Here's what Ambassadors do:

• Promote undergraduate research through University 101 presentations
• Actively participate in tabling events, campus partner and student organization presentations and more on behalf of the Office of Undergraduate Research
• Work at Discover USC and other OUR events
• Increase awareness of services offered through the Office of Undergraduate Research
• Serve as a role model and peer leader in the USC community 

Benefits of being an Undergraduate Research Ambassador:

Leadership Development

• Ambassadors increase their communication and public speaking skills through outreach events and presentations.
• Ambassadors enjoy exclusive professional development opportunities in a small group setting. 

Personal Growth and Confidence

• Ambassadors have leadership roles that challenge personal limits through practice and guided feedback, building confidence and increasing comfort in taking on new challenges—both in and out of the classroom.

Networking Opportunities

• Ambassadors connect with faculty, administration, research staff, and fellow researchers across diverse disciplines through their research and ambassador activities.

Community

• Ambassadors are an active part of the USC Community and create professional and social bonds that last a lifetime!

Impact

• Ambassadors play a direct role in increasing access to research and helping peers find pathways to success.

Additional Information:

The Undergraduate Research Ambassador cohort consists of approximately 12-16 members during the academic year.

Time commitments vary throughout the semester, but URAs average 3-5 hours a week and are paid a starting rate of $12/hour.

Ambassadors must attend mandatory training on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 12:00 - 5:00 pm.

Additionally, Ambassadors are required to attend cohort meetings held once or twice per month on Fridays from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. throughout the semester for ongoing training and professional development.

Eligibility:

You must...

• Be currently enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate student  at USC on the Columbia campus
• Be currently engaged in research under the guidance of a USC faculty mentor
  • Note: Because this position involves sharing about your personal research experience, your Faculty Research Mentor will be informed of your application and asked to complete a brief form as part of your application.  We strongly encourage informing your mentor that you are applying for the role and notifying them that our office will be sending them a short verification form on your behalf upon receipt of your application. 
• Be in good standing with the university
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and the role it plays on campus
• Demonstrate public speaking and communication skills

NOTE: Ambassadors may have conducted research as volunteer experiences, independent study courses, or through grant  or departmental funding (not limited to OUR), etc.

Apply to be an Ambassador

Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will be available on Thursday, January 15th, 2026.  Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Do you have questions about being an OUR Ambassador?

Attend the Ambassador Panel on Wednesday, February 11 from 5:30 - 7:00 in Russell House Room 205.  Our current Ambassadors will be there to answer questions and tell you how their URA Ambassador experience has given them Skills For Every Future.