NSCI/NSCS
Ambassador
Program
Neuroscience and Neuroscience & Cognitive Science (NSCI/NSCS) Ambassadors are a select group of distinguished undergraduates who participate in NSCI/NSCS events including undergraduate recruiting, convocation, orientation, and outreach activities. All ambassadors are also automatically Peer Mentors of the Glia/Neuron Undergraduate |Peer Mentoring Program|. The Ambassador program is administered by the NSCI/NSCS programs.
The Ambassador group is not a club, and everyone is equal. There are no officers. There is no formal training for Ambassadors; you will learn as you go.
Ambassadors are to take note of all requests of upcoming NSCI/NSCS events throughout each academic year and volunteer to participate whenever feasible. We realize that there will be times when an ambassador cannot participate due to prior commitments such as classes, exams, studying abroad, taking a major test, etc. Communication is usually sent by email from |Maria Rodriguez|, the coordinator for the NSCI/NSCS programs.
NSCI/NSCS Ambassadors will be able to answer general questions about the NSCI and NSCS Undergraduate Programs. Ambassadors also will be generally knowledgeable about all activities offered by the NSCI/NSCS undergraduate programs, the Cognitive Science Program and the Department of Neuroscience.
Ambassadors will be provided with NSCI/NSCS shirts. They also will be given business cards that include their name and email. Ambassadors are invited to special events given by the program such as the awards/commencement program. Ambassadors will be recognized at NSCI/NSCS events, and we hold an ambassador appreciation event during the spring semester. You will receive a collage photo of the ambassadors (photo taken early spring) and a certification of appreciation. Additional benefits include interaction with Neuroscience & Cognitive Science faculty members, other students, and at times the faculty and staff of the College of Science as well as the University of Arizona administration.
NSCI/NSCS Ambassadors are usually juniors, and seniors who are NSCI or NSCS majors with a high level of academic achievement and some independent research experience. Students wanting to become ambassadors apply to the program. An application includes a few questions assessing interest and commitment, and 2 letters of recommendation, one from a current ambassador or peer student and one from a faculty member.
The NSCS Ambassador program is administered and directed by the program coordinator of the NSCI/NSCS program. In addition, NSCI/NSCS Ambassadors are advised by a Faculty Advisor. The Ambassador program is funded by the NSCI/NSCS programs.
The NSCI/NSCS Ambassador team consists of 8-10 high achieving NSCI/NSCS students who are in their junior or senior year with a high level of academic achievement (GPA 3.5+) and some independent research experience. The team is selected to represent both the NSCI and NSCS majors and the NS and CS foci of NSCS in a ratio approximately equal to the number of students in need for each major and focus.
Short bios will be provided on the Ambassador website to help students seeking peer advising find the ambassador(s) that best align with their interests.
Ambassadors will be provided with NSCI/NSCS shirts. They also will be given business cards that include their name and email.
Ambassadors are recognized at NSCI/NSCS events, and an Ambassador appreciation event will be held during the spring semester. Ambassadors will receive a collage photo of the ambassadors (photo taken early spring) and a certification of appreciation.
Additional benefits include interaction with Neuroscience & Cognitive Science faculty members, other students, and at times the faculty and staff of the College of Science as well as the University of Arizona administration.
Ambassadors will assist the NSCI/NSCS program with program events, recruitment activities, and administer the Neuron and Glia Peer Mentoring Program. Ambassadors are required to participate in a pre-determined number of events. Social and professional development events will be left to student clubs.
Ambassadors are invited to special events given by the program such as the award and commencement program events.
Under guidance of the NSCI/NSCS program coordinator and/or Academic Advisors, Ambassadors are expected to:
participate in and assist all NSCI/NSCS and sometimes College of Science undergraduate recruitment and graduation events (main job) including:
Orientation
Graduation
Convocation
administer the Glia/Neuron Undergraduate Peer Mentoring Program under the supervision and guidance of the NSCI/NSCS program coordinator and a faculty advisor. This includes mainly matching mentees to mentors;
advise undergraduate students as the Peer Mentors of the Glia/Neuron Undergraduate Peer Mentoring Program; each ambassador typically mentors 1-2 students.
participate and provide support for NSCI/NSCS program-specific events including:
Welcome Events (fall/spring)
Neuroscience Poster Forum (spring)
Admitted Students Day
Flynn Scholar Visit
Glia/Neuron Peer Mentoring (events as scheduled)
Students desiring to become ambassadors apply to the program. During the yearly application period, current ambassadors and faculty can and should encourage promising students to apply, which will strengthen the pool.
The application includes letters of recommendation and a few questions to gauge interest and commitment as well as select a balanced group of ambassadors in regard to academic, career goals, and other demographics as is appropriate:
Why are you applying to be an ambassador (statement of interest)?
What unique perspectives/activities/skills/knowledge will you bring to the position?
List of all your current extracurricular activities.
List of your majors and minors.
Provide your GPA.
List of all NSCI/NSCS relevant courses you’ve taken to date.
Letters of support from one faculty member and one current student or ambassador in the NSCI/NCSC programs.
GPA requirement: 3.5
Course Requirements
One core course
30 overall units completed
Research experience preferred but not required
At least one 300 level or higher major course
Point System
Ambassadors will receive one point for each event attended.
4 points per semester are required to be retained:
If less than 4 points, then the student will be placed on probation for a semester.