Employer eNewsletter
Exploring potential through the Student Ambassador Leadership Program
Each year, 160 students are selected by their faculties to participate in the Student Ambassador Leadership Program (SALP). Students explore their leadership potential by extending themselves in the university and outside in the wider Melbourne community, through volunteerism.
For students interested in adding an enriching dimension to their university life beyond study and academic attainment, the chance to become a Student Ambassador is a fantastic opportunity. As well as their leadership training (via a series of interactive workshops, seminars and leadership retreats), students are required to complete a minimum of 70 hours of volunteer work by developing a project with their peers and volunteering individually across a variety of activities.
The Student Ambassadors' efforts and enthusiasm are central to the Program. Christopher Matthey, a Student Ambassador alumnus relates his SALP experience.
“SALP offers a great way to become involved in university life rather than simply attending classes. It encourages students to broaden their horizons and provides vital building blocks in the development of important life skills.
My Project Group created a community engagement project in conjunction with the Ardoch Youth Foundation, introducing the Australian Indigenous culture to children who may never have had the chance to learn about and be inspired by this amazing heritage.
The workshops, camps and training days that SALP offers enabled me to acquire and utilise skills that will benefit me in many facets of life after uni. Importantly, participating in SALP taught me perspective. It showed me that it is possible to have fun even during the most stressful times, and allowed me to build new friendships with some truly inspiring people.”
Now in its 11th year, SALP has positively influenced the lives of close to 1000 students who have participated since its inception. It has built confidence and purpose amongst a generation of students, has positively influenced the direction of numerous careers and developed an enduring civic and community focus amongst participants.
For more information about the SALP experience at the University of Melbourne www.services.unimelb.edu.au/live/salp/
SALP is offered at the University of Melbourne through the leadership Involvement & volunteer Experience (LIVE) unit.
Rita Manessis
Manager – Student Leadership Programs
P: +61 3 8344 4691
E: r.manessis@unimelb.edu.au
W: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/live/salp/