College Ambassadors Give Prospective Students an Inside Look at UC San Diego

June 16, 2010

By Kristin Luciani

Divah Alshawa, a recent graduate of the University of California, San Diego, knew she wanted to be a college representative before she even attended the university.  As a prospective student, she took a campus tour on Admit Day—a special day for students admitted to UC San Diego to preview life at the university—and was immediately drawn to the tour’s unique ability to provide students and visitors with an insider’s view of the college.  Led by student guides known as college ambassadors, the Campus Tours Program at UC San Diego is an opportunity for prospective students to find out what it’s like to attend the world-class university located along the Pacific Ocean on 1,200 acres of coastal woodland.  Each year, more than 40,000 visitors tour the campus.    

“College ambassadors are the face of the university,” said Jessica Rogers, campus tours coordinator at UC San Diego.  “Many of the students who take the tours already know statistics and facts about UC San Diego, but for most of them, this is their first time learning about the campus from an actual student.  It gives prospective students an inside look—that’s what makes it so special.”
The Campus Tours Program recruits new ambassadors each fall, featuring representation of students from all ethnic and economic backgrounds.  “It’s exciting each year when new ambassadors are hired,” added Alshawa, a senior college ambassador. “It’s amazing to see the blend of different personalities that bring the program to life.”

The dynamic college ambassador community is currently made up of 50 UC San Diego students.  A passionate and outgoing group, these students are excited to share their university with prospective students.  The ambassadors undergo extensive training on campus resources and information, with an additional focus on team building exercises.  The tours feature amazing views of the scenic campus, including stops to feature art pieces from the renowned Stuart Collection. 

Although all of the ambassadors have the same information about UC San Diego to share, no two tours are alike.  Each is filled with stories drawn from the guide’s own personal experiences, making each tour unique to the individual ambassador.

Serving as a college ambassador is also an opportunity for students to develop lifelong leadership and communication skills that prepare them for their future educational and career endeavors.  The emphasis on working as a team creates a collaborative learning environment for personal development and growth with the program.

As she finishes her fourth year as a college ambassador, Alshawa reflects on her participation in the program as a formative part of her experience at UC San Diego, one that has instilled in her a lasting affinity for the university.  “It’s so much more than a job,” said Alshawa.  “We’re a family.”

In addition to walking guided tours, the Campus Tours Program offers informational presentations and student panels for interested students of all levels, from elementary school to community college.  For more information about the program contact the Campus Tours Office at campustours@ucsd.edu or (858) 822-4750. 

For visitors other than prospective students, the UC San Diego Visitors Program offers free guided walking and bus tours.  For more information contact ucsdtours@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-4414.

Media Contact: Kristin Luciani, 858-822-3353, kluciani@ucsd.edu