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DEIA Student Ambassadors

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) Student Ambassadors

Introduction & Overview of Position

University of the Arts is home to students from many backgrounds, including a diversity of race, ethnicity, ability, socioeconomic status, age, religion, sexual orientation, values and perspectives. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) Student Ambassador role was developed to empower students to play a meaningful and active role in university-wide diversity initiatives.

DEIA ambassadors

  • advocate for their student peers;
  • participate in the development of diversity-related education, programming and strategic planning; and provide a direct means of communication between university leadership and the student body.

The DEIA student ambassador program comprises one undergraduate student from each school at the university, as well as one graduate student from any program. The DEIA student ambassador position is compensated at a rate of $15 per hour, and ambassadors are expected to work for roughly 33 hours per semester.

Roles and Responsibilities

Community Building

  • Meet weekly with the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programming coordinator in the planning and implementation of the fellowship
  • Devise and facilitate a minimum of one (1) campus-wide diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility program/workshop in collaboration with the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programming coordinator and the DEIA Committee
  • Provide guidance and feedback on current Campus Life diversity programs and events
  • Complete a minimum of two (2) professional development in-services

Communication

  • Serve as a liaison among the DEIA Committee, the President’s Office and the student body on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
  • Provide information and transparency to students on university diversity initiatives
  • Facilitate discussions with peers to understand and explore issues of inclusion and concern
  • Support peers and the campus community in developing an understanding of community norms that embrace diversity and social justice
  • Serve as a resource that helps to facilitate an environment free of hate and intolerance and that is conducive to student growth and success
  • Promote a community where diversity is valued through mutual respect, communication and shared empathy

Role Model

  • Model positive behavior that aligns with university values and serve as a role model in the exploration of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
  • Be knowledgeable about the Student Code of Conduct and campus and community resources
  • Work collaboratively with other DEIA ambassadors

Terms of Employment

  • DEIA ambassadors are expected to uphold university policies and the Student Code of Conduct.
  • DEIA ambassadors must follow the guidelines and policies enumerated in the University Work Study Program Student Employment Handbook.  
  • DEIA ambassadors will attend the Social Justice Leadership program once weekly, led by the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programming coordinator.
  • DEIA ambassadors will meet together with the chair of the DEIA Committee and/or the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programming coordinator weekly. 
  • DEIA ambassadors may be asked to be available for DEIA programming and events throughout the year.
  • DEIA ambassadors will present to the DEIA Committee on one topic relevant to the student body per academic year.
  • The DEIA ambassador position is considered an appointment for a maximum of two complete academic years and is subject to review and evaluation, as well as the student maintaining full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. Note: A DEIA fellowship cannot be held by students who are no longer enrolled full time, including those who take a leave of absence or withdraw from the university.
  • The DEIA ambassador position is compensated at a rate of $15 per hour, and fellows are expected to work for roughly 33 hours per semester.

Qualifications

  • Can be either a major or a minor within their respective schools
  • Must be a positive role model and have experience or character to enable success in developing relationships with one’s peers and supporting a positive community experience
  • Must be committed to learning and personal development on the job
  • Must be a full-time student having completed at least two full semesters before beginning the position (rising sophomores, juniors and seniors only)
  • Must be in good academic standing with the university

Termination

Termination, by mutual agreement, may be affected at any time. This appointment is also subject to termination prior to its normal expiration if the enrollment of the student employee at University of the Arts ceases. The appointment may also be terminated for serious failure to satisfactorily meet the position responsibilities and/or commitments, failure to meet academic or employment standards, or conduct that violates university policies or that does not meet the standards of behavior set by the university. Appointment status may change based on the student’s academic relationship to the school they represent (i.e., if a student changes majors/minors during their term). Upon termination of employment by the student employee, the university or mutual agreement, remuneration will be prorated to cover only that period for which the individual was employed.

Application Procedures

Students who are interested in the position may submit a letter of interest via the application form, complete with two faculty recommendations by Nov. 1 of the academic year. Recommendations may be uploaded and submitted by the student using the application link above or directly by the faculty members via the faculty recommendation form.

Note: An application is not complete until both references have been received. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure references are submitted in time for consideration. 

Selection Process

Applications will first be reviewed by each school dean, who will nominate no more than three candidates for the DEIA ambassador position. Finalists will be forwarded to the DEIA selection committee, composed of DEIA Committee members. Candidates selected to advance may be invited to participate in personal interviews.

For more information, contact the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee at diversity@uarts.edu.