You have likely seen the members across campus – braving the elements to show off Park University to prospective students and their families. But, when it comes to being a student ambassador, it is more than just smiling and giving a tour.

Prior to adopting the name Student Ambassadors in the Fall 2013 semester, the organization of student leaders was known as Compass.

The new title brought on new distinction and a few additional responsibilities.

Each member of Student Ambassadors volunteers their time to the organization.

The duties that each student performs on their shift vary from assembling admissions materials for recruiting events to providing the first impression of the university that potential students receive by showing the campus.

With the name change, the ambassadors began giving tours to special guests and potential faculty and staff members.

In addition to tour duties, all ambassadors are responsible for assisting the admissions department with on-campus events such as Pirate Preview, Scholarship Day and Get On Board days.

These events combine the tour with a day of on campus experiences for prospective students such as interacting with representatives from each academic department and interviewing for scholarships.

Lead Ambassador Bailey Puckett, who a junior who has been an ambassador for two years, goes the extra mile to make sure that events run according to plan by arriving earlier than the other ambassadors to set up for the event.

Bailey said she enjoys being an ambassador because of the staff she gets to work with.

“I really like the people in the admissions department; they’re really funny,” she said. “All of the admissions counselors are really nice and easy to talk to.”

Additionally, the student ambassador positions offer professional rewards as well. Katherine Springston, associate director of Daytime Admissions, has been as staff member involved with student ambassadors for three years.

“Its good experience, good things to put on a resume, good leadership building, as well as building that network,” Springston said.

The future of the ambassadors is bright and the opportunities are endless, according to Bailey.

“We are trying to be more hands-on in the admissions department,” she said.

She added that some of the ambassadors will soon be going to college fairs and opportunities are there for students to have a paid position giving tours during the summer and other breaks.

The organization is currently accepting applications, which can be obtained from admissions staff located on the first floor of Herr House.

“We are always looking for great student ambassadors,” said Springston. “It’s more than just giving campus tours. You really get to get involved and see what it’s like to be in admissions, as well getting to have a lot of interactions of other students and perspective students.”