POOL – Undergraduate Student Ambassador at InsideHigherEd

Position Overview

This position offers incoming and prospective students the opportunity to engage directly with current undergraduate students in physics and astronomy. Through these interactions, ambassadors will share insights about the department, helping to foster a welcoming and informative environment. The role also promotes greater student involvement in outreach and recruitment efforts, contributing to the growth and visibility of our undergraduate program.

Ambassadors are current physics and/or astronomy majors who represent the KU Department of Physics & Astronomy at department tours, high school visits, and other recruitment events. Their primary role is to provide a student perspective and promote the department to prospective students. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong leadership, effective interpersonal communication, and a collaborative spirit.

The Undergraduate Student Ambassador position is for the fall semester, with the possibility of renewal in future semesters based on available funding and the student’s performance. Continuation of the appointment will be considered at the end of each semester by the supervising faculty member.

Job Description

70% – Student Engagement & Department Representation

• Meet with prospective students to answer questions and introduce them to department resources. Provide tours of the department, explain the course structure, and share insights about college life and the physics and astronomy programs.

10% – Recruitment Event Support

• Assist during major recruitment events throughout the academic year, including Open House, Scholars Day, and Junior/Senior Days.

10% – Special Outreach Activities

• Support additional recruitment efforts such as high school visits, personalized tours, and other special events as they arise.

10% – Training Participation

• Attend and complete all required ambassador training sessions to ensure preparedness and consistency in representing the department.

Required Qualifications

Must be a current student at a sophomore/junior/senior level in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering Physics, as indicated on application materials. Flexible afternoon scheduling, as indicated on application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Active Membership in the Society of Physics Students (SPS), demonstrating engagement with the broader physics community, as indicated on application materials.
2. Undergraduate Research Experience in physics or astronomy, as indicated on application materials.
3. Strong Public Speaking Skills, as indicated on application materials.

Position RequirementsDuring the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).Employment Conditions(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.Additional Candidate InstructionsIn addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

Resume One page cover letter detailing your relevant courses, research, and addressing the required and preferred qualifications of the job.

To ensure consideration, apply before the application review date of November 10th, 2025. A review of applications will continue until a qualified pool of applicants has been identified. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact Information to ApplicantsKayla Wegley
[email protected] Salary Range$12.50Anticipated Start DateMonday November 10, 2025Apply to Job