Student Ambassadors Gain Insights at Conference


Posted Date: January 15, 2026
Group of six campus tour guides pose at the CIVSA Student Development Institute conference in Portland, Oregon.

Earlier this month the Office of Undergraduate Admissions had the opportunity to send six of our student Ambassadors to Portland, OR to attend the Student Development Institute, an annual three-day conference hosted by The Collegiate Information and Visitor Services Association (CIVSA)! Our Ambassadors serve as our campus tour guides and UCF representatives for prospective students and their families. Through this conference they attended workshops and seminars led by industry experts that provide insights into the latest trends and innovations in campus visitor services, gaining skills in leadership, public speaking, and guest engagement.

In addition to expert led seminars, the Institute also provided students the opportunity to share their own experiences and expertise with Admissions Ambassadors from across the country. Senior Ambassadors, Maia McClone and Nivedha Srinivasan, led a session demonstrating how a strategic shift in leadership transformed high-stakes Open House responsibilities into a culture of belonging and engagement. By streamlining organization, event preparation, and communication, they replaced stress with community, allowing Ambassadors to find deeper meaning in their roles, leading to a more positive and impactful guest experience.

Their presentation not only exemplified the SSWB BEAM domains, but also earned a perfect score in attendee reviews. Thank you to the UCF Foundation Parent and Family Fund Grant for supporting this important learning experience!