Parent Ambassadors at University Park
Description:
Parent Ambassadors (PAs) at University Park support the work of the Penn State Parents Council and Parents Program. Parent Ambassadors serve as parent representatives for a number of university events and programs for new and continuing students, parents and family members. Ambassadors enhance university outreach efforts by sharing their time and unique perspectives as a current Penn State parent. To facilitate communication between Parent Ambassadors and the Council, the volunteer Program Coordinators serve as Parents Council members.
Program Goals:
- To enhance communication between parents and the University
- To provide a positive Penn State experience for parents of undergraduate students
- To assist in disseminating information to parents at various University events throughout the year
- To encourage involvement and participation from parents that reflect Penn State’s diverse undergraduate student population
General Responsibilities Include:
- Act as liaisons between parents and the University
- Assist with parent outreach efforts and events throughout the year
- Share Penn State knowledge and experiences with parents
- Help recruit new Parent Ambassadors
- Serve a one-year renewable term
Member Benefits Include:
- Maintaining involvement in your student’s education that is beneficial to students, parents and the University
- Becoming more knowledgeable about University resources and programs that support student transition, learning and engagement
- Implementing parent outreach initiatives developed by the Parents Council and Parents Program
- Networking with other Penn State parents and family members
Qualifications:
- Current parent or supporting family member of a full-time undergraduate student at Penn State, University Park
- Shares belief that familial support enhances student success in college
- Able to positively represent Penn State at events in your geographic region and/or at University Park campus as your schedule permits
- Able to make an initial one-year commitment
- The Parent Ambassador Program strives to recruit members that mirror and/or represent the diversity of the undergraduate student population.
Parents and family members interested in becoming a Parent Ambassador are invited to submit an application, which is available on the Parents Program website ( or by contacting the Parents Program at or 814-863-1313.
A comprehensive list of current volunteer opportunities as well as those “in development” can be found on pages 3-5 of this document. Applicants will be prompted during the application process to note their areas of interest.
Please note that the number of membership opportunities will vary from year to year based on vacancies and availability of volunteer opportunities.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Jennifer Mallen
Director, Parents Program
814-863-1313 or
Updated: 10/2/2018Page | 1
Volunteer Opportunities
Admissions Ambassadors
Admissions Ambassadors assist the Undergraduate Admissions Office (UAO) with events and programs for both prospective and accepted Penn State students and family members. The opportunities currently available to parents include:
Accepted Student Programs (ASPs) at University Park campus
Occurring annually from February through April, these half day campus visits encourage accepted students with their decision to attend Penn State. Parent volunteers participate in the 30 minute parent panel each morning.
PA Welcome Receptions
UAO hosts welcome receptions in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh aimed at encouraging students to accept their offer of admission. The program consists of information on why Penn State is such a great place (academics, advising, housing, different campuses and student activities). Parent volunteers are encouraged to mingle and talk with students and their families.
Off Campus Accepted Student Programs (ASPs)
During Spring Break, UAO hosts regional receptions aimed at encouraging students to accept their offer of admission. The program consists of information on why Penn State is such a great place (academics, advising, housing, different campuses and student activities). Parent volunteers are encouraged to mingle and talk with students and their families.
Spend a Summer Day (SASD)
Each summer, UAO holds six events in late July and early August. SASD is a campus open house for prospective first-year students to learn about admissions, academics, and student life at Penn State.Parent volunteers are needed to assist staff with various aspects of the day.
Prospect Receptions (PRs)
Held in October and May each year, UAO holds student receptions for prospective students and families in a number of geographic areas. The purpose of these events is to educate prospective students and families early about Penn State and to encourage them to apply. The target population is high school juniors/rising seniors. Parent volunteers attend the receptions and assist staff.
LionsROAR Calling Program
The goal of LionsROAR is to have a Penn State volunteer contact every student who is offered admission by phone or by e-mail, to congratulate them, invite them to visit the campus where they were offered admission, and to answer initial questions about Penn State. LionsROAR starts in January and runs through early May. Volunteers can sign up to contact students from one or more of their local high schools.
Alumni Association Ambassadors
Alumni Association Ambassadors assist the Penn State Alumni Association with events and programs aimed at welcoming new Penn State students and families into our community and in efforts to further engage current parents in meaningful ways. There are currently two opportunities in this area:
Grassroots Network Volunteers
The Grassroots Network—the Alumni Association’s legislative education and advocacy arm—seeks volunteer advocates interested in communicating Penn State’s contributions and needs to the Pennsylvania governor, state legislators, and members of Congress. Volunteers are pivotal in addressing issues that are important to the Penn State community, including keeping tuition increases as low as possible, raising the quality of a Penn State education, and preserving the value of a Penn State degree.
Summer Send-offs
Select Alumni Chapters host annual summer send-off events for incoming first-year students and families. Parents may assist with event logistics and/or volunteer to share their Penn State experience with parents and students at the gatherings.
Parents Program Ambassadors
Parents Program Ambassadors volunteer their time at annual signature campus events. As an event volunteer, parents primarily assist staff in welcoming families and serve as a resource for parent questions. Currently, there are three opportunities available and additional options will be added as needs are identified.
Arrival Days (partnership with Residence Life)
Each August, approximately 7,500 first-year students arrive at University Park campus. Residence Life staff seek parent volunteers who are willing to assist with this massive effort in a multitude of ways—from assisting students and families in navigating campus, to answering questions, and serving as part of the welcome staff.
Parent Information Sessions and “Send-off” Receptions
During summer, fall, and winter Arrival Days and at additional times throughout the year, the Parents Program sponsors parent information sessions and “Send-off” receptions for new and continuing Penn State parents. The goals of these programs are to answer parent questions and provide opportunities for new parents to meet current parents and Parents Program staff. We seek parent participants willing to share their experience and offer a current parent perspective to new Penn State parents.
Parents & Families Weekend
Each fall, the Parents Program coordinates this three-day event that features more than 80 campus events, including information sessions, academic open houses, student performances and sporting events. Parent volunteers primarily serve as a welcoming peer presence at various events throughout the weekend and assist with staffing our Information Table.
Advancement Ambassadors
Advancement Ambassadors are committed to developing a vibrant and successful program of parent support by providing advice, assistance and feedback regarding fundraising efforts aimed at enhancing the student experience and building a more caring and cohesive University community.
- Assist in coordinating a successful program of parent giving by identifying potential parent donors, aiding in the cultivation of lasting relationships between the University and parents, and encouraging parent giving and participation in advancement activities.
Career Services Ambassadors(in development)
Career Services Ambassadors participate in activities that assist Penn State students in their career development, preparation, and placement. There are two opportunities in development.
Nittany Lion Career Network (NLCN)
Participate in Penn State’s primary online resource for connecting students with employers.
Post jobs available through your company, consider hosting information sessions, and learn more about participating in Career Fairs to recruit talented graduates.
Parent Career Coaches through LionLink
Description TBD.
Updated: 10/2/2018Page | 1