Loyola University Maryland

Language Learning Center

Call for Applications for Modern Languages and Literatures Ambassadors

Are you interested in a leadership position as Student Ambassador of the Modern Languages and Literatures Department? Ambassadors are students who acknowledge and promote the importance of multilingualism in our world and community.

 

Eligible students fulfill ONE or more of the following conditions:

1. Speaks a language other than English with their family
2. Studies ONE or more languages at Loyola
3. Is actively learning a language outside of Loyola
4. Was enrolled in dual language or bilingual programs in high school

Please submit your application to the Language Learning Center Director, Kelly Keenan, at kekeenan@loyola.edu by 3:00 pm on March 31, 2023.

 

Applications should be in MS Word or PDF format and contain the following information:

1. Name, Loyola ID, anticipated graduation year, and declared or undeclared major and minor (does not need to be an MLL major/minor).
2. A brief statement (~150 words) regarding your interest in and qualifications for being selected as an Ambassador. Indicate which Ambassador position you prefer (see below for the duties of this position.)
3. A proposal for a group discussion/activity with a topic relevant to interculturality, linguistic and cultural diversity, and/or world literature and culture. The proposal should include i) a paragraph explaining why the topic would generate lively discussion or build community, ii) an image that would be suitable for advertising the topic on a poster, and iii) a short description of a brief video clip (totaling no more than 10 minutes) that would serve as a jumping-off point for a discussion of that topic. To give you an idea of the kind of topics we’ve done in the past, see the appendix below.

After reviewing the applications, faculty members of the Modern Languages and Literatures Department will choose, for the academic year 2023–24, two Co-Moderator Ambassadors and two additional Discussion-Leader Ambassadors.

Here are the duties adhering to these positions:
• All Ambassadors must attend at least two outreach events (admissions open houses, academic exploration fairs, Messina sessions or the like) over the course of the year.
• Discussion-Leader Ambassadors will, in addition, plan and run one discussion or activity, and participate in one other discussion or activity over the course of the year.
• The two Co-Moderator Ambassadors will consult with the Faculty Advisor, in order to plan outreach and advertise events. Co-Moderator Ambassadors are expected to participate in the discussions/activities sponsored by the other two Ambassadors.
• The Co-Moderator Ambassadors will work with the Faculty Advisor to identify short-term projects that will promote the department. Examples of past projects include: assessing the department's webpage, writing an ambassador feature for the department newsletter, and assisting with workshops focusing on success with language learning

What’s in it for you? The Ambassador position is a paid, hourly role ($13.25/hr). Co-Moderators will contribute 15 hours to the department throughout the course of the academic year, and Discussion-Leaders will contribute 8 hours to the department over the course of the academic year. Once an ambassador reaches their allocated number of hours, additional hours may be available on occasion, depending on the needs of the department.

We look forward to receiving your applications – and to meeting you at Modern Languages and Literatures events this year, which, whether you are selected for a leadership role this time around, we hope you will attend!

Appendix 1 

Sample event flyer for language and performance night put on by 2022-2023 ambassador