BY: MORGAN KILGER, FEATURES EDITOR
On Sept. 7, Siddall and four student ambassadors from the Office of Admissions attended the NYSACAC Student Leadership in Admissions conference at St. John’s University in Queens, New York.
Bella Siddall, an admissions counselor and coordinator for the student ambassador program at Bonaventure, said she took the ambassadors to gain experience in higher education inspire admissions events.
“[I think] trying to get more involved in giving our student ambassadors opportunities like this [it was] a good starting point,” Siddall said.
The annual conference helps student ambassadors and admissions leaders enhance their programs. Ambassadors guide prospective students during visits, while admissions leaders manage the admissions process.
At the conference, admissions workers from Hofstra University, St. John’s College and Syracuse University gave insight into how their admissions programs are run.
Chris Lynn, a sophomore finance major, returned from the conference with new insights into his job as a student ambassador.
Lynn aims to enhance the visitor experience at Bonaventure with insights gained from observing other schools’ tours, including etiquette and making connections.
“My biggest takeaway from the conference was the ideas and practices other schools use in their admissions departments and how we may be able to take some of these back to St. Bonaventure,” Lynn said. “And [to] implement them to provide the best possible visiting experience to our prospective students and their families.”
Siddall had a similar takeaway to Lynn. As she’s still settling into the Bonaventure program, Siddall enjoyed seeing how other institutions run their programs. Since starting her position in April 2024, she’s been seeking inspiration from other programs.
“[I think] it was really insightful seeing what other institutions are doing within their student ambassador program[s],” Siddall said.
The student ambassadors also learned about how social media can help with enrollment and student participation. Chloe Wilson, a junior public health major, is ready to bring what she learned from the social media presentations back to Bonaventure.
Wilson noticed the schools that use social media as part of their program had a stronger program, based on their data.
“From the groups who used social media you could see how many more people were involved with admissions or the ambassadors,” said Wilson. “It showed me ways we can grow as ambassadors for SBU.
Lynn agrees with Wilson on how social media can impact enrollment.
“I think it’s a valuable tool that can be used now more than ever to reach as many prospective students as possible and help bring them to the best place on earth — Bonas,” Lynn said.
Besides learning about tools to help with ambassador programs, students learned tips to help with their professional careers — like creating a Linkedin account, interview etiquette and how to write a resume.
“I would definitely participate in such an event again as it was a valuable experience that provided not only great info to bring back to Bona [venture], but also helpful professional development opportunities for student ambassadors,” Lynn said.
The ambassadors’ next step in their Bonaventure careers is unclear. However, Siddall has ideas for upcoming events brewing.
“[There are] a few things that I’m definitely going to take away and try to sit on and let marinate to think what would be the best plan of action [for us] that would work for us,” Siddall said.
kilgermi22@bonaventure.edu
