The University of Delaware Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) is now accepting applications from students interested in joining the Social Media Ambassador (SMA) program for the fall 2017 semester.

Undergraduate students from all majors interested in social media, video production, marketing, photography, blogging and event planning are invited to apply.

The University’s SMA program, overseen by UD’s digital content team in OCM, is a unique and fun opportunity for students to gain professional social media experience before graduating.

SMAs are given official Blue Hen Twitter accounts to share their experiences at Delaware with fellow and prospective students. They work as a team to create and curate fun, engaging content for the Blue Hen Says Twitter account as well as other official UD social media accounts.

SMAs also gain special access to cover a variety of campus events — such as VIP passes to UD football and basketball games, “Tweet seats” at performances by the UD Resident Ensemble Players and press passes to cover campus visits by famous speakers.

SMAs play an important role in the University’s greater communications efforts by helping promote major initiatives and outreach campaigns.

"The SMA program allows me to be creative and share my UD story through a contemporary digital medium,” said Madisyn Steinberg (@BlueHenMadisyn). “I love being challenged to generate original content that highlights our campus, community, and Blue Hen pride!"

Additionally, SMAs have special access to professional development opportunities, including networking events and tips from some of UD’s communications experts.

"The great thing about the SMA program is that it's not only a way to develop professionally through workshops and networking opportunities, but also make a genuinely positive impact on the University community, said Jeremy Hidalgo (@BlueHenJH), a public policy major. “I'm happy for the last three years in the program, and I know I am leaving it in the more-than-capable hands of students that are unequivocally better than I, in expanding the social sphere of the university to current and prospective students, as well as to our community as a whole. I cannot imagine my college career without it."

Required monthly meetings serve as a time for the entire group to convene, get to know one another and receive information and tips from the UD digital content team. The meetings are held once each month during fall and spring semesters from 5-6 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Spring SMA applications are now being accepted. The deadline to complete the application is Friday, May 26. Inquiries can be sent to socialmedia@udel.edu.