The Undergraduate Research Office is seeking applications for the 2026-27 Undergraduate Research (UR) Ambassador Program. UR Ambassadors are current undergraduate students engaged in research or creative activity in different fields of study across campus. UR Ambassadors facilitate workshops, assist at UURAF, and represent the Undergraduate Research Office at events and programs throughout the academic year.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. The application process has two rounds: (1) an online application form through Handshake and (2) an in-person interview. Candidates will be notified by Friday, March 13, 2026 if selected to move on to the second round. Interviews will take place during the week of March 16-20, 2026. Finalists will be notified of a decision no later than Friday, March 27, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- Current full-time or part-time undergraduate student at MSU.
- Involved in undergraduate research for a minimum of two (2) semesters (a summer research experience qualifies).
- Research presentation experience desired (i.e. UURAF, Mid-SURE, or other research/professional conference presentations).
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- Submit a document answering the prompts below:
Instructions for Applicants – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Please upload a document with the following to the “Resume” section of the application (NOTE: Do not upload your resume to this section but instead a document with the following numbered information):
- List your Student Org Involvement
- Please briefly describe your current or past research or creative project
- Please describe what you have gained by participating in an undergraduate research experience. [Maximum 200]
- Please explain why you are interested in serving as an Undergraduate Research Ambassador. What do you hope to gain from the experience? What strategies might you use to help explain the importance of undergraduate research experience to a general audience? [Maximum 200 words]
- Ambassadors will deliver presentations about undergraduate research to other students. Please describe your past experience with public speaking and, more specifically, presenting your research. [Maximum 200 words]
Position Responsibilities
- Participate in ambassador training from August 20-21, 2026, time is TBD.
- Staff the UR table during “Sparticipation”.
- Attend monthly meetings throughout the academic year typically held on Sunday afternoon (Tentative Meetings: September 27, October 25, November 22, January 24, February 28, March 28, April 18)
- Facilitate five (4) undergraduate research workshops and/or events (including resource fairs).
- Participate in one social media post per semester.
- Offer peer advising office hours to meet with peers about undergraduate research.
- Assist with set-up for UURAF on April 22, 2027 and the UURAF showcase on April 23, 2027.
- Assist with the UURAF Awards ceremony on April 30, 2027.
Compensation
Ambassadors will receive a stipend at the end of fall and spring semesters, if all semester responsibilities are completed. Applying indicates that you meet the eligibility criteria and agree to fulfill the position responsibilities. If you have questions or need more information, please contact the Undergraduate Research Office at ugrsrch@msu.edu.
