Freshman Forum
What is Freshman Forum?
Freshman Forum is the freshman branch of the Student Government Association. We are here to help the freshman leaders get connected around the TROY campus, in the community, and begin making lifelong friendships. Freshman Forum is made up of approximately 50 freshman and 2 directors. The members of Freshman Forum had to go through an application and interview process. Once the new members are chosen, they will go on a retreat to learn parliamentary procedure, leadership skills, and team work. It also provides the chance for you to get to know you colleagues.
Just like any other organization, Freshman Forum is made up of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and other non-executive officers. The directors are there to help the executive officers and members get everything done on the agenda and act as mentors to the freshmen.
Kristen Lambert, Freshman Forum Director, 2024-2025
Hometown: Atmore, AL
Major: Elementary Education
Classification: Sophomore
Why I chose TROY: I first came to Troy the summer before my sophomore year of high school for UCA Cheerleading Camp and fell in love with the campus. I visited many more times for HOBY, Trojan Days, and more cheer camps, and every time, Troy felt more like home. Coming from a small school in Uriah, AL, I loved the atmosphere that Troy created, having the feeling of a small town, but big possibilities. Every faculty member I met was so kind and helpful, and every student I knew who went to Troy absolutely loved it! I knew this place had to be special, and now I know that was such an understatement! There are so many ways for students to get involved on campus, no matter their interests. Troy University also offers amazing scholarships, which made it possible for me to attend. I also loved that there are so many faith-based opportunities in and around Troy, which made it feel even more like home.
Involvement and Honors at Troy: My biggest achievement during my freshman year was definitely being a Freshman Forum Delegate! I had the honor of serving as Chairwoman of the Trojan Pride Committee during my time as a delegate. I also worked at the Civic Engagement House as a Civic Scholar, and have been on the Chancellor's List for academic achievement!
Mackenzy Rhea, Freshman Forum Director, 2024-2025
Hometown: Crestview, FL
Major: Exercise Physiology: Pre-health
Classification: Freshman
Why I chose TROY: As a freshman I got asked this question a lot, and whenever I got asked I always the
same answer; the three F's, faith, family, and freedom. Troy university is not just
a school where you come to get your classes done, but a school where you make genuine
connections, and that's truly what makes Troy feel like home. With Troy being a smaller
college, it seemed so much easier to jump in and get involved compared to other campuses
and that was exactly what I was looking for. Troy could not have been a more perfect
fit for me, and I would not want to be anywhere else!
Involvement and Honors at TROY: My biggest achievement freshman year was the opportunity to be a 2024-2025 Freshman
Forum delegate, and during my time as a delegate I had the honor of being appointed
as the 2024-2025 Excellence in Leadership Conference Director. Furthermore, I was
named to the Fall 2024 Provost's list for academic achievement and served as a member
of the Student Alumni Association and the University Activities Council.
Words of Encouragement: Say YES to new experiences! College is the time to step out of your comfort zone.
Go to a random campus event, even if it's by yourself, join a club, and meet new people.
My best memories come from the things I got involved in freshman year that I had no
intention of being a part of! Also don't forget to make the most out of every opportunity!
Annual Events
Leadership Conference
The Troy Leadership Conference is Freshman Forum's marquee event, as our delegates host leaders from high schools across the Southeast. The participants attend interesting and innovative seminars on topics ranging anywhere from managing stress to building resumes. Students that attend are given a glimpse of what life is like as a Trojan and leave the conference equipped with top-notch leadership skills.
Feast with Friends
Every Thanksgiving, Freshman Forum holds Feast with Friends in order to reach out and cultivate friendships with members of Troy's International community and give them a taste of traditional American Thanksgiving food. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the feast and everyone leaves with a full belly.
Athlete Appreciation
Freshman Forum prides itself on its support of Trojan Athletics and holds multiple events throughout the year to express our gratitude for all athletes on campus.
Freshman Run
Freshman Run is one of our favorite and most well-known traditions. During the first home football game every year, new freshmen have the opportunity to run across the field and into the student section, symbolizing their becoming a part of the Trojan family.
SGA Retreat
All Freshman Forum delegates attend the SGA Retreat at the beginning of the year to foster relationships with other delegates and learn the skills necessary to be an effective leader. Where will we go next? You'll have to join to find out!
Highlights
“As Representatives of Troy University's Freshman Class, We Commit to Excellence in Leadership through Service, Enthusiasm, and Trojan Pride!”
Freshman Forum Committees
Each committee has its own responsibilities, but they come together to achieve the overall goals that Freshman Forum sets. Some of the annual events sponsored by Freshman Forum are: Retreats, “Excellence in Leadership” High School Conference, Higher Education Day, International Thanksgiving Dinner, Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Ceremony, and more. We encourage that the new members bring ideas that would promote Trojan pride!
During the fall and spring semesters the new members will be placed into different committees:
Campus Life Committee
Connects the freshman class to campus through special events.
Community Service Committee
Plans service projects on campus as well as around the city of Troy.
Public Relations Committee
Connects students on campus to freshman forum events through social media, flyers,
and banners.
Student Welfare Committee
Ambassadors to the Freshman class to handle concerns and issues regarding the entire
Freshman delegation. Will assist with the creation of Legislation.
Trojan Pride & Traditions Committee
Promotes pride and traditions through campus and athletic events.