Overview  

The Bear Ambassador Program in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides a paid experience for WashU 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. This position will operate fully in-person as university policy and CDC guidelines allow. 

Key responsibilities

  • Giving in-person student-led campus tours to campus visitors 
  • Conducting virtual tours of campus and managing the Q&A function of the Zoom
  • Staffing the lobby of Sumers Welcome Center and handling the check-in process for daily visiting guests 
  • Facilitating virtual and in-person prospective student Bear Chats and coordinating breakout rooms via Zoom 
  • Engaging with prospective students electronically via email, Zoom, phone, ZeeMee, Welcome to College, etc. 
  • Providing support for panels, information sessions, webinars, etc. 
  • Assisting with special in-person events, such as special visit days and group visits
  • Managing the mock residential hall space 
  • Other tasks as assigned 

Required skills/characteristics

  • Summer Bear Ambassadors must be full-time undergraduate students in the Classes of 2026, 2027, or 2028 and be able to make the necessary time commitment
  • Good academic and judicial 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

  • Comfort in giving up to 90-minute campus tours in the summer heat and humidity
  • 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
  • LGBTQIA+ and People of Color are encouraged to apply.
  • Preference will be given to those who apply by February 21, 2025.

Hours

  • The ambassadorship is a part-time position with a flexible amount of hours per week. Hours worked will depend on availability and staffing needs. The average amount of hours worked by Summer Bear Ambassadors is between 4-10 hours per week.  
  • Start Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 End Date: Friday, August 15, 2025  
  • The Undergraduate Admissions Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am-5pm. With occasional programs on early mornings, evenings, and on Saturdays and Sundays. Summer Bear Ambassadors should expect to work the majority of their shifts between Monday – Friday with the occasional Saturday or Sunday as needed. Non-paid vacation time is available.  
  • All Summer Bear Ambassadors are required to attend mandatory training that will occur May 13 – 16, 2025, and are highly encouraged to align availability for our special visit days. Our special visit days will mainly occur on Mondays and Fridays throughout the month of July and August.  
  • This is a temporary position, but with the option to turn this into an academic year Bear Ambassador position based on performance and staffing needs. 

Compensation

Ambassadors will be compensated at a rate of $13.75 per hour.

Application process

  • Apply via Handshake and attach a resume– including major(s)/minor(s), cumulative GPA, involvement at WashU, and relevant skills/experience.  
  • In a 90-second or less video, please respond to the prompts, “Why do you want to be a Bear Ambassador? Why did you choose WashU?” You can do so by emailing BearAmbassadors@email.washu.edu with a link to the video. We suggest using YouTube because it is free, but you are welcome to use other apps. View instructions on how to upload a video and make a private link using YouTube. 
  • Attendance at one of the Summer Bear Ambassador information sessions is required to be eligible for the position. See below for the dates/times/locations they will be held:
    • Tuesday, February 18 at 6:00 pm via Zoom.
    • Wednesday, February 19 at 6:00 pm in-person at the Sumers Welcome Center in the Bluedorn Presentation Room. 

By applying, students give the Admissions Office permission to access university conduct and academic records. A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA is required for this position.  

Questions?

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