Have an IDEA about how to make a difference in the residence halls?
IDEA Ambassadors help make Penn State’s residence halls welcoming, supportive places where every student can feel connected and valued. As part of a growing Residence Life initiative, Ambassadors play a key role in strengthening community and promoting an inclusive living experience.
Creating Community
IDEA Ambassadors collaborate with Residence Life staff and campus partners to support residents, share resources, and encourage a sense of belonging. Through training with offices such as the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, and Student Disability Resources, Ambassadors build cultural awareness and learn how to advocate effectively for students. They also help review policies and explore best practices to enhance the residential experience and contribute to a positive, inclusive campus community.
Am I eligible to become an IDEA Ambassador?
A Penn State IDEA Ambassador works to lead by example and create a welcoming and safe community for residents on campus. To qualify to become an IDEA Ambassador:
- Students can apply provided they complete 15 Penn State credits upon completion of the fall semester. First-semester students can apply; first-year students' credits will be checked in January.
- This does not include advanced placement or transfer credits from other colleges or universities.
- Must be a full-time Penn State student taking 12 credits or more each semester
- Must demonstrate good academic standing with at least a 2.4 cumulative GPA. First-semester students can apply; first-year students' GPA will be checked in January.
- Candidates' Student Accountability history will be checked prior to placement and may preclude a candidate from being hired.
Create a community on campus for all
IDEA Ambassadors serve as a voice and support for their residential community. As a vital part of our Residence Life team, you'll help to build a strong sense of community and celebrate our residential diversity.
- This is a live-on position with room and board included
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Feeling at home is the goal. You can help. The primary focus of the IDEA Ambassadors is to connect our residential students to the resources on campus, create programming focused on equity and inclusion, and proactive education supporting inclusion across our communities.
- Connect others with Student Affairs Identity Advocacy offices, academic college multicultural leaders, students clubs and organizations and Student Disability Resources
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It takes us all to make a change. Connect with the team around you to feel supported in your efforts, grow a network of other ambassadors across our residential communities and be an active member of the team.
- Participate in weekly Residence Life staff meetings in their area along with Resident Assistants
- Attend biweekly staff meetings with your supervisor
- Connect with area and resident hall governments
- Make referrals to University agencies when appropriate
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Be a voice and support for others. Use your skills as a communicator and advocate to make students feel safe and supported.
- Work directly with supervisors to promote bias awareness and prevention efforts
- Respond and provide support to students affected by bias-motivated incidents
- Encourage students to get involved across campus
- Advocate for students by communicating concerns and issues with appropriate agencies
Our goal is to help every resident find a home here and shape a community that brings out the best in everyone.
Information Sessions
Hear from the Residence Life team, including current IDEA Ambassadors, about the role, what qualities they're looking for in candidates, and application information. Attending an Information Session is strongly recommended.
- Check back for upcoming sessions
Selection Process Timeline
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of your application plus an interview process with IDEA Ambassador staff. The selection process is as follows:
- Application opens October 20, 2025
- IDEA Ambassador candidate information sessions held October 27–November 20, 2025
- Applications closes November 21, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
- Invitations for Group Interviews offered by January 16, 2026
- Group Interviews will be held in person on January 21, 2026, and virtually on January 22, 2026
- Offers made by February 27, 2026
- Offers must be accepted by March 6, 2026
Ready to Apply?
Think you are a great candidate for the IDEA Ambassador Role? We'd love to have your enthusiasm and drive to make Penn State a more inclusive environment for all.
IDEA Ambassador placement for Fall 2026 is not guaranteed by participation in this process, and complete participation in the process is a requirement to be placed. The job posting will be available only during the open application listed window listed in the Selection Process Timeline.
