About the Hosts Program

In the fall of 1998, the Office of the President initiated a student hosting program designed to create opportunities for students to connect with University leaders, alumni, and invited community guests. Supported by the Office of Public Affairs and University Relations, these student hosts were expected to become both an inclusive and select group of students, representing the diverse opinions, thoughts, values, and realities of the Brown experience. Meeting and greeting guests at University events and ceremonies, these student hosts would become the ambassadors and representatives of the University. Presidential Hosts are committed and dedicated students who have been nominated by faculty, staff and currently serving Presidential Hosts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Presidential Hosting entails a variety of responsibilities ranging from meeting and greeting at lectures, receptions, private dinners, and award ceremonies. Hosts also assist with the logistics of an event to ensure that the event runs smoothly. The Office of University Events relies on Presidential Hosts to give visitors a sense of the qualities and the unique ideas of the Brown student community. In turn, Hosts are gaining valuable interpersonal skills and an opportunity to learn more about planning and executing a Presidential event.

Each year, the Office of the President and University Events jointly work together with a select group of Presidential Hosts. The application process is both competitive and rigorous. The Presidential Host role requires lots of effort, enthusiasm, energy, poise, and time. Despite seeming simple, the role of a Presidential Host is a very important one. In most instances, Hosts are the first and last contact a visitor or community member will have with Brown. In addition, Presidential Hosts represent the Brown student community.