Fulbright College Launches New DEI Student Ambassador Program

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences has launched its new ARSC DEI Student Ambassador Program.

"Thus far, a well-rounded group of 16 diverse and conscientious students from departments and schools in the Fulbright College has been selected to help increase inclusivity and cultivate a greater sense of belonging throughout​ our college and campus community," said Meera Kumar, assistant director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Since November, ARSC DEI Student Ambassadors have participated in a myriad of activities, from meet-and-greets to game and movie nights to educational programs, such as cultural competency workshops and Table Talks, designed and facilitated by Kumar.

"Cultural competence is essential to strengthening the fabric of our society, not to mention a skill set that many employers value," Kumar said. "I am ecstatic that so many of our ambassadors voluntarily take the time to attend these workshops and Table Talks, and also contribute DEI-focused content to our new student section of the college's DEI blog, where our ambassadors can share in a 'Brilliant Take,' 'Short Take,' 'Did You Know?' or other blog post what they've learned with our campus community."

From attending talks and sessions on making practice and research in psychology more culturally appropriate, to helping develop ideas for increased accessibility to learning and practicing, through the Ouch workshop, and various ways to advocate for oneself and others, Kumar said the ARSC DEI Student Ambassadors are honing skills essential both in work and in life overall.

"I can now be an ally and an advocate for others when they are subjected to stereotyping," Will Reid, an ARSC DEI student ambassador, wrote in an Ouch! testimonial. "I can apply the knowledge I learned … to my current job as a resident assistant." 

Reina Watanabe, another ARSC DEI student ambassador, added that "Attending the cultural competency workshops made me more aware of the role I apply in being a better ally by giving me the tools to critically view and understand the language I use and the media I consume. I loved learning that cultural competency is a goal that we can always be learning more about and improving on daily."

Watanabe, who is now studying abroad, is also documenting her experiences in the blog's student section, titled "Hola, Uruguay!"

After attending "Table Talk: Mental and Yourself," ARSC DEI student ambassador Jessica Soto highlighted in Short Takes that "Doing things for yourself is not lazy nor selfish … Being committed to doing your job is important, but it shouldn't come at the expense of your mental health."

Caroline Grage, who recently became an ARSC DEI student ambassador, agreed, and said that "I'm new to the DEI Ambassador Program, but I've loved the experience I've had so far."

Whether through the college's DEI Office or within their departments or schools or through their everyday interactions with their peers and additional members of the campus community, Kumar said that ARSC DEI Student Ambassadors are making a positive impact and contributing to a greater sense of belonging here at the U of A.

Visit the Fulbright College DEI blog to read more about what ARSC DEI Student Ambassadors are doing.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, visit the DEI blog or apply to be an ambassador online.

If you have any questions, please reach out to arscdei@uark.edu.