Involvement Ambassadors help students find belonging

Involvement Ambassadors help students find belonging

Since 1980, ECU Ambassadors have proudly represented and served every East Carolina University student, as well as the Greenville community, through their passion, devotion and leadership. This year, they're proudly launching a new initiative, Involvement Ambassadors.

The goal of the Involvement Ambassadors is to connect students with organizations and events at ECU that align with their interests and help them find their place on campus.

The ECU Ambassador program was originally created to provide opportunities for students and to partner with existing organizations.

"The Involvement Ambassadors help us embrace that same vision, connecting students through service and collaboration," said Joel Grimm, coordinator for the Office of Student Transitions.

"A sense of belonging is so important. In the post-COVID era, many students have had a harder time getting involved on campus, so this program helps them navigate that and find meaningful engagement opportunities," said Karen Smith, director of the Office of Student Transitions.

Students can meet with ambassadors to discuss what they're looking for, and the ambassador will help them find that connection.

"The goal is to help every student find their place within the larger ECU community," Grimm said.

The ambassadors maintain connections beyond first impressions.

"Once ambassadors receive their assigned list of students, they reach out through monthly emails. These include upcoming events, reminders about things like midterms, and general information about staying engaged," Smith said. "The goal is to keep an open line of communication so students know someone is there to support them throughout the semester."

Grimm highlighted the impact of these personal connections.

"These connections make a huge difference. When students have someone they can reach out to who checks in on them, they feel seen and supported. That sense of connection often translates to stronger engagement, academic success, and ultimately, better retention," he said.

To prepare for their role, Involvement Ambassadors receive a resource handbook created by Smith.

"The handbook includes information about campus wellness, campus recreation, student organizations, and who to contact for specific needs. We regularly bring in campus partners to keep ambassadors updated on new programs and resources, so they're always sharing accurate information," Smith said. "It's a living document that grows as the campus evolves."

Ambassadors track each interaction with students through forms, follow-ups, and connections to the appropriate offices or organizations. This process ensures consistent support and accountability.

While the program benefits students, it also positively impacts the ambassadors themselves.

"Through this role, ambassadors develop interpersonal connections, learn about campus resources, and become invested in the ECU community. They gain leadership skills, confidence and the ability to build relationships that last beyond college," Grimm said.

Grimm and Smith share the same vision for the initiative.

"The simple answer is that if we can help one student feel more connected and supported at ECU, then we've succeeded. Long term, we hope to get the ambassadors involved earlier, so new students can start building connections right away," they said.

Students may feel hesitant about getting involved, but Grimm and Smith emphasized that everyone is welcome.

"I always encourage students to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It can be intimidating to step out of your comfort zone, but there are so many other students in the same position. Taking that first step and staying positive can lead to great experiences and friendships," Smith said.

"You don't have to be new to ECU to connect or serve. Everyone wants that sense of belonging and to find people with shared interests. Reaching out to an ambassador is an easy way to start finding your place," Grimm said.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of ECU Ambassadors, and the Involvement Ambassadors will continue building on the legacy of connection and service that defines the program.

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