Meet the University of Cincinnati Online Ambassadors: Real Experiences, Real Connections

What’s your first college memory? For some students, it might be a campus tour and a friendly student guide showing them around. But what does that experience look like for online learners?

The University of Cincinnati's Online Ambassador Program creates opportunities for connection in a virtual environment. Through the program, current UC Online students and alumni share their stories, support fellow learners, and help prospective students envision their own online journey. 

The UC Online Ambassador Program brings together current UC online students and alumni who volunteer to represent the online Bearcat community and share their firsthand perspectives. 

36 UC online students and alumni are currently UC Online Ambassadors. Their backgrounds and journeys are as varied as the 29 academic programs they represent. From balancing school, work, and family to returning to college after time off, each ambassador has a unique, inspiring story to share. 

Ambassadors aren't academic advisors, admissions counselors, or tutors. Instead, they offer something different: a peer perspective. Their goal is to help fellow Bearcats feel more connected to the university—whether that’s through sharing what they've learned, answering questions based on their own experiences, or simply offering a listening ear to another online learner. 

There isn't a single correct way to be a UC Online Ambassador. Each ambassador can choose from a variety of opportunities based on their interests, availability, and experience.

Here are five ways that UC Online Ambassadors can get involved. 

As a UC Online Ambassador, you can share your educational journey through testimonials, written stories, videos, and social media content. By talking about what brought you to UC and what you’ve learned along the way, you can offer prospective and current students an authentic glimpse of online learning.

A major opportunity for ambassadors is engaging with prospective and current students one-on-one. While you can offer insights and advice based on your UC experience, don’t feel pressured to have all the answers! By sharing your story with someone navigating similar challenges, you can make their path forward less intimidating. 

As an ambassador, there are numerous UC Online events and content opportunities in which you can participate. You may share your story during virtual events and webinars. You might provide your headshot and bio for web content. Or you might offer a look at your daily life as an online learner or post-grad professional via social media.

UC Online ambassadors can do more than share their Bearcat story. They can also connect with fellow students, alumni, staff, and faculty through the ambassador program. Through these opportunities, you’ll help strengthen the broader online Bearcat community and build connections you can carry beyond graduation.

You may think, “I’m just one person.” However, your perspective as an ambassador can make an impact on both individuals and the online learner experience as a whole. By participating in feedback sessions, you can offer invaluable insights to the online learner experience. Sharing your ideas and feedback, both positive and negative, helps faculty and staff improve UC Online for everyone.

As a UC Online Ambassador, we want you to have time to build relationships, get involved in a variety of opportunities, and make a significant impact on UC Online. For this reason, the program is a year-long commitment.

Opportunities for participation vary based on each ambassador’s interests and availability as well as the academic calendar. This may include posting to your personal social media account 2–3 times per month and responding to requests from the UC Online team when applicable. 

As a UC Online Ambassador, you’re able to give back to the online learner community. It’s also an opportunity to develop valuable skills and connections extending beyond the ambassador program.

Ambassadors gain leadership and communication experience in a virtual environment, which is more important than ever in the era of remote jobs. Ambassadors also have ample opportunities to hone their storytelling abilities and sharpen their social media and content skills across different platforms.

However, perhaps the biggest benefit of becoming an ambassador is joining a community of online learners like you. Every student you connect with understands the realities of going to school online. They’ve experienced (or will soon experience) the struggle of balancing school, work, and family—and they also know the swell of pride that comes with achieving their goals as an online learner. 

The ambassador program will help you build relationships with other students and alumni while making sure your perspective counts.

UC Online Ambassadors bring a wide range of experiences to the program—which is exactly what makes their perspectives so valuable.

Mychal S. returned to the University of Cincinnati in 2022 as an adult student and mother after previously leaving college before completing her degree. She went on to earn both her bachelor's and master's in prevention science through UC. Even while balancing work, family, and community commitments, Mychal was able to prioritize her education thanks to online learning.

“I think there are so many current and prospective students who need to see that there is not one ‘right’ timeline for earning a degree.” 

Ian E. knows firsthand that the path through college isn't always straightforward. After struggling academically and leaving college twice, he eventually returned to higher education and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati, followed by an MBA through UC Online. Now that he's completed his PhD, Ian brings both on-campus and online learning experiences to the ambassador program.

“I know what it feels like to struggle in college and wonder if you can find your way back,” he said. “My journey wasn’t a straight line, but I kept going. I want other students to know that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you finish.”

Both of these Bearcats show that online learning can look different for everyone. For prospective and current students, having someone who understands the online learner experience makes a meaningful difference. 

The University of Cincinnati's Online Ambassador Program is your chance to share your Bearcat experience. As a current online student or graduate, you can support students like you and strengthen the online student community.

If you’re passionate about connecting with other UC students and making an impact, then becoming a UC Online Ambassador may be a perfect fit for you.

Whether you’re interested in becoming an ambassador or simply want to learn more about the program, explore your options by visiting the UC Online Ambassador webpage.

Have more questions? Contact Summer Estridge, Online Brand Manager for UC Online, at estridsl@ucmail.uc.edu.