By Will Bower 

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recently launched a new undergraduate student ambassador program, bringing together student leadership and engagement.

Established in 2025, the program provides students with the opportunity to share their passion for the department’s programming. Ambassadors represent undergraduate programs during Hawkeye Visit Days and the Exploring Majors Fair, while also sitting on panels and leading one-on-one tours of the new Health Sciences Academic Building.

Elizabeth Walker, director of undergraduate studies, said the program is necessary to combat the predicted decline in college enrollment.

“It is more important than ever before to recruit prospective high schoolers into audiology and speech-language pathology,” Walker said. “The CSD student ambassador program is a great way for our current students to share their experiences and enthusiasm about the department with future University of Iowa students.”

The program also provides student ambassadors with skills in leadership and communication. Administrative Services Coordinator, Rachel Miller, said the ambassadors need to balance providing detailed information and meeting people where they are.

“The ambassadors have to be flexible and adaptable in every interaction,” Miller said. “This is a hugely important skill not only for graduate school, but later when they begin their careers as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.”

Ambassador Sophia Romero said she loves the interactive element of the job.

“It is so much fun to answer [prospective students’] questions and talk about why I chose the program and school,” Romero said.

Ambassador and fourth-year undergraduate, Aubrey Haney, said in addition to leading tours, she has enjoyed creating accessible ways for students to get involved in the department.

“I’ve gained leadership experience, built stronger connections within the department, and had the chance to contribute to a community that has already given me so much,” Haney said. “It has been incredibly rewarding to see the impact of that work.”

The program will continue into the 2026-27 academic school year. Walker said new opportunities are already being explored, particularly for current students.

“This would include organizing and hosting panel discussions with alumni,” Walker said. “They would have the opportunity to share information about their careers in audiology and speech-language pathology.”

Interested in learning more about the ambassador program?  Visit the program’s webpage to learn more.