31 ‘rookies’ accepted out of initial application pool of 212
University Ambassadors welcomed 31 new members this weekend, concluding a complex recruitment process with a “rookie retreat.”
The program received 212 applications this year, yielding an acceptance rate of 14.6 percent. Many students were eager to join in order to share their experiences at USC with prospective students and their families.
“I applied because I realized how I had the ability, the power to reach out to students and parents by sharing my experiences with them and bringing them closer to my school,” said Nandita Karambelkar, a first-year computer science student.
The program welcomed the new members on Saturday and Sunday. During the retreat, the “rookies” participated in a massive scavenger hunt, volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and were officially recognized by the organization.
University Ambassadors represent the university primarily through leading campus tours. These student-guided tours are often an experience that sets Carolina apart for prospective students, ambassadors said.
“I applied because I thought, ‘Wow, you could really change someone’s life ultimately, by helping decide what school they decide to go to,’” said Suzi Kutcher, an ambassador and third-year advertising student.
When not giving tours, University Ambassadors are visible across campus. Members man the Visitor’s Center in the McKissick Museum and work events such as open houses, scholarship dinners and conferences.
Presidential Ambassadors, a subset of University Ambassadors, serve at events hosted by President Pastides. In all of its roles, the organization serves as the “front door” to the University.
Individual ambassadors are required to serve at least three hours per week. Though this can be a significant obligation, members said the experience is worth the time commitment.
“It gave me a niche within the larger Carolina community and allowed me to be part of a group of accomplished peers,” explained Sydnie Reynolds, a fourth-year international business, global supply chain and operations management student.
Ambassadors form a tight-knit community of impressive students, many of whom are involved in other capacities. Student Body President Chase Mizzell is a University Ambassador. Other ambassadors are leaders in Greek life, service fraternities and Student Government. Many are also Honors College members and Capstone Scholars. This year’s rookies are no exception.
“This was probably the best recruitment class we’ve ever had; [There were] lots of really strong candidates,” Kutcher said.
The program draws hundreds of students every year, and as a result the application process is multifaceted. This year, University Ambassadors vetted prospective members in a three-tiered process that consisted of a written application and two rounds of interviews — one with a panel and one with Visitor’s Center Director Denise Wellman. Rookies said the process proved stressful, but fun.
“I was quite nervous during the interviews,” Karambelkar said. “However, the ambassadors and Ms. Wellman made me feel so much more comfortable. They were more like very nice, professional conversations.”
This year’s rookies join one of the university’s major organizations. The program began in 1995 and became a recognized student organization in 1999. Since then, it has played an essential role in representing the University to visitors.
“Being a University Ambassador is such a great joy. It is a wonderful way to give back to the university and to the community all they have given you,” Karambelkar said.