What does an Ambassador do?
The UNC Hussman Student Ambassador (HSA) Program was created in 2012 as a student-led initiative designed to help prospective and current students navigate, connect with and succeed at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media.
Hussman Student Ambassadors serve as student leaders, representatives and advocates for the UNC Hussman community. They share their firsthand experiences with prospective students and families, help welcome new students to the School and play an important role in connecting students with the people, programs and opportunities that make the UNC Hussman experience unique.
Hussman Student Ambassadors:
- Lead tours of Carroll Hall for prospective students and families, providing an authentic student perspective on life at UNC Hussman and UNC.
- Welcome and support new students through events such as New Student Orientation and other student engagement activities.
- Represent the student voice by consulting with UNC Hussman administrators on undergraduate programs, activities and initiatives.
- Connect students with resources and opportunities that support their academic, professional and personal success.
- Serve as leaders and role models within the UNC Hussman community, helping foster a welcoming, inclusive and connected student experience.
Through their leadership and service, Hussman Student Ambassadors help shape the student experience while giving back to the School that has become an important part of their Carolina journey. An experienced Ambassador serves as the program coordinator and helps ensure student volunteers have clearly defined and manageable responsibilities given their busy schedules. Ambassadors volunteer two to four hours per week during the academic year.
Benefits of becoming a hussman student ambassador
Serving as a Hussman Student Ambassador is an opportunity to grow as a leader, build valuable professional skills, and make a meaningful impact on the UNC Hussman community.
Ambassadors gain:
- Leadership experience — Develop leadership skills by representing UNC Hussman, welcoming new students, leading tours and supporting school-wide programs and events.
- Professional development — Strengthen communication, public speaking, interpersonal and organizational skills that are valuable across careers in journalism, media, communications and beyond.
- Networking oppportunities — Build relationships with UNC Hussman faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, prospective students and fellow ambassadors.
- A voice in the student experience — Share your perspective directly with UNC Hussman administrators and contribute ideas that help shape Undergraduate Hub communications, programs, activities and initiatives.
- Public speaking experience — Gain confidence presenting to prospective students, families and groups while developing the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- Career-ready skills — Practice skills in relationship-building, event support, teamwork, problem-solving and professional communication that can be highlighted on a resume and discussed in interviews.
- Community connections — Become more deeply connected to the UNC Hussman community and help create a welcoming experience for prospective and current students.
- Opportunity to give back — Make a difference by sharing your Carolina and UNC Hussman experience with students who are considering joining the school and helping current students navigate their UNC Hussman journey.
- A meaningful leadership role — Serve as an official student representative of one of the nation’s leading journalism and media schools while making an impact on the student experience.
- Special recognition by the Associate Dean during the UNC Hussman commencement ceremony.
How do I apply?
Hussman Student Ambassadors are selected through a competitive application process each spring for the upcoming academic year.
The 2027–28 Ambassador application will open in early 2027 and will be due in mid-March. Please check this page periodically for application details, eligibility requirements and important dates.
We encourage students who are passionate about UNC Hussman, enjoy connecting with others and want to make a meaningful contribution to the student experience to consider applying.
Questions? Please email the Hussman Student Ambassadors at hsa@unc.edu.