UC Merced's Human Resources is changing the way new employees are oriented when they join the university, and needs departmental representatives to serve as ambassadors for the new program when it launches in May.
The Build Your Network (BYN) program is a once-a-month world café-style program focused on different topics of relevance to new employees transitioning into UC Merced’s campus culture. BYN will begin at New Employee Orientation (NEO) with an interactive discussion and continue as a monthly program. Program topics will align with NEO’s mission of promoting a culture of inquiry, discovery and learning, and engaging and retaining exceptional employees.
Experienced UC Merced staff members, who will be known as ambassadors, will help facilitate monthly programs and offer social, cultural and professional guidance and feedback for newcomers.
Staff members interested in serving as one of 12 ambassadors must submit applications by 5 p.m. March 24 to Staff Assembly by email.
The BYN committee — consisting of Human Resources, the Office of Campus Climate and Staff Assembly — will appoint ambassadors based on Staff Assembly’s Call for Committee process. New employees will be invited to attend the monthly sessions for up to six months.
Selected ambassadors must have earned a “meets expectations” or better rating on their most recent performance evaluations and completed at least one year of service at UC Merced. Each applicant must secure his or her supervisor’s permission for release time prior to submitting an application.
The following information must be included with all applications:
- Name
- Unit
- Years of service
- Resume or CV
Each applicant must provide specific, detailed and thoughtful answers to the questions below, and demonstrate how his or her experience supports NEO’s mission of promoting a culture of inquiry, discovery and learning and engaging and retaining exceptional employees:
- Why do you want to be an ambassador?
- List your current or recent volunteer and/or committee service.
- List your UC Merced, UC or other higher education mentoring or leadership experience.
For more information, please contact Rachael Martin.
