ASU students desiring downtown restaurant recommendations, directions to the DASH shuttle or event information can get help fast and free from a Copper Square Ambassador.
The ambassadors are a "roving concierge service for Copper Square [in] downtown Phoenix," said Samantha Jackson, ambassador program manager.
People ask for parking recommendations and directions to different ASU buildings — especially the bookstore — and recently there have been a few calls from parents and students looking for downtown housing options, Jackson said.
According to Copper Square's Web site, the ambassadors receive more than 160 hours of training in public safety, crime prevention, first aid and CPR. Each ambassador carries maps, a schedule of events, business directories, dining guides and a two-way radio.
But, as ambassador Sylvia Hays pointed out, "training is ongoing."
The ambassadors need to be able to always answer the question: "What is there to do around here?"
In addition to their concierge duties, ambassadors serve as security escorts for ASU students through the "Pal Around" service. Students call or e-mail the ambassadors to request an escort to or from their destinations.
The service, which is more popular at night than during the day, is intended to help those who "are not comfortable with a dark spot," Hays said.
Although advanced notice is appreciated, Jackson said, it's not necessary. Some of the ambassadors are on bikes, and they can usually get anywhere in Copper Square within 10 minutes.
The ambassadors' helpfulness extends beyond Copper Square streets and onto the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus as well.
"We try our best to interact with the ASU students as much as possible," Jackson said. "We've been a part of the new-student orientations for the last few years — hosting an information table to share what services we can provide to students and their family."
Some of those services include the ambassadors' weekly online list of all the downtown happy-hour specials, live entertainment, karaoke and nightclub events, Jackson said.
They have also sponsored a "DASH and Dine" event during Fall Welcome Week, hosted a flashlight tour during Earth Hour and played dodgeball with students at RSCOM twice a year.
"Whenever there is a student activity going on, we like to participate," Jackson said.
Kimberly Novak, director of student and campus community development at the Downtown Phoenix campus, said the ambassadors are helpful downtown partners.
"ASU has benefited from their participation in welcome-week events, orientations and programs throughout the year," she said.
"I think it really adds value to the Downtown campus," Jackson said.
The ambassadors are sponsored by the Downtown Phoenix Partnership using a portion of the assessment fees of businesses operating in the 90-block area of Copper Square.
Ambassadors can be found in Copper Square wearing khaki pants or shorts and bright orange shirts that say "Ask Me!" on the back. They are on duty 365 days a year from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends.
For more information about the ambassadors or to request an escort, call 602-495-1500.
Reach the reporter at: ksarver@asu.edu.
