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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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
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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
(http://www.parents.psu.edu) or by contacting the Parents Program at parents@psu.edu 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 parents@psu.edu
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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.
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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
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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.
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