Undergraduate Research Ambassadors
2023-24 RESEARCH AMBASSADOR APPLICATION
MENTOR LETTER OR RECOMMENDATION
Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Undergraduate Research Ambassadors! This year's outstanding group represents 6 colleges, 15 disciplines, and 18 research areas.
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URAs) are a multi-disciplinary, diverse team of students that serve a central role as advocates for undergraduate research and creative scholarship at the University of Kentucky. The goal of the URA program is to increase awareness and create opportunities for students to actively engage in research and creative scholarship. URAs facilitate this goal by providing presentations to the campus community, creating relevant workshops and programming, and representing OUR at research, recruiting, and outreach events.
UK's Research Ambassadors have a passion for promoting undergraduate research and creative scholarship and helping students connect with research opportunities.
WHAT DO RESEARCH AMBASSADORS DO?
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Represent the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), respective college, and the university in a knowledgeable and professional manner
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Promote undergraduate research involvement and opportunities
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Assist with student-focused outreach and program events, such as tabling, information sessions, and student workshops
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Assist at OUR sponsored events (i.e. Showcase, 5-Minute Fast Track) and respective college events
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Participate in speaking engagements (i.e. Parent & Family Weekend, Entrepreneur Showcase, Curiosity Fair, BBN Orientation)
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Give presentations to classes and student organizations
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Serve as student advisory board and provide critical feedback about OUR programs and initiatives
BENEFITS OF BEING A RESEARCH AMBASSADOR
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Share your research skills with aspiring researchers
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Develop strong leadership, public speaking, presentation, and teambuilding skills
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Expand your professional network
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Be involved in shaping Undergraduate Research programs at UK
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Add a great resume-building experience
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Receive an OUR Ambassador shirt and name tag
ELIGIBILITY
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Full-time enrollment as an undergraduate for 2023-24 in Good Academic standing
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Must have at least two (2) terms of research experience (fall, spring, summer)
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Positive attitude and professional demeanor
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Strong oral/written communication skills, leadership skills, and work ethic
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Ability to provide an encouraging, supportive environment for diverse groups of individuals
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Application is open to students in ALL majors
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
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Must commit to one (1) academic year term
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Must commit to continue research in the academic year as an active peer mentor
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Must attend mandatory 2-day training August 2023 and monthly meetings
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Must comply with the Univ of Kentucky Code of Conduct
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Minimum time commitment of 10 hours per semester outside of URA meetings every month
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Most events last 1-hour and require multiple ambassadors
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APPLICATION PROCESS
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Upload current Resume/CV
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Upload Photo
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Letter of Recommendation from a research mentor that speaks to your experience as a researcher and student leader. Mentors can email their letters directly to the office (ugresearch@uky.edu).
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2 Short-answer Essay Questions
AMBASSADOR SELECTION TIMELINE FOR 2023-2024
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Application Opens: March 17, 2023
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Application Deadline: April 17, 2023 by 11:55 pm EST
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Faculty Letter of Recommendation: April 17, 2023 by 11:55 pm EST
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* URA Program Interest Sessions: March 21 OR March 29, 2023 @ 5:30 PM in Room 213 Funkhouser - Applicants must attend ONE Interest Session
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* Ambassador Meet & Greet Social: April 17, 2023 @ 5:30 PM
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* Interviews: April 27, 2023
* Denotes mandatory Recruitment events for all applicants
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Announcement of Selection Results: May 1, 2023
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Mandatory Ambassador 2-Day Leadership Training: August 2023
*Failure to attend the entire training will result in the student losing their ambassador position, as this is the only orientation and extensive training offered.
University Community of Inclusion
The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.