Thomas Doherty/Western Herald
Western Michigan University is currently seeking to recruit 200 students to become Fall Welcome Ambassadors for Fall Welcome Week. The week, which runs from August 31 through Sept. 3, is designed to help incoming freshman and transfer students transition into life at WMU and become successful students.
Informational meetings about the positions were held on Feb. 10 and 16, with the final session scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 9 p.m. in room 210 of the Bernhard Center. All students are welcome, and no prior registration is required. However, Bronco Buddies, Resident Assistants, and marching band members will be unable to apply due to scheduling conflicts.
Applicants are required to have a minimum of a 2.3 grade point average, demonstrate excellent organizational and communication skills, and must be in good disciplinary standing with the university. Two reference forms must also be included along with the application. A full list of qualifications can be found online at www.wmich.edu/fye.
Students selected to participate in the program will be responsible for facilitating a group of first-year students, which includes attending various events both on and off campus as well as acquainting them with the university.
“[An ambassador’s] job is to be a role model for the incoming students,” said Josh Kohnert, a former Fall Welcome Ambassador. “We want somebody who is excited about the university, who wants to be a leader, and who wants to have fun.”
Fall Welcome Ambassadors will also enjoy a myriad of benefits for their efforts. Along with free food and WMU attire, multiple prize giveaways, and an early on campus move-in, Fall Welcome leaders will be compensated with their choice of a $200 gift card to either Target, Meijer, or the WMU Bookstore upon the event’s completion. However, with this added benefit, ambassadors are asked to clear their work schedules for the required weeks.
WMU Senior Matthew Pankow also said that time spent helping during the week might be recognized as community service hours, but that it was still being worked out.All applications must be submitted to the Fall Welcome Office (1535 Ellsworth Hall) by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 12, at which time applicants will be asked to register for an interview session. Interviews, which are mandatory for all potential ambassadors, will be held between Thursday, March 25 and Saturday, March 27.
Candidates will be contacted by April 16 as to whether or not they have been accepted as a Fall Welcome Leader. Before undergoing training in late August, all ambassadors will be invited to attend optional events including WMU Day in Lansing and various ambassador unification days, such as trips to Cedar Point. These events are designed to help foster team building skills among the leaders, and give them an opportunity to get to know each other before Fall Welcome begins.
“If you’re ever looking into becoming an orientation leader, this is a great stepping stone,” said Elizabeth Ryan, an orientation co-coordinator.
Students unable to attend the meetings, or those simply interested in learning more about the program, can find applications and further information online at www.wmich.edu/fye.
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