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Whether you’re new to McGill or have been here for a while, you know that there’s a lot of information you need and sometimes it gets lost in the system. Keeping up with important dates or knowing where to see an academic advisor seem like simple things, but, in reality, it can be complicated here at McGill. That’s where the McGill Ambassadors Program (MAP) comes in. This student-run initiative is working towards bridging the informational gap between McGill’s administration and the student body. That way, you won’t have to wait in long lines at Service Point to get answers to simple questions and the administration team won’t have to keep answering those questions. Her Campus McGill had the chance to sit down with two members of MAP’s team, Coorindator Marie-Laure Miro and Project Manger Yuvraj Goswami, to learn more about this exciting project.Â
Alexandra Sakellariou for Her Campus McGill (HC McGill): Can you explain what the McGill Ambassadors Program (MAP) does exactly?
Marie-Laure Miro (MM): MAP is a new student initiative that is working to make information more accessible to students. We work to bridge the gap between the administration and the student body, as at McGill a lot of the information tends to get lost in translation. We strive to keep students up to date on upcoming academic dates and deadlines. We are also hoping to create a liaison with organizations, clubs and services on campus so we can promote extracurricular activities in students’ lives.
HC McGill: How long has MAP been around and why was it started in the first place?
Yuvraj Goswami (YG): MAP was conceived as a concept in September 2014, but has grown more tangibly in the last year – with clearer objectives, modes of operations, and organizational structure. It is dynamic and believes the mandate of the body is such that it is an ever improving work-in-progress.
MM: MAP was originally thought up by the people in Service Point because they were struggling to keep up with the student demand and wanted student perspective on how information transmission to the student body could be ameliorated. From there came the idea of students helping students; we would act as a channel for the best information since we see it through student eyes and make sure to keep the best interests of the student body.
HC McGill: What does MAP hope to accomplish in the future?
YG: MAP hopes to accomplish a strong online presence in the information space for McGill University – servicing a knowledge platform from where anything concerning life at McGill can be resolved through reliable, prompt, and creative means of redirection.
MM: We eventually hope to become a fully developed website that students can go to whenever they have academic questions and a Facebook page for upcoming dates. We hope our website will become the first place students check for their information. In our early conversations, we also hoped that one day down the line, we will have a counter somehwere on campus where students can come and ask questions. Therefore they will be directed by knowledgeable students who can speak with certainty about administrative information due to our liaison with Service Point.
HC McGill: Why did you personally want to get involved with MAP?
MM: I decided to get involved because, when I heard about the goal of the project, it brought back all of these memories from my first year and how hard I found it to navigate Minerva, figure out transfer credits from high school, finding clubs I was interested in, etc. I saw a great opportunity to help current students and future students in addition to learning about McGill and its services and resources as well.
YG: Truth be told, my friend asked me to come for free bagels and coffee one day and from that information session onwards I got on board. I like the mandate of the project and the responsibilities that come with it.
HC McGill: Is MAP targeted to be a resource more for incoming or new students, or can it be beneficial to students regardless of their year?
MM: MAP is targeted to all students, however I think the students who will benefit the most will be incoming students and parents. After first year, students tend to have less questions and know the ropes, but we will be posting about resources available to older students, like graduation and requesting transcripts.
HC McGill: What is the best advice you can give to new freshmen?
MM: Get involved! I know incoming students hear this time and again, but that is how to meet people who have the same interests as you and who you truly connect with. Equally important is to talk to people. Most people at McGill have an amazing story and come from all corners of the world. Having the chance to go to a school with this much diversity is a gift we should all take advantage of.
YG: You only Freshmen once (YOFO)! Interpret wisely.
HC McGill: How can students access MAP’s resources? Such as, do you have Facebook or a website?
MM: Currently, we are posting information on Facebook. If you like our page you will get updates on important upcoming dates – that way you won’t miss anything! In the next month or so we will also be launching a website with answers to many of the questions you would normally have to ask Service Point. In the meantime, if you have any questions feel free to inbox MAP and we’ll get back to you quickly.
HC McGill: What’s your advice for someone who wants to get involved with MAP or learn more about it?
YG: Let’s meet for drinks, ASAP! Or else email or Facebook us.
MM: We are actually currently recruiting for the year to come so if you think you’d be interested in joining us please contact us by email at mcgillambassadorprogram@gmail.com. We’re currently filling the following positions:
– Assistant Editor
– Writer(s)
– First Year Reps (3)
– Clubs & Services Rep
– Assistant Video Produce
We’d love to get in touch with you, so don’t be afraid to send us an email!Â
MAP is an exciting project that is sure to simplify the lives of students and administrative staff across the McGill campus. The information they provide is crucial to smoothly sailing (or at least a little bit smoother) through this journey called University. Don’t wait until the last minute to find out about important dates or to get your credits approved! For more information on MAP, check out their Facebook page.
Images provided by interviewees.Â