The Role of Kean’s Student Ambassador

By David Janes | Published by May 6, 2019

The Student Ambassadors Program at Kean University is transforming and growing students into leaders on campus.

According to CampusLab, the student ambassador’s consist of forty students showcasing the Union campus by providing tours, daily admissions, office coverage and working with admissions counselors.

“Our job as student ambassadors is to make the transition from high school to college, or one college to our campus, seamless,” said Kyle Green, senior and communications media/film major. “This extends to even after you’re enrolled at Kean. We want the best for all Kean students and are always willing and available to help.”

Responsibilities include:

• Providing scheduled and walk-in campus tours
• Route inbound calls and e-mails to the appropriate admissions counselor
• Encourage prospective students to visit campus and apply to Kean
• Support event and office operations, including: prepackaging, filing, copying, etc.
• Support recruitment projects on and off campus
• Represent the university with the highest level of professionalism and pride

According to Kean University’s website, student ambassadors have all the answers.

The student ambassadors are the first friends many new students make at Kean through welcoming them and their families as well as answering any questions they have and giving them tours.  

“This role is a lot of work and responsibility, but the outcome is always worth it,” said Janaya McClenny, Junior and Elementary Education major. “You make so many connections with this job and have a lot of networking opportunities.”

According to Green, the role of becoming a student ambassador has given him a lot of growth the past four years.

“When I first got hired as an ambassador, I was shy, introverted and never really liked leaving my comfort zone,” said Green. “Now, four years later, I have given hundred of tours, presentations and have no problem speaking to anyone.

According to McClenny, the position has taught her patience and to be more outgoing.

“It has helped me gain a lot of patience since I must help with the stressful process of college admission,” said McClenny. “It has also made me more friendly and outgoing, I am a lot more willing to help those who look confused or may need assistance than I was before.”

Although it can be tough for many students to juggle classes and work, McClenny, who just became Lead Ambassador, said it’s all about time management.

“I must be on top of my syllabus so that I know when to start preparing for specific assignments or test. There have been times that I take work home with me but not to the point where I am losing sleep over it,” said McClenny. “I am a student first before I am an ambassador and for me to keep both I need to stay on top of both.”

Green said at times steps back to think about how many roles he juggles from being a full-time student, student ambassador and working outside of campus.

“There are some days where as an ambassador you need to step back, think about what you are about to do, and take a deep breath, but in the end you know what you’re doing will help others so you push through and get your task done,” said Green.

The role of student ambassador is a paid position on campus and the office is located at Kean Hall in the admissions office.

According to McClenny, having a positive attitude and being understanding has helped her become the kind of ambassador she is today.

“I also try to always have a positive attitude when speaking to anyone because everyone is going through something in their own lives, so sometimes it is good to be the light at the end of the tunnel,” said McClenny.

McClenny approaches the role of student ambassador as a way to stand out.

“What I try to do differently from other ambassadors at other schools is be more thorough when explaining things and a lot more excited when talking to prospective students,” said McClenny.

The role of student ambassador has made Green realize how much positive impact and change he and his co-workers can bring to everyone around them.

In doing this, it’s made him think of future possibilities and opportunities.

“It definitely has help shaped my future and provided me with a stable support system to help me throughout my journey to success in the future,” said Green.

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