Student ambassadors and staff play an essential role in extending Rice University’s voice and reach across digital platforms. Their authentic experiences, energy, and perspective help humanize institutional messaging, build community, and foster stronger engagement with prospective students, alumni, and the broader public.
This guide outlines best practices for partnering with student ambassadors and staff to create content that reflects Rice’s values, maintains brand standards, and resonates with diverse audiences.
Purpose of Student Ambassador and Staff Engagement
- Strengthen Rice’s social media presence through authentic, student-centered storytelling.
- Build relatable, consistent narratives that highlight the Rice experience.
- Broaden visibility of university initiatives, events, and academic achievements across key audiences.
- Support enrollment, reputation, and community-building goals through peer-led communication.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Student Ambassadors: Represent Rice University in online and offline interactions by sharing personal experiences, promoting university initiatives, and participating in marketing and outreach campaigns.
- University Staff Supporting Social Media Content: Facilitate the creation, curation, and oversight of ambassador content to ensure alignment with brand standards and university priorities. Provide training, support, and editorial guidance as needed.
- Event Participation and Public Engagement: Assist with institutional events, tours, and campaigns while embodying Rice’s commitment to excellence, inclusion, and leadership.
Key Expectations for Student Content Creators
- Uphold ethical behavior, respect, and professionalism in all online and offline interactions.
- Share accurate information about Rice programs, admissions, events, and university life, aligning with official university resources.
- Represent personal experiences authentically while maintaining positivity and institutional pride.
- Protect confidential information, including student records and internal communications, in compliance with FERPA and university policies.
- Use inclusive language and imagery that reflects the diversity of the Rice community.
- Follow Rice’s brand guidelines and social media policies to maintain tone, style, and accessibility standards.
- Distinguish personal opinions from official university messaging and clarify when views are personal if needed.
Best Practices for Success
- Create relatable, genuine content that accurately reflects the Rice experience while maintaining professionalism.
- Stay informed about university events, initiatives, and policies to ensure content remains current and relevant.
- Avoid engaging in personal disputes or controversial topics that could impact your role as a university representative.
- Seek clarification or guidance from supervisors or the Office of Public Affairs when unsure about posting content or responding to inquiries.
- Use captions for video content, alt text for images, and accessible visual formats to ensure digital content is inclusive.
- Participate actively in scheduled social media campaigns and respond promptly to content requests to support communication efforts.
Compliance and Accountability
Student ambassadors and staff are expected to adhere to Rice University’s brand guidelines, social media policies, and privacy standards. Failure to comply may result in corrective actions, including content removal, reassignment, or removal from ambassador or staff roles.
Support and clarification are available through the Office of Public Affairs or your designated university communications representative.