Natasha Hessami Student Ambassador Program

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Student Ambassadors act as liaisons between students and their faculty, department leadership, the Associate Dean, and the Dean of CSE. Student Ambassadors seek to engage in issues around advocacy, equity, and diversity in STEM. They meet regularly with the chair of their department and the CSE Associate Dean and engage with students on topics around equity and experiences in STEM.

Natasha Hessami Student Ambassador Program

Communication in the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) between students, staff, faculty, and the administration are important. Additionally, the culture and community experienced by students are unique to each department. With this in mind, a compensated CSE Student Ambassador (CSE SA) program was developed to work toward the common goal of improved communication, increased student involvement, and increased student success, especially as it relates to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI). One or more students will be selected from each of the departments within CSE and will work collaboratively with all constituencies within the college.

Student Ambassador Application

About the Position

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Student Ambassadors (SA) act as liaisons between students and their faculty, the Associate Dean, and Dean of CSE. CSE SA’s seek to engage in issues around advocacy, equity, and diversity in STEM. They will meet regularly with the chair of their department and the CSE Associate Dean and engage with students on topics around equity and experiences in STEM.

General Expectations

The CSE Student Ambassador (CSE SA) program has three primary goals (1) cultivate diverse leadership, (2) empower students to explore and speak freely on issues of accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI), and (3) ensure students collaborate with staff, faculty, the Associate Dean, and Dean of CSE in decision-making processes that impact student experience, especially as it relates to ADEI. \

Expectations and tasks include:

  • Must be a CSE pre-major or major with engagement in departmental activities.
  • Knowledge of departmental climate and community from a student perspective.
  • Meet with the department chair and the CSE Associate Dean to discuss topics that impact experience within their department and the college, especially as it relates to ADEI.
  • Meet regularly with fellow ambassadors and Associated Students (AS) CSE Student Senators.
  • Meet regularly with the CSE Community Ambassadors (CSE CA).
  • Work collaboratively with chairs to increase student involvement and improve student experiences within their department.

Selection

Students will be selected from each of the departments within CSE. See the Required and Preferred Qualifications for the position below. An ideal candidate is already engaged within their department (i.e., undergraduate TA, research, club, tutor) and can speak to climate and community. Applicants must speak to their interest in issues surrounding ADEI and their ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.  Outgoing SAs, and the CSE Associate Dean will accept applications in the spring and make a final decision late spring quarter. Selected SA’s term will be the following academic year (fall, winter, and spring quarters).

Compensation

SAs will be compensated in accordance with the Level 2 student employee pay rate guidelines located on HR's webpage with a limit of 8 hours per month. The limitation on hours is intentional to ensure students can maintain other engagements and prioritize academics.

Required Qualifications

  • Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits at Western Washington University.
  • Have a minimum of a 2.00 cumulative GPA at the time of application.
  • Completion of a minimum of 3 quarters of college at Western Washington University. This requirement must be met by the end of spring quarter when selected.
  • No major conflicts during year holding this position (i.e. no study abroad, full quarter internship).
  • Pre-major or major status within WWU’s College of Science and Engineering.
  • Interest, passion, and knowledge of issues affecting equity within the STEM field.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Comfort and ability to communicate effectively in professional situations.
  • Ability to work independently without supervision.
  • Previous engagement in student organizing/advocacy efforts (i.e. club engagement).
  • Leadership experience or interest in cultivating leadership skills.

Position Responsibilities

  • Serve as a representative for the department on matters related to student experience.
  • Devote an average of 5 hours per month to meeting with the respective departmental chair, CSE Associate Dean, and interested faculty.
  • Coordinate with elected CSE Student Senators to discuss areas for growth and advocacy within the college.
  • Connect with student groups (i.e. departmental clubs) to better understand opportunities and obstacles students within their department experience.
  • Complete a one-page quarterly write-up summarizing conversations, meetings, and activities.