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Freshman Forum

What is Freshman Forum?

Freshman Forum is the freshman branch of the Student Government Association. This
organization exists to provide freshman leaders the opportunity to connect across Troy
University's campus and in the community. Freshman Forum is composed of approximately 50
freshmen and two sophomore directors. To be selected for Freshman Forum, potential
delegates must complete an application and participate in an interview process. Once the new
members are chosen, the organization holds meetings every week where delegates learn
parliamentary procedure, grow leadership skills, and have the opportunity to make a difference.
Freshman Forum also participates in a retreat each year that builds team bonding and
connections throughout the organization.

About Freshman Forum

The two Freshman Forum directors serve on the Student Government Association (SGA)
Executive Board, and they serve as a bridge between Freshman Forum and SGA as a whole.
Directors are lead panelists in Freshman Forum interviews, and they act as mentors for the
delegates throughout the year.

The Freshman Forum Executive Board is made up of a President, Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, Historian, and Chaplain. These positions are voted on by the delegation each year.
Auxiliary leadership positions, including Chair/Co-Chair of each committee and Excellence in
Leadership Conference Directors, are a part of the delegation as well.

Any student who is an incoming freshman in their first semester at Troy University may be appointed to the Freshman Forum. This body, similar to SGA, plans events and makes decisions regarding Troy University and its service to the community. Students apply to join the Freshman Forum during the Fall Semester in mid-August.

APPLY FOR FRESHMAN FORUM

Jaycie Smith, Freshman Forum Director, 2026-2027

Hometown: Scottsboro, AL

Major: Communications, Minoring in Public Relations and Advertising

Classification: Sophomore

Why I chose TROY: The first time I visited Troy University was when I attended Girls' State the summer before my senior year of high school. I absolutely fell in love with the campus and knew that Troy was where I was meant to be. I toured other schools when making my college decision, but I knew that my heart was already here and nowhere else could compare. Troy has a beautiful campus, incredible academics, and a wonderful staff, but most of all, Troy University feels like home. The people, the atmosphere, and the overall culture of this university are what truly drew me in from the beginning.

Involvement and Honors at Troy: Last year, I served as the Public Relations Chairwoman within Freshman Forum, which has definitely been one of my favorite experiences here at Troy so far! Outside of Student Government, I am a member of Phi Mu Kappa Gamma, where I serve as the Public Relations assistant, and an intern for the Troy Athletics Communication department, where I have served as the secondary communication contact for the Troy Men's Golf team this past year. I have also been on the Chancellor's List for academic achievement during my time at Troy!

Words of Encouragement:

Take advantage of every opportunity that you are presented with. Often, the best things can come from the most uncomfortable situations, so don't walk away from something just because you are scared of a little discomfort. You can learn, grow, and become the person you want to be by learning from experiences and the people around you in every situation. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, but being really involved in everything you do is so worth it in the end.

Josh Thompson, Freshman Forum Director, 2026-2027

Hometown: Skipperville, AL

Major: Exercise Physiology Pre-Health Occupations

Classification: Sophomore

Why I chose TROY: During my decision making process on where I wanted to continue my academic journey I looked at a few schools, but I was always unsure. Never going on an official tour with Troy, I trusted my brother and sister-in-law to show me around campus. Knowing my degree path was very well done at Troy I knew I would be in a good spot to just choose Troy and see what happens. Little did I know Troy would fit me better than I could ever imagine. Once I came to my Impact orientation session I immediately saw how much I enjoyed the culture. Connections felt easy and real, so I was confident I would enjoy my time at Troy.

Involvement and Honors at TROY: Last year I served as Freshman Forum's Vice President.
Serving as Vice President allowed me to assist in many parts of Freshman Forum, so I learned
as much as I could about the program. Now my place in Freshman Forum has opened doors on
campus and helped me develop relationships that will last. I also work for Troy at the University
Call Center as a customer service representative, I answer all calls that come through, answer
questions, and direct callers to connections on campus.

Words of Encouragement: Remember everything worth doing can be difficult, but not
everything that is difficult is the right thing to do. Learning how to manage your time wisely can
often be the key to contentment. Sometimes saying no to one obligation gives room for you to
excel in another, and sometimes doors close and the no comes from someone else- either way
contentment is success.

Excellence in Leadership Conference

The Troy University Excellence in Leadership Conference is Freshman Forum's main event. High school students from all over the state of Alabama, as well as parts of Florida, are invited to Troy University's campus for a day full of fun and impactful sessions created to foster leadership skills within young leaders. Delegates from Freshman Forum put countless hours into hosting this conference every year to make it a memorable experience for everyone involved. Throughout the day, participants will be given a tour of campus, attend breakout sessions, and hear from a keynote speaker to grow their confidence, connections, and leadership skills.

Conference Info

Welcome Home Flags in front of Quad Fountain

Annual Events

International Friendsgiving

Every November, Freshman Forum hosts International Friendsgiving, which invites all
international students on Troy University's campus to enjoy a traditional American Thanksgiving
feast. This event creates an opportunity for delegates to connect with the international
community and learn about their cultures while sharing about their own.

Freshman Run

Before the first home football game every year, Freshman Forum coordinates Freshman Run.
All freshmen have the opportunity to participate in this event. New students get to run across the
football field and into the student section together, symbolizing becoming a part of the Trojan
family.

SGA Retreat

The entire Freshman Forum delegation is encouraged to attend the Student Government
Association Retreat in the fall of each school year. This trip builds familiarity, grows connections,
and fosters relationships between the new delegates, which sets the organization up for a
successful year together. Although the location changes each year, the memories last forever.

Highlights

“As Representatives of Troy University's Freshman Class, We Commit to Excellence in Leadership through Service, Enthusiasm, and Trojan Pride!”

Freshman Forum Committees

At the beginning of each year, delegates within Freshman Forum are divided into different
committees. Each committee has different tasks and responsibilities, but together, they make
Freshman Forum a success. Responsibilities for each committee, as outlined in the Freshman Forum Constitution, are:

Campus Life Committee:
The Campus Life & Involvement Committee is responsible for planning and organizing events that involve student participation on Troy University's campus.

Community Service Committee:
The Community Service Committee is responsible for planning and organizing events that get Troy University's students involved in their surrounding community.

Public Relations Committee:
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for the publication of events and activities sponsored by Freshman Forum.

Student Welfare Committee:
The Student Welfare Committee is responsible for the creation and proposal of legislation for the welfare of the freshman class.

Trojan Pride & Traditions Committee:
The Trojan Pride and Traditions Committee is responsible for maintaining the spirit and traditions of Troy University.

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Fall 2026 Application Process

If you want to have your voice heard, enhance your leadership skills, meet new people, network and have FUN then Freshman Forum is for you!

How to Apply

Freshman Forum Applications will be available on June 1, 2026 and are due by Friday, August 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM (noon). Applications are available on our website and can be submitted online once the student has claimed his/her Troy University email address.

IMPORTANT: If you are selected for an interview, you will be notified via your TROY email. Please check that account regularly, as you will have two days to sign up for an interview time.

Interviews

If selected for an interview, the student will be notified in his/her Troy University email account to sign up for an interview date and time. From the time the email is sent to potential delegates, two days will be allotted to sign up for an interview slot. Please keep in mind that not all applicants will be selected for an interview.

Interviews will be held on the following dates:

● Monday, August 17, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
● Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
● Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Check in outside of Trojan Center 215 - From there, you will be directed to the boardroom where the interviews will be held.

*If a potential delegate is unable to make it to any of the interview dates or times provided, email
freshmanforum@troy.edu to request an alternative interview time.

Important Information about Freshman Forum

Freshman Forum meets every Tuesday at 5:00 PM, unless there is a holiday or other extenuating circumstance. We encourage you not to apply if you will be unable to meet at the designated time each week.

There is a yearly membership fee to be a member of Freshman Forum, along with a cost to
attend the fall retreat.

Application Disclaimer

The Freshman Forum application will ask you to answer four questions regarding your leadership experience. Please carefully consider your answers to these questions, and be prepared to answer them completely when you reach that part of the application. Please remember to keep all answers within the 450-character limit.

A. Why are you interested in becoming a member of Freshman Forum?
B. In addition to Freshman Forum, what other ways are you interested in being involved at Troy? (Include organizations you have already joined or hope to join. If already involved in a Greek Organization, please do not specify that organization; simply say "Greek Member.")
C. What do you hope to accomplish during your first year, and how will Freshman Forum help you accomplish your academic and career goals?
D. What is the leadership experience that you are most proud of, and how would that experience help with your membership in Freshman Forum?

Freshman Forum Constitution