s mission and values, and what role do you think ambassadors play in endorsing these values?
University of Regina’s motto is “As one who serves” and I think this aligns perfectly with the values of the Ambassador Program because ambassadors serve other students, especially first-year students who have never been on campus before. Ambassadors try to make their experience welcoming and memorable. They are the first people that students see when they arrive at the U of R.
How did the tabling event, ambassador training and socials contribute to your overall experience as an ambassador?
Ambassadors help set up and clean up for tabling event, which are hosted by different organizations at the U of R. . I ran the training recently went well. I worked with new and returning ambassadors. Even though the training was virtual the session was interactive and people asked questions. I had scenarios [for the ambassadors to consider] and everyone participated.
What were the most valuable skills or experiences you gained as an ambassador and how have they impacted your personal and academic growth?
The most valuable skill I have learned is communication . When I first joined the Ambassador Program, I did not realize the importance of small talk. Also, when you are an ambassador you get to lead and organize events and take charge of what other ambassadors are doing and assign them tasks. So, you have a sense of responsibility that you must fulfill. The other skill is time management. As a student, I juggle work and studies along with volunteering. I have learned to juggle these things while a part of the Ambassador Program, which is demanding. As an ambassador , you attend leadership meetings and participate in social events like Spring Open House, Welcome Week and orientation. You must give a leadership challenge presentation and be a part of the community service project. These experiences areextremely rewarding because they enhance your public-speaking skills and your ability to talk to a student who is going through something.. I know people who were introverts and through the Ambassador Program they have learned to socialize and communicate with people. The program helps you not only for your career but also for your personal development.
Can you share any advice or insights for future ambassadors?The first piece of advice is to gain all the criteria you need to be an ambassador and then apply for the program. It is a great program where you learn teamwork and connect with community . I love being part of the Ambassador Program. It is a serious responsibility, but it’s also fun and that is what you remember as a student. You will not remember your grades or the courses you have taken; you will remember the memories you made.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
