Natasha Hessami Student Ambassador Program

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

Natasha Hessami Student Ambassador Program

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

Student Ambassador Application

About the Position

A College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Student Ambassadors acts as a liaison between students and their faculty, and the 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, the Dean of CSE, 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) empowering students to explore and speak freely on issues of equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID), and (3) ensure students collaborate with staff, faculty, and the Dean of CSE in decision making processes that impact student experience, especially as it relates to EID. With this in mind, example 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 faculty, the Associate Dean, and Dean within CSE to discuss a wide range of topics that impact experience within their department and the college, especially as it relates to EID
  • Meet regularly with fellow ambassadors and Associated Students (AS) CSE Student Senators
  • Meet regularly with the CSE Inclusion and Outreach Specialist (IOS) and CSE Community Ambassadors (CSE CA)
  • Work collaboratively with chairs to increase student involvement in improve student experience within their department

Selection

One student will be selected from each of the seven departments within CSE, for a total of seven student ambassadors. 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 EID and ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.  Outgoing SA’s, the CSE IOS, the Associate Dean, and the Dean of CSE will accept applications in 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

SA’s will be compensated at a rate of $17.30 (Student Salary Range 2) per hour 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 respective departmental chair, Dean of CSE, 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