Building a bridge from DAAP to the community

Behind those visits and experiences, college admissions teams coordinate with a variety of faculty, staff and current students to recruit and welcome prospective students as they begin deciding where they want to spend the next four or five years.

At the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), the DAAP Ambassadors program plays a key role in that process by connecting prospective students with current DAAP students. The program gives prospective students an opportunity to learn more about the college and get a firsthand perspective from students who are already experiencing it.

DAAP Ambassadors give future designers, architects, artists and planners a closer look at life within the college, helping them learn about DAAP’s programs, people and opportunities. Their work provides students with a chance to see beyond the application and imagine what their own experience at DAAP could look like.

Ambassadors volunteer their time giving tours to prospective students, alumni and co-op employers and serving on student panels to share authentic experiences about their own time in DAAP. The ambassadors also assist with a variety of events, with the main goal of shining an even bigger spotlight on DAAP.

Senior Assistant Dean Amberly Maryo has led DAAP Student Affairs since October 2006, providing oversight of the DAAP Ambassadors program. She recognizes the lasting influence of the organization and has observed its positive impact on the DAAP community for the past 20 years.

“It’s about getting the DAAP experience out there and engaging with prospective students, donors and alumni who are coming to campus,” Maryo said. “Being able to interact with a current student gives them a chance to learn what’s going on now, what’s new and what’s next.”

Having current students serve as the voice of DAAP gives the outside world a genuine look at the college from someone who is experiencing it firsthand. Their perspectives can help make the connection more personal, giving future students a better sense of the people, culture and opportunities they could find at DAAP.

And that’s critical. Hearing why you should enroll at a certain school means a lot more coming from someone currently going through the exact same experience rather than someone who simply works there.

“If I tell prospective students and their families about all the incredible opportunities our students have, it only goes so far,” Maryo said. “It hits differently when they hear it directly from a student who can say, ‘I moved to New York City and had my first co-op, and then I co-oped in Texas or in Cincinnati, and then I studied abroad.’ The message is more genuine and authentic coming from the students themselves.”

Not only do DAAP Ambassadors recruit new students to the college, but they also have the opportunity to sharpen their communication skills. They’re constantly interacting with new people of all ages, offering endless opportunities to develop the interpersonal skills needed in the workplace.

That connection can leave a lasting impression on prospective students, potentially leading to their decision to attend DAAP.

“Over the years, I’ve heard students say they chose DAAP because of an ambassador they met during a visit,” Maryo said. “They remember the student who walked them through the building, shared what they were learning in class, talked about their co-op experiences and helped DAAP feel like a place where they could belong.”

Alana Tucker, a current student studying industrial design, saw that impact firsthand when she went through the enrollment process. After hearing directly from current students, she said she had a better understanding of what the DAAP experience was actually like, which made the program feel much more welcoming and approachable.

Now, Tucker is a DAAP Ambassador herself, offering her experience and love for DAAP to the next class of students. She really enjoys giving tours and walking prospective students through the building to showcase the various studios and workspaces. Most importantly, she wants to be a welcoming face who offers valuable insight to future students.

“Choosing a college and a program can feel overwhelming, especially with something as unique and demanding as DAAP, so I wanted to be someone students could ask honest questions and feel comfortable talking to,” Tucker said. “I also really enjoy meeting new people, being involved in the DAAP community and helping others feel excited about what they could accomplish here.”

Another current student and DAAP Ambassador, Sadie Penix, had a similar experience when exploring colleges as a prospective student. She recalled attending a student panel where they shared personal experiences and showed portfolios of their current work. After hearing and seeing firsthand what was possible at DAAP, she knew it was the right fit for her.

Penix is now studying art history, and she wanted to bring the perspective of the major to interested students and families to help them make the best decision. Like Tucker, she wanted to build connections with the community and be an encouraging voice that makes prospective students feel welcomed.

“I knew how influential the program was for my own college decision, and how valuable it is to hear about college life from a current student’s perspective,” Penix said. “This program is an amazing opportunity to foster my own leadership skills, develop an interconnected multidisciplinary DAAP community, and see firsthand the impact we have on families and students interested in DAAP.”

“Learn as much as you can about DAAP and its programs so you can represent the school accurately and authentically,” Seward Nettle said. “Most importantly, see being an ambassador as an opportunity to share the passion you have for DAAP. Your enthusiasm may be what lights that same spark in a future DAAP student.” 

DAAP Ambassadors offer a very flexible schedule aimed at working around classes, co-ops and other responsibilities. Fill out an application today to become a bridge between DAAP and the community. Former ambassadors are encouraged to reach out and engage with the current DAAP Ambassadors team by email at daap-admissions@uc.edu.

Featured image at top of two DAAP Ambassadors working a table at the Tangeman University Center. Photos/provided