What is a Public Health Student Ambassador?

The Undergraduate Ambassadors are a key part of showing current and prospective students what the College of Public Health is all about.

The ideal ambassador…

• Has a passion for public health, the College of Public Health, and the University of Georgia.
• Is willing to attend a monthly meeting and other events as needed.
• Is outgoing, friendly, and able to communicate easily with a variety of audiences, including students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Check out our Student Directory or visit our Ambassadors’ Instagram to meet our current ambassadors or read on for more information on how to get involved.

What are the roles and responsibilities of an ambassador?

Inspire. New student recruitment is a key role of an ambassador. This may include high school visits, freshman orientation, major fairs, presentations, and other events for a variety of audiences. By serving as one of several spokespersons for academic departments with the College, students have the opportunity to be a friendly and approachable face for both their own department and the College of Public Health.

Lead. Ambassadors serve as peer leaders to fellow students in the College of Public Health. They are role models, both to their current peers and high school students, and demonstrate how to get involved. Their service to the College provides many opportunities for involvement and leadership experience.

Teach. Our ambassadors serve as educators not only for current students, but also for prospective students, parents, faculty, and campus administrators. They keep public health students and faculty up to date on existing opportunities, and educate those outside of the College about our academic programs and offerings.

Participate. Attending CPH lecture series, student welcome socials, graduation, and other programs throughout the academic year keeps ambassadors on their toes and on the top of their game. They develop close relationships with their fellow students, other ambassadors, faculty, and staff of the College. They spark dialogue and provide input about students’ experiences with the College, allowing for constant improvement of programs.

Engage. Both day-to-day and special events in the College of Public Health rely on the dedication of ambassadors. They may serve as greeters for an event, take notes at a conference, explain academic degree programs to prospective students, or share their own stories about why they chose public health and what they hope to do with their degree. Ambassadors also have the opportunity to work together on special projects benefitting the College of Public Health.

Grow. Ambassadors develop a strong professional network of students, faculty, alumni, and professionals in public health science fields. They are constantly challenged to refine their presentation skills, professional poise, and etiquette, whether meeting with high school students or attending events like the President’s Club Reception.

What is the time commitment?

The ambassador program runs May 1 – April 30^th each year.  Applicants must be available in or near Athens for the duration of the year.

How do I apply?

The priority deadline will be February 15th each year. Applications received by this date will be screened and selected applicants will participate in an interview, which will explore communication skills, willingness to learn more about the College, desire to convey pride in the College, and commitment to participate in assignments.

Application requirements:

• Undergraduate full-time students with a 2.75 minimum grade point average,
• Have been enrolled at UGA at least one semester,
• Have at least one year remaining before graduation,
• Completed Application Form (.doc),
• Current resume and one-page essay explaining your interest in becoming an ambassador.
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty members or other who are familiar with the applicant’s activities, academic performance, and ability to communicate. **These can be emailed to [email protected].**

Please contact Heather McEachern at [email protected] with any questions, and to submit completed applications.

What is a Graduate Ambassador?

Our Graduate Public Health Ambassadors help create and foster a welcoming, informative, and inclusive environment at the College of Public Health in which current and prospective students can obtain information, assistance, and mentorship. Our ambassadors are an important part of the academic affairs and student services team at the College, and being an ambassador can be an enriching and rewarding experience.

What are the roles and responsibilities of an ambassador?

Professional development via teaching. Ambassadors are essential to our recruitment efforts because prospective students are interested in learning more about the student experience from the most reliable source, our students! Thus, Ambassadors assist with on and off campus recruitment events throughout the school year. They learn the various aspects that make our programs unique and inform prospective applicants, communicate with faculty to determine recruitment needs for their various programs, and respond to requests for information on campus life, housing, courses, concentrations, and many other questions related to being a graduate student.

Mentoring experience. Ambassadors help foster community and mentorship for current students by assisting new students with transition into graduate school, encouraging camaraderie and information sharing, and helping guide new practices for the college as we continue to enhance the student experience here at CPH.

Community engagement. Ambassadors can be a great helping hand for on and off campus events, conferences, and fairs that the College sponsors or hosts throughout the year, and these activities can be wonderful resume builders.

Collaborative training. Perhaps most importantly, ambassadors can be a liaison between the college’s faculty/staff and the students. This can help us create a more wholesome learning and living experience for years to come.

How do I apply?

The term period for the Graduate Ambassadors Program is one academic year, and automatically renews each semester that the student has satisfied the semester’s minimum contact time. Ambassadors commit a minimum of 20 hours of contact time per academic semester, and can participate in any activity that fits their schedule and has a direct request for ambassador participation.

Students interested in participating must have attended the MPH student orientation, completed at least one semester of courses, and have a 3.0 minimum MPH program GPA. Students who’ve had previous academic warnings, probations, or violations are not eligible to participate.

If you are interested in becoming a Graduate Ambassador, please fill out the Graduate Ambassador Application Form [PDF].  Applications, as well as any questions about the program can be directed to Mumbi Anderson at [email protected].

Public Health Association at UGA

The Public Health Association at UGA endeavors to encourage the exploration of public health issues through discussions, service activities, and meaningful interactions between students within the college. Our goals are: to make the graduate experience more meaningful for our members, foster a relationship between the CPH students, faculty, and administration, help students explore their career goal and interests, foster the relationship between the College of Public Health and the Athens community through service projects. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PHAatUGA/

Master of Public Health Student Association

The Master of Public Health Student Association is a student-led community for students interested in entering the field of public health. This organization emphasizes community events to build a network of upcoming public health professionals. Our priority is creating relationships among students on the College of Public Health Campus through events, volunteer opportunities, and other forms of engagement.  Learn more here.

Minorities in Public Health

The mission of the MPH Club is to promote health equity within the Athens Clarke County community through community service, advocacy, education, and collaboration. We are committed to addressing public health disparities, with a particular focus on marginalized and underserved populations.

Interested in joining this organization? Here’s how you can join or get involved as a member: Follow us on Instagram @MPH.UGA and join the Groupme through the link in our Instagram bio to get involved in our organization!

Signature events include: 

• Dawg Day of Service and volunteer opportunities within the Clarke County area.
• Slicing Through Health Care Challenges an annual event for Pie Day.

Meetings are held in the Miller Learning Center, room 276. More information can be found on Instagram.

Pump Handle Society

The Pump Handle Society at the University of Georgia (UGA) is an organization comprised of students working toward a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree in the College of Public Health. The mission of the Pump Handle Society at UGA is to provide DrPH students with valuable opportunities to enhance their academic and professional growth as they work to become leaders in the field of public health.

Environmental Health Science Club at UGA

Environmental Health Science

The Environmental Health Science (EHS) Club is designed to foster mutual interest and enthusiasm amongst the students and faculty at the University of Georgia who are interested in environmental health science. Monthly meetings and workshops provide an informal forum for networking with environmental and public health professionals, learning more about internships and careers, and participating in community outreach projects, Adopt-A-Stream. Also, as the student chapter of the Georgia Environmental Health Association (GEHA), membership in the EHS Club automatically registers you for GEHA student membership. Meetings take place periodically  in the Rowe Room on the second floor of the EHS building on South Campus. For more information, contact the EHS club president at  [email protected]. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ugaehsclub/

Environmental Health Science Graduate Student Association

Environmental Health Science

The Environmental Health Science Program at CPH offers a wide range of avenues toward careers in the fields and subfields it encompasses. The EHS Graduate Student Association aims to connect graduate students in the program with opportunities to expand their professional experiences. The EHS GSA also offers monthly social outings for graduate students and faculty in the department, along with recruitment events for potential incoming graduate students. Learn more.

Graduate Scholars of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at UGA

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

The Graduate Scholars of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at UGA was created to provide a space for CPH and other UGA graduate students with an appreciation for epidemiology and biostatistics to meet and interact. The group is focused on supporting the scholarship and professional development, as well as the achievements of its graduate student members. To learn more visit, the group’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/gsebatuga/ or email [email protected].

UGA Future Health Promoters Club

Health Promotion and Behavior

Do you want to get to know your professors, have an impact on campus and in the community, AND be a part of an organization that will look great on your resume? Future Health Promoters is a great way to get involved on campus while promoting better health education and healthier lifestyle choices.  In this club you will be able to take part in numerous volunteer opportunities, hear from guest speakers about important health related occupations and internships while building relationships with the Department of Health Promotion and Behavior faculty and staff. Email [email protected] for more information.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uga_fhp/

American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)– UGA Student Chapter

Health Policy and Management

The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) is a professional society comprised of healthcare leaders, who are committed to improving healthcare. For over 85 years, ACHE’s mission has been “advancing leaders and the field of healthcare management excellence.” With more than 48,000 members across the world, ACHE serves as a network of healthcare leaders, dedicated to making healthcare safer, more accessible, and more affordable to all, and advancing equity, quality and efficiency in health. The UGA ACHE Student Chapter is an organization for undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in healthcare administration and management. Through seminars and networking opportunities, members will be able to gain insights and diverse perspectives from healthcare leaders from a variety of settings. ACHE student members will also take advantage of professional development, service and social events aimed at improving health and advancing the profession of healthcare management. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/acheugachapter/

Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Open School – UGA Chapter

Health Policy and Management

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) works to advance health care improvement and patient safety competencies in the next generation of healthcare professionals. The IHI Open School UGA Chapter is a face-to-face interpersonal organization for like-minded health professional students (undergraduate and graduate), residents, and health care professionals to interact and each gain critical skills to improve care. Click here to learn more.

American Mock World Health Organization – UGA Chapter

Global Health Institute

The AMWHO UGA Chapter allows students interested in global health, health policy, diplomacy, and health care to engage in scholarly discourse by simulating the World Health Assembly. AMWHO UGA is chapter of the National American Mock WHO, based at UNC Chapel Hill, which stands as the national model-WHO organization for leading annual simulations in different universities. The organization strives to create chapters across the nation, where students can debate and form local conferences, and gather delegations from their school to attend AMWHO’s national conferences. The organization’s entire purpose is centered around interactive student learning on pertinent global health events like the World Health Assembly. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AMWHO.UGA/

Partners in Health: Engage UGA

Global Health Institute

Partners in Health (PIH) Engage aims to build the right to health movement by growing and amplifying PIH’s mission, as a global health organization, worldwide. Learn more at: https://uga.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/pihengageuga

UGA Global Health Union

Global Health Institute

The mission of UGA Global Health Union is to facilitate engagement in global health outside the classroom​ and to promote interdisciplinary collaboration. GHU is here to facilitate collaboration among global health related clubs at the University of Georgia, provide resources to both our undergraduate and graduate students, and host forums for speakers and research conferences.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UGAglobalhealthunion/

Disaster Dogs

Institute for Disaster Management

Disaster Dogs is open to both undergraduate and graduate students interested in managing disasters, emergency preparedness, and everything in-between. Gather with like-minded students to talk about current disasters, and past ones, to learn and develop your skills. Email [email protected] for click here more information.

Sigma Phi Omega

Institute of Gerontology

Sigma Phi Omega (SPO) was established in 1980 to recognize the excellence of those who study gerontology and aging and the outstanding service of professionals who work with or on behalf of older persons. The formation of a society provides a much needed link between educators, practitioners, and administrators in various settings where older persons are served.

The UGA chapter of Sigma Phi Omega, the professional honors society in gerontology, is affiliated with the Institute of Gerontology. Members of the group include students from a variety of disciplines interested in gerontology and health aging.  One of the goals of the group is to link those interested in gerontology at UGA with other students and faculty with similar interests. Events throughout the year, including meetings, guest speakers, panel presentations, and networking receptions. Community involvement is also a vital part of the G Dawg mission. Students participate in community activities such as the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, Be a Santa to a Senior, Food Drives, and more. For more information, contact [email protected].

Delta Omega – Beta Chi Chapter

Delta Omega is the national honorary society for graduate studies in public health. The society was founded in 1924, when only a few graduate schools of public health existed in the United States, and now has more than 84 active chapters with more than 15,000 members at accredited schools providing advanced public health degrees.

The purpose of the Society is to encourage excellence in student scholarship and research and to recognize academic and professional achievement in the field of public health. The national office is housed at the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH).

There are four categories of membership in Delta Omega:

• Student Membership:  The student shall: Possess a degree equivalent to or higher than the bachelor’s degree. Be in the last semester leading to an advanced degree in public health. Intend, so far as can be ascertained, to follow a career in health or public health. A maximum of ten percent (10%) of graduating students shall be elected to membership in any one year with a goal of one student per core discipline. Those elected shall be from the upper twenty-five percent (25%) in class standing and have demonstrated real or potential qualities of leadership in public health. The total student group to be considered for membership shall only include persons who are candidates or who have received an advanced degree in public health during that current calendar year. The term “advanced degree in public health” as used in these By-laws, refers to the following degrees or their equivalents: Master of Public Health, Doctor of Public Health, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy.
• Faculty Membership:  The Executive Committee will give particular attention to outstanding public health performance in scholarship, teaching, research and the quality of publications. The total number of faculty members elected in any one year may be up to three percent (3%) of the full-time faculty.
• Alumni Membership: Delta Omega may elect a maximum of ten graduated from the College whose work in the practice of public health would serve as a model for future graduates of the College for membership each year
• Honorary Membership: Delta Omega may nominate honorary members to be elected by a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee.

Epsilon Nu Eta

Epsilon Nu Eta (ENH) is the Environmental Health Science Honor Society. The top juniors and seniors, as determined by academic performance, are eligible for membership in ENH. Juniors are required to be in the top fourth of their class and have completed at least 15 hours of Environmental Health coursework with no grade below a B. Senior members are required to be in the top third of their class and have completed at least 21 hours of Environmental Health Science coursework with no grade below a B in each of those courses. ENH members are responsible for hosting the annual awards banquet for Environmental Health Science students.

Sigma Phi Omega – Kappa Chapter

Sigma Phi Omega (SPO) is the National Academic Honor and Professional Society in Gerontology, formed in 1980 to recognize the excellence of those who study gerontology/aging, as well as of professional aging service personnel. The society provides a much needed link between educators, practitioners, and administrators in various settings where older persons are served. The chapters provide opportunities for personal and professional interaction, sharing concerns, discussion of issues, and service activities. SPO members are also active members of other national professional gerontology organizations. This includes the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

The UGA Institute of Gerontology is the home of the Kappa Chapter of SPO, which promotes scholarship, professionalism, friendship, and services to older persons, and recognizes exemplary attainment in gerontology/aging studies and related fields.

Membership in the Kappa Chapter is available to qualified UGA students, faculty, alumni, and professionals:

• For UGA undergraduate students, membership is restricted to Honors Students enrolled in the Aging Studies Program who are in their second term of enrollment with a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.30.
• For UGA graduate students, membership is restricted to individuals enrolled for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology Program who are in at least their second term of enrollment with a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.50.

To receive additional information about the Kappa Chapter, including application materials, please contact the Institute of Gerontology.

Association of Teachers of Preventive Medicine

The Association of Teachers of Preventive Medicine (ATPM) is the national association supporting health promotion and disease prevention educators and researchers. Since 1942, ATPM and our members have been in the forefront of advancing, promoting, and supporting health promotion and disease prevention in the education of physicians and other health professionals.  National site: https://www.aptrweb.org/

Gerontological Society of America

The Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization of the Gerontological Society was created in 1960 to provide students with an opportunity to be players in the field of gerontology. Over the years, the student leadership has had an active role in the development of programs and activities. They have helped stimulate the development of student awards and established a mentorship program to link students with more seasoned professionals. National site: https://www.geron.org/

Georgia Society for Public Health Education

Georgia Society for Public Health Education (GASOPHE) is a professional organization for professional health educators and others in public or community health. GASOPHE is an official chapter of the Society for Public Health Education. GASOPHE membership is beneficial for public health professionals, students, and others working in health education in Georgia. Membership benefits include opportunities for networking and mentorship with Georgia’s health education leaders, to complete continuing education and professional development requirements, and to stay informed about the health education profession in Georgia. Website: https://www.gasophe.org/

Georgia Local Section of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)

The association gives students with a strong interest in industrial hygiene valuable exposure to the field through invited speakers and participation at local and regional AIHA meetings.  National site: https://www.aiha.org Georgia Local Section of AIHA: https://www.georgiaaiha.org/

National Environmental Health Association/Georgia Environmental Health Association

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is a national professional society for environmental health practitioners, which was established in 1937. Currently the association has 5,000 members and offers a variety of programs that reflect the association’s mission: “to advance the environmental health and protection professional for the purpose of providing a healthful environment for all.” Georgia Environmental Health Association (GEHA) is the regional affiliate of NEHA. NEHA site:  www.neha.org GEHA site: https://www.geha-online.org/home/