Use of Front-end Evaluation to Design an Undergraduate Industrial and Systems Engineering Ambassador Program (ISEAmP)

Abstract

University Ambassador Programs typically use a selective process to identify undergraduate juniors and/or seniors with strong leadership capabilities. While programs have proliferated across the nation, few have elicited fundamental design concepts based on predominantly underrepresented minorities, yet these studies are needed to ensure equity in benefits of such programs. 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. A scaled -down version of an ambassador program was implemented 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 user 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.