Experience graduation as an FIU ambassador

FIU will hold its inaugural Summer Commencement in August and ambassadors are needed to transform this special moment into an unforgettable experience for graduating Panthers.

Commencement ambassadors serve as the face of the university.  They play a crucial role in providing customer service to graduates and their guests.

“Participating in the ceremonies is an opportunity for us as a community to celebrate the conclusion of another successful semester just as much as the achievements of our graduates,” said Birgitta “Gitta” Rausch-Montoto, Commencement Committee Chair and Chief of Staff in the Office of the Provost.

Ambassadors are divided into several small groups and assigned different responsibilities throughout the arena.  Some take part in the behind-the-scenes process by assisting marching faculty and administration with their regalia.  Others, such as the ushers group, assist guests on the arena floor before and after the ceremony, while “door keepers” make the first impression by welcoming guests to FIU.

“It is really nice to see the smile on a guest’s face when you give them a commencement brochure at the door,” said Tanya Jackson, who served as an ambassador during a 2011 spring ceremony.

For some ambassadors, it becomes a very emotional experience.

“It is very intense when you see students who you know finally reached their goal,” said Stella Herauf, Office Manager in the FIU School of Music, who also served as an ambassador during one of the 2011 Spring Commencement Ceremonies. 

To participate, contact Ronald Reyes (rojreye@fiu.edu) no later than Monday, August 1 by 5 p.m.  Commencement ambassadors are required to attend a one hour and a half training session, which counts toward professional development credit.  If you attended the Spring 2011 Commencement training session, you are not required to attend this training session.

The Summer 2011 Commencement training session will be held on Friday, August 12, from 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. at the U.S. Century Bank Arena, room 119.

The ceremonies are scheduled as follows:
 
Ceremony 1:  10 a.m.
College of Engineering and Computing
School of Computing and Information Sciences
College of Education
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
College of Architecture + The Arts
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

 Ceremony 2:  3 p.m.
Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work
College of Business Administration
            R. Kirk Landon Undergraduate School of Business
            Alvah H. Chapman Graduate School of Business
 
Ceremony 3: 7:30 p.m.
College of Arts & Sciences
            School of International & Public Affairs (SIPA)
            School of Environment, Arts & Society (SEAS)
            School of Integrated Science & Humanity (SISH)