Become a First-Year Experience Ambassador
Welcome the next class of Wildcats
First-Year Experience (FYE) Ambassadors play a critical role in shaping a student's first-year experience at UK. FYE Ambassadors are the face of orientations and assist in facilitating the Big Blue Nation Orientations, Merit Days, Bluegrass Days, and Kentucky Science Olympiad.
FYE Ambassadors lead small-group sessions for new students, provide guidance throughout orientation programming, support event logistics such as check-in and guidance around campus, and help create an exciting and engaging environment to facilitate incoming students’ transition to campus life.
As cross-trained student leaders with a deep understanding of campus resources, Ambassadors are often offered opportunities during the academic year to assist other areas of the Office for Student Success.
Qualifications and Skills
- Must be a full-time student at UK for Fall 2026
- Strong work ethic and willingness to assist others
- Positive attitude and professional demeanor
- Flexible and willing to take initiative
- Demonstrated leadership, communication, or customer service skills
- Reliable, proactive, and detail-oriented
- Enthusiastic and passionate about UK
- Working knowledge of campus, campus buildings and campus resources
Expectations
Spring 2026
- Attend evening trainings in January and February and assist with Merit Days, Bluegrass Days, the Kentucky Science Olympiad, and other Orientation office projects as needed.
Summer 2026
- Work full-time, in person from June 1 – July 10, serving as an Orientation Leader for new students and families. On-campus housing is provided. Afterward, continue working part-time remotely until fall classes begin.
Academic Year 2026-2027
- Maintain a part-time role supporting BBN Orientations in August, November, and January, outreach initiatives, and additional projects within the Office of Orientation and Outreach.
Benefits
- On-campus housing in Jewell Hall is provided during your summer training and summer orientations (May 31 - July 11, 2026)
- FYE Ambassador pay of $12/ hour (Federal Work Study available)
- Branded BBN Orientation uniform tops will be provided
- Develop leadership, communication, and public speaking skills
- Build connections across campus and receive mentorship from professional staff
- Flexible part-time hours during the academic year
- Create lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences
As a First-Year Experience Ambassador, you have the unique opportunity to welcome incoming students and their families and guests to the University of Kentucky! You will interact with variety of students – freshmen, transfer, returning – and their guests at Big Blue Nation Orientation and more events during the year. It is your job to help them make the transition from their previous academic institution to UK memorable and enjoyable. Being an FYE Ambassador also helps you learn more about UK and make long-lasting connections across campus.
Looking for information about the Visitor Center Tour Guide job? Visit this page.
Have questions? Email us at orientation@uky.edu.
