Use of Front-end Evaluation to Design an Ambassador Program (ISEAmP)

University Ambassador Programs typically use a selective process to identify undergraduate juniors and/or seniors with strong leadership capabilities. The role of the ambassador is multifaceted, consisting of supporting departmental recruitment, peer-mentoring of other students, and serving as student liaisons for departments or colleges/schools and their respective stakeholders. The Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) Department, at North Carolina A&T State University, implemented a scaled-down version of an ambassador program to enhance student engagement and retention through peer mentoring. The program is referred to as ISEAmP (ISE Ambassador Program). A front-end evaluation was conducted to extract student requirements and success metrics. Initial results of the front-end evaluation are discussed and recommendations are provided to apply to the next implementation of the program in fall 2014.