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The Grad Rebel Ambassadors Program

Grad Rebel Ambassadors are highly visible members of the Graduate College team, helping build a strong graduate student community and strengthen ties between the Graduate College, alumni, and community members. Participants will strengthen their leadership, communication, and networking skills while advocating on behalf of graduate education.

This is a medallion-qualifying program for UNLV graduate & professional students. For additional information, please see the Graduate College Medallion Program website.

2024-2025 Grad Rebel Ambassadors

In order to participate in the program, graduate students must:

  • have completed at least one year of graduate studies at UNLV by program start date.
  • currently be enrolled.
  • be in good academic standing in a graduate degree program.

Applications are only accepted once a year. We will accept applications between July 1and September 15. There is no application fee.

The 2024-2025 online Grad Rebel Ambassadors Application can be found on the Grad Rebel Gateway. Please log in to the Grad Rebel Gateway and click on The Grad Academy tab to apply.

Please be prepared to provide the following information when completing your Grad Rebel Ambassadors Application:

  • CV/Resume
  • Letter of Interest
    • The Letter of Interest should address why you would like to be a Graduate Rebel Ambassador and the skills or traits you will bring to the program. Please limit the response to a single page.
  • Endorser Name
    • You will identify the name and email address of a faculty member. They will receive a form to endorse your participation in the program.

Once applications have been reviewed, we will invite the strongest candidates for an interview. From here, we will select students to become our new cohort of ambassadors. If you are selected, you will be notified through your RebelMail and announced to the campus shortly thereafter. Please contact the Grad Academy at gradacademy@unlv.edu if you have any questions or need additional information

Grad Rebel Ambassadors serve as official graduate student representatives for the Graduate College. Program requirements include:

  • Attend all mandatory meetings/ training sessions.
  • Support a minimum of two events in the Fall semester.
  • Support a minimum of three events in the Spring semester.
  • Participate in Rebel Grad Slam.
  • Complete all program assessments (surveys/feedback forms).

Program requirements will be submitted through a WebCampus course. Participants will be added to the course after acceptance to the program.

This program provides an opportunity to help actively build a strong graduate community at UNLV. Ambassadors engage in professional development, including strengthening leadership, communication, and networking skills. The program enables ambassadors to connect with local community members, and to be advocates on behalf of graduate education. In addition, Grad Rebel Ambassadors who successfully fulfill their required responsibilities are awarded a $500 program scholarship at the end of each term.

Please note: You must have a current FAFSA form or the Alternate Need Determination Form on file. If you owe money for current or prior terms, the award funds will be applied towards that balance. Disbursement of the program scholarship can take between 4-6 weeks after we have confirmed completion of program requirements.

Once admitted, all participants will need to complete all of the requirements. If a student is not in good standing in their degree program, or if they create any problems as a participant in the program, they may be removed from the program at the discretion of the graduate college dean. Please be familiar with UNLV's Student Conduct Code.

Cohort meetings are mandatory unless a documented excuse has been approved.

Meeting Schedule for 2024-2025 Grad Rebel Ambassadors:

  • Introductory Cohort Meeting: Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 3:30-5 p.m.
  • Mid Cohort Meeting: Thursday, November 21, 2024, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
  • Final Cohort Meeting: Friday, May 2, 2025, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
    • Followed by Recognition Dinner from 5-7:00 p.m
  • Rebel Grad Slam: Week of November 4-8, 2024
  • The Grad Academy ​Mixer: ​Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 5-6:30 p.m., University Gateway Building, Room 268 & 269 (optional)
  • The Grad Academy End of Year Celebration: Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 5:00-6:30 p.m., University Gateway Building, Room 268 & 269 (optional)

The Graduate College will be hosting Tuesday Talks: Your Questions Answered for current The Grad Academy program participants. Please drop by on any of the following Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m., to ask us any questions you might have or just to check your progress:

  • As Bryant McGill said, "We love most those who we serve most." "I love UNLV more now and feel more invested after having served as an ambassador. I would not have thought to be a donating alumni to the graduate college before this experience but I plan to do so now.  I hope to also continue attending events on my own as an alumni."
  • "Grad Rebel Ambassadors allowed me to feel pride in my university and the Graduate College, to meet new people in other colleges and make friends, and to experience first-hand all the amazing things the students at UNLV do."
  • "The Grad Rebel Ambassadors Program has pulled me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to the larger UNLV community that I would not have taken the chance to interact with had I not join this passionate group of individuals." 
  • "For me, being a graduate student ambassador has been an enriching part of my overall UNLV experience. I've enjoyed getting to know so many other graduate students, faculty, staff and administrators and has been a great way to feel involved and contribute something to this exciting place."
  • "Earning your degree is only a small slice of grad school. You are capable of growing beyond the classroom, lab, studio, or theater. Being an ambassador supports that growth. Serving is a way to build community, support your peers, and share your story and work with others.”  - Dustin Davis
  • "The Grad Rebel Ambassadors program has had an immense impact on my graduate school experience. The program has exposed me to the best campus resources and made my grad education a fulfilling adventure. It has been a culminating experience of networking, leadership, and service. It is certainly worth it!” - Godson Ebenezer Adjovu
  • “Being a grad ambassador has helped me to develop more confidence in my professional sphere. I also had the opportunity to meet so many amazing individuals outside of my discipline which can be challenging as a graduate student.” - Torisha Khonach