Access UCC Ambassador Programme

As an Access service user, we have an exciting opportunity for you to get involved in Access issues and help shape the future of services for all Access students in Higher Education. Become an Access Ambassador and join the Access UCC Advisory Groups for the academic year '24-25.

What Is an Access UCC Ambassador?

As an Ambassador for Access UCC, you will have the chance to:

• Work with students and Access UCC staff to make UCC more accessible for all.
• Represent Access UCC and UCC at events throughout the year.
• Help put the student voice at the centre of the service offering.
• Contribute to improving services for students at UCC.
• Become an integral part of the Access UCC stakeholder team.
• Inform and influence decision-making processes.

Why Become an Access UCC Ambassador?

This is an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to the development of Access UCC services, learn new skills, and meet other students with an interest in advocacy. Being an Ambassador will also be a valuable addition to your CV.

Who Are We Looking For?

Students must be:

• An Undergraduate student registered with an Access UCC service and understand the service offering.
• Willing to work as part of a diverse group to share ideas and work towards improving Access Services.
• Committed to making UCC a more inclusive institution.
• Able to capture the views of other Access students and bring these views to the Advisory Group.

What Will I Be Expected to Do?

As an Access UCC Ambassador, you will be expected to:

• Attend a half-day training session* on October 4^th (9.30am-1pm)
• Participate in up to 6 meetings* with other students from your Advisory Group throughout the academic year to discuss the further development of Access UCC services.
• Elect representative spokespersons from your group to attend additional meetings with Access staff.
• Present the views of your Advisory Group to Access staff and provide feedback to your Advisory Group.
• Act as the Student Voice and represent issues that impact on the wider Access student body
• Promote and assist in the implementation of Access student-led initiatives
• *all activities you carry out as an Ambassador will be paid

Other optional duties and opportunities to support and enhance Access services and represent Access students may arise and in the past have included:

• Using social media to promote Access events and information relevant to Access students
• Co-create and collaborate with staff on Access initiatives
• Participate in events on campus, such as Open Days, Connection events, social events, with prospective and/or current students
• Other opportunities that you might suggest!

How Will I Be Supported in This Role?

You will be paid for attending all meetings and the initial training session. There may also be paid opportunities for you to work as an Access Ambassador throughout the year.  You will be paid the student help rate of €13.12 for your time. You will also receive training in the areas of communication, leadership, advocacy, and presentation skills.

Impact and Activities

The Access Ambassador programme started in 2022. There were 32 Ambassadors who formed four representative Advisory groups to discuss and provide constructive feedback on Access services, to operate as a sounding board for new Access initiatives and to be the advocacy mouthpiece for their cohort of students. Since then our Ambassadors have: 

• Attended Ambassador advisory group meetings
• Presented to the Head of Access
• Engaged in focus groups
• Represented the Access voice to an International board conducting a Quality review
• Meetings with Access student-facing staff
• Provided input to reshape Orientation and Connection events
• Participated in student panels as part of the ‘23-24 orientation events
• Attended national forums on policy in HE
• Took part in video and marketing activities for Access.

How Do I Apply?

If you are interested in becoming an Access UCC Ambassador, please follow the link below. The application deadline is Wednesday 18^th September 2024 (11pm) for 2^nd year students and above, and Sunday 21^st September (11pm) for incoming 1^st years.

Successful applicants will be expected to attend a half-day training session on campus on the morning of Friday 4^th of October.

Please note that in selecting the group, Access UCC will strive to ensure that it reflects the diversity of students engaging with Access UCC as much as possible.

If you have any queries, please email access@ucc.ie and a member of our team will be available to assist you.

Semester One Drop-in Skills Sessions and Digital Support

Access students are welcomed to twice weekly 30 minute sessions with Access Ambassadors alongside the Skills Centre delivering quick skills sessions in ‘bite-sized’ pieces, on basic but essential topics to help you navigate the IT side of student life. In the opening weeks of Semester there is a lot to absorb, but these sessions will give you the need-to-know elements to get you started. Just walk-in; no booking required.

• Canvas
• Word
• Email
• File management
• MindMaps and answering the assignment brief
• Assignment planning
• PowerPoint
• Delivering presentations
• 30 minutes available for Q+A after each session

Schedule:

For updates and reminders follow the @AccessAmbassadors on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accessambassadors/