About Pack Assessment Ambassadors

The Pack Assessment Ambassadors (PAA) facilitate student focus groups around specific pre-determined topics. Ambassadors’ work has supported multiple initiatives within DASA, such as Student Success Assessment. During spring semesters, Ambassadors examine topics that affect student success (e.g., on-campus employment, academic engagement, sense of belonging, first-generation student success). DASA Assessment staff train and collaborate with Ambassadors to carry out data collection and analysis that will help DASA better support students. Ambassadors develop desirable skills that are valued in a wide variety of career paths!

Spring 2025 Ambassadors

Students were selected for participation based on their leadership and demonstrated interest in developing assessment and research skills. The ambassadorship is a paid opportunity to gain training and hands-on experience in data collection and analysis. 

In spring 2025, the Pack Assessment Ambassadors worked on a special project that helped the Division of Academic and Student Affairs better understand transfer students’ experiences transitioning to NC State.

Ambassador Experiences

“PAA has been such an interesting experience, allowing me to discover a new type of research I had never been exposed to before now as well as providing me with an opportunity to help make the school that I love a better place… I encourage anyone who is looking for an opportunity to learn new skills in qualitative research and make changes to the NC State community to think about joining.”

– Anna, Junior, COS

“My experience as a Pack Assessment Ambassador was amazing! It equipped me with valuable skills like facilitating focus groups and coding qualitative data. The collaborative spirit within our team made every moment fulfilling as we worked toward a shared goal!”

– Caroline, Junior, CHASS

“I have gained so much from my experience as a Pack Assessment Ambassador. My favorite part is that I got to see the ‘back story’ of a qualitative data analyst team. I learned how to gather, sort, and code data… I would recommend PAA to my peers because it is a great opportunity to learn and grow as a scholar, not only as a student. You will meet great staff and peers who you can learn so much from!”

– Kelly, Sophomore, CHASS