When prospective students visit your university website, they’re not just looking for polished marketing copy but searching for something real. They want to hear from the people living the experience they’re considering. And who better to tell that story than your student ambassadors?
Traditionally, student ambassador programs have focused on in-person touchpoints like campus tours, open houses, and call campaigns. But there’s a significant opportunity to extend those voices, from the website to admissions campaigns and beyond.
Let’s dig in and look at examples of our customers who are featuring student ambassadors effectively on their websites.
Today’s students, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, demand authenticity. They’re far more likely to trust a fellow student’s story than a university’s marketing message. Peer-generated content is often more credible, emotionally resonant, and persuasive than even the best-crafted brand language.
By featuring student ambassadors throughout your website and social media channels, you not only humanize your college or university and amplify relatability but also establish relatability, deliver social proof of your programs and outcomes, and create an emotional connection long before an application is submitted.
You're likely already collecting great student content. The key is structuring it in ways that are discoverable, scalable, and easy to maintain. Below are tried-and-true content formats and examples from institutions using Cascade CMS to bring them to life.
Build structured ambassador profiles with majors, hometowns, campus involvement, favorite classes, and personal quotes. Include filters (e.g., STEM, first-gen, commuter) to help prospective students find their match.
Here are some examples:
Spelman College features exemplary student ambassadors representing Spelman at various special events and visit days throughout the year. These ambassadors serve as hostesses and volunteers, supporting the Office of Admissions through activities related to recruiting prospective students and welcoming guests to campus.
Berry College offers a wide variety of student organizations, providing opportunities for leadership and development. These organizations sponsor many campus-wide programs, allowing students to engage in activities that enhance their college experience.
Short student quotes can bring static pages to life, whether they’re academic program pages or tuition overviews.
Southern Utah University (SUU) showcases student experiences across various departments. For instance, the Geosciences Department includes testimonials from students like Tess Johnson, who shares her passion for geology and how the program has strengthened her desire to teach and share that passion with others. These personal stories provide prospective students with authentic insights into academic programs and student life at SUU.
Frostburg State University shares student testimonials and articles highlighting their experiences and adjustments to online learning, providing insights into student life and support services.
Showcase “day-in-the-life” clips, student Q&As, or “why I chose this school” stories. These videos help prospective students see themselves on your campus.
The University of San Diego features student ambassadors who support prospective and current students by sharing insights and experiences about the programs, offering a personal perspective on student life.
Berry College provides campus videos that give soaring vistas and jaw-dropping views, showcasing how students live life on campus and offering a glimpse into the student experience.
Wilfrid Laurier University highlights the role of student ambassadors in showcasing academic and student-life experiences for prospective students and their families, emphasizing the importance of peer engagement in recruitment strategies.
Invite students to write short blog-style entries about orientation, residence life, favorite courses, or local hangouts. These stories often perform well in organic search and social media.
Frostburg State University offers an overview of student life, focusing on high-quality programming that engages students in meaningful experiences to prepare them for life after college.
Athabasca University shares student success stories, highlighting unique experiences of online learners and their journeys through the university's programs.
Give prospective students the opportunity to ask ambassadors real-time questions through event-based chats, message boards, or searchable Q&A hubs.
John Cabot University allows prospective students to meet student ambassadors and learn more about JCU from a student’s perspective, offering opportunities to ask questions about degree programs, student life, housing, and more.
Wilfrid Laurier University offers peer academic coaching, where students can chat with senior student coaches about various topics, including creating schedules, reducing procrastination, and taking meaningful notes.
You don’t need a huge team to maintain a robust student ambassador presence. With the right tools and structure, Cascade CMS makes it simple:
Keep your student content fresh and diverse with some of these strategies:
Your student ambassadors aren’t just excellent tour guides but your most trusted and relatable digital marketers. By featuring their voices across your site, you build credibility, deepen emotional connection, and help future students say “yes” with added confidence.
Last Updated: May 29, 2025 12:00 AM
