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Become an IDEA Ambassador

Campus Residence Hall

IDEA Ambassador Selection Process Update

This year's process for Fall 2025 is now closed.

Thank you for your interest in the IDEA Ambassador position. Please check this website for any updates during the mid-to-late Fall 2025 semester.

Currently, the IDEA Ambassador Selection Process takes two semesters. For any questions, please contact the Central Residence Life Office at 814-863-1710 or AskResLife@psu.edu 

 

Have an IDEA about how to make a difference in the residence halls?

Bring your unique energy and advocacy to Residence Life and join the team as an IDEA Ambassador! This pilot program is entering its third year of operations at University Park. After a successful launch in the fall of 2023, the program expanded in Fall 2024. An additional expansion is planned for Fall 2025, and we are looking for amazing student leaders to join our team! IDEA Ambassadors work in the residence halls to create a stronger sense of community amongst our residents, to provide resources and support, and to advocate for our residential students to thrive.

IDEA stands for:

  • Inclusion
  • Diversity
  • Equity
  • Accessibility

IDEA Ambassadors are champions of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) in the residence halls. Ambassadors collaborate with other Residence Life staff, student organizations, and offices across campus to foster resident connections which enable and encourage a sense of belonging. Ambassadors receive training from and meet regularly with resources such as the Paul-Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC), Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD), and Student Disability Resources (SDR) to continuously further their knowledge and understanding of cultural competencies. Ambassadors will research how other institutions support their students in order to suggest and implement changes at Penn State. Ambassadors will collaborate on inclusive policy recommendations and will review current policies through an IDEA lens. 

Penn State Residence Life is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, and strive to foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives. We work to leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity and to engage all Penn State community members to help them thrive. The Residence Life Office is committed to the development of a safe and inclusive living-learning community that fosters academic, social, cultural, and personal growth. We enable residents to develop respect and responsibility for themselves and their 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 2024 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 (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
Our goal is to help every resident find a home here and shape a community that brings out the best in everyone.
Jayden Toomer, Graduate Assistant

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

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

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

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.

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 November 1, 2024
  • IDEA Ambassador candidate information sessions held Saturday, November 2, 2024 through Sunday, November 10, 2024 
  • Applications closes December 1, 2024 
  • Interviews offered by January 17, 2025
  • Interviews held Wednesday, January 29 and Thursday, January 30, 2025 
  • Offers made by Friday, February 28, 2025
  • Offers must be accepted by Friday, March 7, 2025  

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 2025 is not guaranteed by participation in this process, and complete participation in the process is a requirement to be placed. 

The IDEA Ambassador Application for the Fall 2025 process is currently closed.

Candidates will be contacted for interviews in mid-January with offers extended by the end of March. Contact AskResLife@psu.edu with any questions.

News + Stories

New menu item cards, allergen icons to help students navigate on-campus dining
Special dining events slated for Summer Session II arrival at University Park
Resident assistant crafts close-knit community for first-year students

 

Our events and programs are open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all.