by Kendra Germany
Staff writer
The SE True Blue Ambassadors Program applications are due April 20 to fill the spots of graduating ambassadors.
According to Recruitment Coordinator Elizabeth Stidham, “Anyone who loves Southeastern and would want to represent SE at events is encouraged to apply.”
According to Stidham, there are currently 22 True Blue Ambassadors in the program.
“We have several current ambassadors graduating, so we want to keep our numbers strong,” said Stidham.
According to Stidham, there are two ways to become a True Blue Ambassador. SE students can be nominated by a faculty member or can fill out the general application.
“I ask for faculty to submit nominations of outstanding students,” said Stidham. “I contact those students and specifically give them an application. These students still have to go through the selection process, but they don’t have to get a faculty reference letter.”
Students who are not nominated by faculty can also apply.
“Any student can apply simply by picking up an application at Student Life, University Recruitment or downloading it online,” said Stidham
Applications are due on April 20 and are to be turned in at the recruitment office located in the Administration Building.
“The only requirements are that a student love Southeastern and want to talk about it,” said Stidham.
According to Stidham, students cannot apply until they have completed their freshman year ,and ambassadors must serve at least two semesters.
“We do not take graduating seniors unless they are staying for graduate school,” said Stidham.
After applying students must take part in the selection process.
“Once students apply, we have a selection mixer,” said Stidham. “ It’s a time for me to outline my expectations and help answer questions about the program.”
According to Stidham the mixer is also a time to observe the applicants.
“It also gives us a better idea of how students interact, especially in an awkward situation,” said Stidham. “Sometimes, the ambassadors get put in situations when they have to talk to distinguished alumni or entertain a prospective student or parent. It is important that they can handle those situations.”
According to Stidham, after the mixer students must attend a formal interview.
“A panel of current ambassadors and then a representative from the Office of the President, Alumni Association, Special Events and Recruitment interview the students,” said Stidham. “We look for students who show school spirit, knowledge of Southeastern, professionalism, communication skills, commitment to the ambassador program and the quality of their application.”
Stidham said that this spring, they would like to select around eight new ambassadors to join the existing team.
According to Stidham, True Blue Ambassadors have many responsibilities.
Ambassadors assist in SE Live, campus tours, Blue and Gold Gala, off-campus recruitment and Transfer Day.
“SE Live is our largest on-campus recruitment event,” said Stidham. “We had 248 students attend.”
According to Stidham, ambassadors gave tours, presented workshops and led the opening session of SE Live.
Campus tours are another large part of the ambassador program’s duties.
“We have an average of eight tours a week,” said Stidham.
According to Stidham, new ambassadors selected this spring will not begin their duties until the fall 2012 semester.
For more information on True Blue contact the Recruitment Office @ 745-2060 or email [email protected].