Aggie Diplomat Program – Questions & Answers

¶       Why become an Aggie Diplomat?

We all work at a large, complex, and exciting University. There is more happening at North Carolina A&T every day than any of us can fathom. What if you were given an opportunity to learn more about what happens here? What if you were given an opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people – people you probably see on the sidewalk now, but don’t know? Would you take advantage of that opportunity? If you are a full-time staff member at the University, the Aggie Diplomats Program has been designed to provide you that opportunity. Just take a look at the curriculum and decide for yourself.

While the program has been designed and will be coordinated by the Department of Human Resources, departments and individuals from throughout the campus are participating in the delivery of the curriculum to ensure participants receive a 360-degree view of the University.

We think that as you learn more about your University, your appreciation for what it does, how things happen, and how you contribute toward its mission will grow. Graduates will truly become "Diplomats" for the University.

¶       Who is eligible to participate in the Aggie Diplomats Program?

Any full-time staff member who has been employed full-time for a minimum of one year by the start date of that year's program is eligible to apply. Staff from every job category is eligible to participate.

¶       How much of my time will it take to participate in the program if I’m selected?

The program will consist of 12 "program days" or sessions. These days will typically begin at 8:30 a.m. and end by 4:30 p.m., but some days may vary a bit. One session will be held each month, beginning in March of each year and ending in February of the following year.

Each class member will work with their "team" on a project on the scheduled program days.

Staff considering the program is strongly encouraged to check their schedules against the scheduled program dates. Class members are allowed to miss no more than two days within the program to graduate from the Aggie Diplomats Program.

¶       How often will you offer the program?

The development of the program was funded by a FUTURES Venture Grant. It will be integrated into the university Development and Training Program.

If there is enough demand and if the program is deemed effective, we hope to offer this program every year. This determination will be made on a year-to-year basis.

¶       What will be expected of the class members after they graduate from the Aggie Diplomats Program?

Graduates of the Aggie Diplomats Program may be asked to assist in the coordination of future year’s sessions. Individuals exhibiting leadership potential within the program may be asked to lead special projects within the University in the future.

¶       How do I apply?

Application forms are available in the Department of Human Resources (1020 E. Wendover Avenue) and on the web at http://facultypages.ncat.edu/hr/Aggie_Diplomats.

Applications must be received in the Department of Human Resources by January 12, 2006, to be considered for the class of 2007.

¶       How are program participants selected?

Membership for each class will be selected by the Aggie Diplomats Program Advisory Committee. A diverse class composition is desired, so staff from a variety of job types and departments will be selected from the applicant pool. Staff should consider it an honor to be selected for this program.

¶       How many participants will be selected for each class?

Thirty-six staff will be selected for the program each year. These individuals will form that year’s "class" and will go through the year-long program together as a group.

¶       When will I be notified that I was either selected or not selected for the program?

We will notify applicants by February 2, 2006, as to whether they were selected for the next year’s program.

¶       What if I apply, but am not selected for the program?

Since each year’s class consists of only 36 participants, not all applicants can be selected each year. Selection into the Aggie Diplomats Program is considered an honor. Not being selected into a class should not be construed as meaning you are not worthy of the program. If you are not selected, you are encouraged to apply again the following year.

¶       Who do I contact if I have additional questions about the Aggie Diplomats Program?

You may direct any questions about the program to:

Kathryn Webb Evans

Department of Human Resources

334-7862

kwevans@ncat.edu