Information for Bear Connection Ambassadors
Bear Connection fosters a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging onboarding experience
for new staff at Missouri State University. As a Bear Connection Ambassador, you help
new Bears feel connected, supported, and confident during their first 90 days by introducing
them to university culture, campus resources, and meaningful relationships across
departments.
Through intentional programming, mentorship and purposeful check-ins, Bear Connection
Ambassadors help new staff build confidence, find community and begin developing a
meaningful career at Missouri State.
Becoming a Bear Connection Ambassador
Who is eligible to serve as a Bear Connection Ambassador?
To be eligible to serve as a Bear Connection Ambassador, you must have graduated from
the University Staff Ambassadors program.
University Staff Ambassadors graduates are uniquely prepared to serve in this role
because of their knowledge of Missouri State’s mission, culture, organizational structure,
and cross-campus connections.
What is the role of a Bear Connection Ambassador?
Bear Connection Ambassadors help create a warm and inclusive welcome for new staff.
Ambassadors serve as relational mentors who support new employees as they begin learning
more about Missouri State, meet colleagues across campus, and understand how their
work connects to the broader university community.
Ambassadors are not expected to replace a supervisor or provide department-specific
training. Instead, they help new staff feel connected, answer general questions, share
campus knowledge, and encourage engagement during the first 90 days of employment.
How do I apply to be a Bear Connection Ambassador?
Interested University Staff Ambassadors graduates may apply using the Bear Connection
Ambassador application.
What should I know before applying?
Eligible applicants should be prepared for the following commitments:
- Bear Connection assignments last for 90 days.
- Ambassadors must complete a mandatory training session before being assigned to a
new staff group.
- Ambassadors are encouraged to sign up for one to two Bear Connection assignments per
calendar year, as their schedule allows.
- Ambassadors may be asked to provide feedback at the end of the assignment to help
strengthen the Bear Connection experience.
Ambassador Time Commitment and Expectations
What is the expected time commitment for a Bear Connection Ambassador?
The initial meeting between ambassadors and their new staff group takes approximately
75 minutes. This includes a brief introduction during orientation, a group photo outside
Carrington Hall, a group lunch, and, if desired, an escort to the Welcome Center for
a campus tour.
This first connection is an important part of creating a positive first impression
of Missouri State and helping new staff feel welcomed into the Bear community.
How often should I stay in contact with my new staff group?
The recommended contact is approximately once a month during the new staff member’s
first 90 days. These interactions do not need to be formal or time-intensive. Contact
may include a simple email, a phone call, a coffee meeting, or a brief check-in.
Purposeful check-ins help new staff build confidence, ask questions, and continue
developing a sense of belonging at Missouri State.
New staff may opt out of Bear Connection at any time.
What is a Coffee Connection event?
Ambassadors are asked to schedule one Coffee Connection event for their new staff
group during the assignment period. This event generally lasts 30 to 60 minutes and
provides another opportunity for informal conversation, questions, and relationship-building.
Coffee Connections are intended to promote cross-campus engagement and help new staff
build meaningful relationships beyond their immediate department.
Assignment Process and Scheduling
How much notice will I receive before being assigned a new staff group?
A few times each year, ambassadors will receive an email with a Sign-Up Genius link
to the New Staff Orientation Schedule. There are typically two ambassador slots available
for each new staff orientation date. Ambassadors may sign up for the date or dates
they prefer on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once you sign up for a specific date, you will be assigned to that group. A calendar
invitation will be sent approximately one to two weeks after the sign-up sheet is
distributed.
When will I receive information about my new staff group?
Information about your assigned new staff group will be updated in your calendar invitation
closer to the Bear Connection lunch date. New staff and co-host information is typically
finalized on the Thursday before the Bear Connection lunch.
What if something comes up and I can no longer fulfill my assignment?
We want Bear Connection to be a positive experience for both ambassadors and new staff.
If a personal or professional matter affects your ability to fulfill your assignment,
please let the Bear Connection coordinator know as soon as possible so the group can
be reassigned and supported.
First Meeting Details
What should I wear during my first interaction with new staff?
First and foremost, wear what is appropriate for your office. Wearing your USA alumni
polo or BearWear is a great way to show your Missouri State pride. Ambassadors are
also asked to wear their Bear Connection or office name tag.
What should I bring to the first interaction?
Please bring a business card or Bear Connection contact card for each new staff member
in your assigned group. For example, if your group includes seven new staff members,
bring at least seven cards to share.
Am I allowed to transport new staff in my personal vehicle?
No. Ambassadors are not allowed to transport new staff in their personal vehicles
during Bear Connection-sponsored activities.
Training and Resources
Why is training mandatory?
Training is mandatory so that ambassadors are prepared to provide a consistent, welcoming,
and helpful experience for new staff. It also helps ambassadors understand their role,
the program's structure, and the resources available to support new employees.
Training supports the larger purpose of Bear Connection by helping ambassadors foster
understanding of university culture, promote belonging, and support new staff success
during the first 90 days.
What is the training like?
Introductory training helps ensure all ambassadors receive the same information and
understand the purpose, expectations, and logistics of the Bear Connection program.
Training also includes campus resources and a review of existing onboarding practices.
Are additional training resources available?
Yes. Related training resources are available through LinkedIn Learning.
First impressions resources to prepare for your first Bear Connection lunch:
Communication and interpersonal influence resources for connecting beyond the meet-and-greet:
Additional training may be offered as needed to support program objectives.
