University Life Ambassadors 

Apply by May 18 to become a University Life Ambassador! In this role, you'll help foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all Columbia students across our four campuses: Morningside, CUIMC, Manhattanville, and Lamont. To apply, click here. To learn more email [email protected].
University Life Amabassadors

Passionate about building community at Columbia? As a University Life Ambassador you can help promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all Columbia students across our four campuses (Morningside, CUIMC, Manhattanville, and Lamont) and be a part of the many events and initiatives University Life offers. 

University Life Ambassadors:

  • Volunteer to staff University Life events and programs
  • Contribute ideas and feedback for improvement
  • Engage with other student leaders and students from around campus
  • Consult with and assist University Life staff
  • Promote events

Optional Committees

  • Events Committee: Ambassadors on the events committee can propose and lead various small scale and passive table events throughout the academic year! Past events hosted by the office have included: Trivia tables, Coloring & Chamomile, Pot Painting & Seed Planting, Letter to Myself Workshops, Mug Decorating, and more!
  • Social Committee: Ambassadors on the social committee can propose and plan on and off campus socials for the ambassadors. Socials are reviewed and approved based on available resources. 

All students from all 17 schools are welcome to apply to the University Life Ambassador program, and all Ambassadors will be recognized for their contributions to the community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • As an Ambassador you will staff and support many University Life programs and events, meet and form connections with students from across the University, support University Life’s communications team on social media campaigns, offer insight and feedback into University Life programming, and more! Ambassadors are involved in many of University Life’s programs, including:
  • Welcome Week
  • The Graduate Initiative for Inclusion & Belonging
  • Well-being events and initiatives
  • Community Citizenship Initiative

Ambassadors on the Events Committee can plan and execute University Life events, and Ambassadors on the Social Committee can plan and execute social events for their fellow ambassadors to build community within each year's cohort!

Ambassadors develop their interpersonal, leadership, and project management skills. As a student leader, Ambassadors on the Events Committee have the opportunity to lead events and programs and create inclusive spaces for their peers across the University.

Every month, University Life also provides professional development opportunities. Previous sessions have included:

  • Difficult Conversations Training
  • LinkedIn Workshop
  • Leading with Authenticity 
  • Active Listening 
  • Ambassadors must volunteer at least once a month (September to May) in order to remain a University Life Ambassador.
  • Ambassadors are required to attend a full day in-person orientation on Saturday, August 30th from 9 to 6 PM. All applicants are asked to block this date on their calendars.
  • Ambassadors are required to attend at least one ambassador social per semester.
  • Ambassadors are required to attend a monthly ambassador check in meeting. These are typically held on the first Friday of the month.
  • Ambassadors can typically expect to dedicate between one to two hours every week to their role (after Welcome Week has concluded).
  • Ambassador volunteer shifts are typically one to three hours long each. Ambassadors can select which shifts they want to take on,  but all ambassadors must volunteer for at least one shift a month to remain in the program.

Applications to become a University Life Ambassador open during the Spring semester and close at the beginning of the Summer semester. Keep an eye on University Life’s Tuesday events and opportunities emails for the application link.

The Ambassador application for the 2025-2026 academic year is open now through May 18. Apply here.

University Life Ambassadors must be registered, in-person students (part or full time) at any one of the seventeen Columbia Schools. Students at affiliate schools should consult with their Dean of Students for engagement opportunities.

Ambassadors must be in good standing with the University and their school(s).

Yes! Current University Life Ambassadors interested in continuing in the program next academic year should reapply.

Yes, as long as you will be a registered part or full time student during the Fall semester, you are eligible to become a University Life Ambassador.

Ambassadors must be available to attend all onboarding, are required to attend a one hour meeting on the first Friday of each month, must volunteer at least once a month, and attend one social a semester to remain active in the program. If you are unable to make the monthly Friday meeting due to your class or work schedule, you will need to attend a virtual make-up meeting. Ambassadors are able to volunteer for any offered opportunity, based on their availability. University Life typically hosts 2-3 events per week and times vary, so there are many options to fulfill this commitment.

Please reach out to [email protected].