Connecting UC Davis Worldwide

The Global Affairs Faculty and Staff Ambassadors Program connects UC Davis faculty and staff with partner institutions, alumni and supporters around the world. This is an opportunity for select UC Davis employees already planning international travel to extend their stay and, ultimately, be ambassadors for UC Davis—increasing the visibility of our international presence and creating meaningful connections worldwide.

The Faculty and Staff Ambassadors Program strengthens existing partnerships, opens doors for new connections, and fosters research, academic, and professional opportunities.

Since 2017, 31 Global Affairs Faculty and Staff Ambassadors have represented UC Davis in meetings, events, and engagements across 24 countries.

More About the Program

Global Affairs works with ambassadors to arrange and prepare a series of events in their destination cities. Ambassadors are provided with pertinent information about UC Davis, briefed on types of visits to be undertaken, and will receive items to present to their hosts as needed. 

International visits create opportunities for UC Davis faculty and staff to share their knowledge and form connections for future collaborations. Ambassador activities may include but are not limited to:

• Presenting a public lecture or seminar at the partner institutions
• Meeting with current or future university partners
• Hosting a reception with a local alumni chapter
• Visiting with funding agencies
• Meeting with U.S. organizations and agencies
• Visiting with parents of UC Davis students

How to Become an Ambassador

Eligibility

UC Davis (including UC Davis Health) Academic Senate members, Academic Federation members, or full-time staff members, who have been employed with UC Davis for a minimum of 12 months prior to their travel, may apply to be ambassadors.

Applicants must demonstrate—through current job duties or previous experiences—an ability to represent UC Davis in a formal context. You may not receive reimbursement for service as an ambassador for more than once per 12-month period.

Applying to the Program

Eligible faculty and staff are encouraged to submit the Faculty and Staff Ambassadors Application in the early stages of planning their international travel, prior to finalizing airline tickets.

Please consider applying soon after your trip is confirmed, even if you do not have the full itinerary planned, as identifying opportunities and planning meetings and events takes time.

Acceptance is based on a number of factors, including whether there is sufficient need for an ambassador's services in the city being visited. Applicants may be contacted to discuss potential opportunities.

If accepted, Faculty and Staff Ambassadors may plan their itinerary to include an extra night or two of accommodations, depending on number and schedule of events, working with Global Affairs on event arrangements.

Funding Details

Typically reimbursements cover one to two nights of hotel and one to two days of meals and incidental expenses, depending on the schedule and number of ambassador activities planned. Please note: Faculty and Staff Ambassador reimbursements never cover airfare, airline fees, or conference registration fees.

Reporting

To receive the reimbursement, Faculty and Staff Ambassadors need to provide receipts and report on the results of their activities within four weeks of returning from travel. Global Affairs will provide reporting templates, which will emphasize key information, photographs, and useful feedback, rather than length or formality. Such information is critical for Global Affairs in solidifying formal partnerships and in identifying and following-up on important action items.

Meet the Faculty and Staff Ambassadors

• Global Affairs Faculty and Staff Ambassadors from 2021-22
• Global Affairs Faculty and Staff Ambassadors from 2019-20
• Global Affairs Faculty and Staff Ambassadors from 2018-19
• Global Affairs Faculty and Staff Ambassadors from 2017-18

Contact Information