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Applying to be a PSA

Who are Presidential Student Ambassadors?

Presidential Student Ambassadors are student leaders who exemplify Mountaineer values. They come from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines, yet they are united in their passion to make a positive impact on and for West Virginia University.


Requirements

  • Are full-time WVU freshmen or sophomores
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 (or high school equivalent if an incoming freshman)
  • Exhibit good character, professionalism, and integrity
  • Demonstrate effective oral, written, listening and interpersonal communication skills
  • Are knowledgeable about:
    • WVU, its mission, vision, and values
    • student life and campus organizations
    • their colleges, majors, and minors
    • future opportunities that their degrees will offer
  • Are interested and involved in the university, community service, and leadership activities
  • Demonstrate the ability to be part of a team and to communicate with others from diverse backgrounds
  • Have the desire to assist others

Responsibilities

Serve as a representative of West Virginia University by:

  • Attending university/college/organization events
  • Participating in social media outreach
  • Providing information and answering questions to various audiences
  • Mentoring current and prospective students
  • Volunteering for campus and community service events

Benefits of Serving

  • Networking with campus administrators, faculty, staff, and students
  • Networking with donors/potential donors, alumni, prospective students, and their families
  • Enhancing resume by developing:
    • Leadership skills 
    • Public speaking skills 
    • Interpersonal communication and listening skills 
    • Service activities
  • Sharing their Mountaineer passion!

NOMINATE A STUDENT

Nominate Now

Applying to Become a PSA

If you received an email from Dr. Carolyn P. Atkins, Coordinator, Presidential Ambassadors Program, that you have been nominated to become a PSA, follow the directions provided by completing and submitting the application form  by Friday, 5:00 pm EST during the week that mid-semester grades are due (Check appropriate  Academic Calendar at https://provost.wvu.edu/academic-calendar
to determine date.)
If you did not receive an email from Dr. Carolyn P. Atkins but you are interested in applying to become a PSA, follow the guidelines above and ask two professors to write a letter of recommendation for you. Letters must be on letterhead, signed, and uploaded to the application.  
Apply Now

Selection and Notification

  • Selection is based on 

    • cumulative GPA (3.7 minimum)

    • community/university service

    • leadership activities in organizations

    • honors/awards

    • college/school representation

    • nomination/letters of reference

  • Students selected will receive an invitation from President Gordon Gee to enroll in the Presidential Student Ambassadors class the following semester.  

PSA Curriculum: Involves Two PSA Courses

WVUe 280 - Presidential Student Ambassadors:  Leading and Serving, 3 credit hours 

  • While it is leadership, service-learning, and Honors course, non-Honors students may enroll in the PSA class, if selected.

  • PSAs will engage in numerous public speaking assignments throughout the semester

  • In addition to accumulating a minimum of 40 service hours, they will attend at least 20 leadership events offered during class or approved by Student Engagement and Leadership. 

  • PSAs who fulfill the course requirements will become Certified Student Leaders, a designation awarded by Student Engagement and Leadership.   

WVUe 281 - Presidential Student Ambassadors: Speakers Bureau, 1 credit hour (arranged)

  • During the semester following the PSA class, students will enroll in WVU Speakers Bureau.

  • In addition to meeting periodically throughout the semester, they will speak at university events involving diverse audiences including, but not limited to, alumni, guests, current students, and prospective students and their families.

  • Speaking events may be one-on-one, virtual, or may involve an audience.

  • PSAs will share their Mountaineer experiences and serve as a resource to all interested parties.

FAVORITE LEADERSHIP Maxims
Cohort 2


Let us remember: one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

~ Malala Yousafzai


The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.

~John Maxwell


The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He [or she] is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.

~ Ronald Reagan


How you do anything is how you do everything.

~ Neal Brown


You’ll know you’re a good leader when people will follow you… if only out of curiosity.

~ Colin Powell