Overview  

The Bear Ambassador Program in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides a paid experience for Washington University students to assist with daily campus informational programming. The ambassador program provides a mixture of key responsibilities that work with prospective students and families, and offers exposure to the various functions of admissions at a highly selective institution.

Key responsibilities

  • Leading in-person and virtual student-led campus tours to visitors 
  • Managing breakout rooms and the Q&A function of Zoom sessions 
  • Handling the daily check-in process for visiting guests in the Sumers Welcome Center and other visit areas on campus 
  • Facilitating in-person and virtual Bear Chats with prospective students 
  • Engaging with prospective students via postcards and electronically through email, ZeeMee, Zoom, etc.  
  • Providing support for special virtual events, such as panels, information sessions, Webinars, etc. 
  • Assisting with special in-person events, such as special visit days, group visits, luncheons, and overnight programs 
  • Managing the mock residential hall space 
  • Other administrative tasks as assigned 

Required skills/characteristics

  • Bear Ambassadors must be a full-time undergraduate student from the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, or 2029
  • Good academic standing (minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA) and good conduct standing with the university (your application gives us permission to check your standing) 
  • Enthusiasm about the university and what it offers students

Desired skills/characteristics

  • Strong written and oral communication skills 
  • Comfortable with public speaking in both small and large groups 
  • Commitment to providing the highest level of customer service to every prospective visitor and their guest(s) 
  • Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to jump-in and assist however is needed

Hours

  • The ambassador position is part-time (4-6 hours per week) with some weekends required. Hours worked will depend on availability and staffing needs. 
  • The Undergraduate Admissions Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with occasional programs on early mornings, evenings, Saturdays, and Sunday. Ambassadors should expect to work their shifts between Monday-Friday with the occasional Saturday or Sunday as needed. Non-paid time off is available. 
  • All ambassadors are required to attend mandatory training that will occur early in the spring semester of 2026 and late August of 2026.
  • The start date for this position is in the Spring 2026 semester. 

Compensation

Ambassadors will be compensated at a rate of $15.00 per hour. Federal Work-Study is possible through this position. 

Application process

  • Apply via Handshake and attach a resume, which should include major(s)/minor(s), cumulative GPA, relevant skills/experience, and campus involvement. 
  • In a 90-second or less video, please respond to one of the prompts, “Why do you want to be a Bear Ambassador?” or “Why did you choose WashU?” and upload the video here. 
    • You can find instructions for how to create a 90-second video here. 
    • You can create a 90-second video by using your phone camera, iMovie, or another similar platform. 
    • In the video, please be sure to state your full name, class year, and academic division. 
    • You will need to log into Box to upload your video. Use your WashU key to log in. 
    • Please name the video your first and last name, e.g. “Jennie Jean-Jacques” before uploading it to the folder. 
    • If you have trouble with this, please email your video to BearAmbassadors@email.wustl.edu 
  • All interested applicants MUST attend a mandatory information session that will occur in September 2025 to learn how to navigate the interview process. The interview will consist of two parts: 1) A Mini Tour and 2) Formal Q&A. Attendance at one of the Bear Ambassador information sessions is required to be eligible for the position. See below for the dates/times/locations they will be held: 
    • Friday, September 26 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in-person at the Sumers Welcome Center in the Bluedorn Presentation Room 
    • Monday, September 29 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Register here to receive the Zoom link. 
  • All application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025.

By applying, students give the Admissions Office permission to access your conduct standing and academic record. 

Questions?

Please reach out to Jennie Jean-Jacques and Jessica Napier at BearAmbassadors@email.washu.edu