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.
Hometown: Montgomery, AL
Major: Elementary Education
Classification: Sophomore
Why I chose TROY: If I am being honest, I did not exactly choose Troy. Initially, I wanted to go to a large university a little further from home. However, Troy, being how generous they are with scholarships, offered me the most money. Because of this I decided it would be best to attend. I was not necessarily excited about attending Troy until I saw firsthand the opportunities, atmosphere, professors, students, and beautiful campus that Troy had to offer. My love for Troy continues to grow each day, and I would not attend any other university even if I had the chance!
Involvement and Honors at TROY: This past year I had the privilege of being a delegate in Freshman Forum. The connections, opportunities, and memories that came from being in the wonderful organization that is Freshman Forum is what made my freshman year the best it could have been. I am also apart of Campus Outreach and the National Society for Leadership Scholars. I look forward to serving this next school year as one of the Freshman Forum Directors and find new ways to get involved each year.
Encouragement: As an incoming freshman it is so important to get involved. It is easy to stay in your dorm room and do the bare minimum because of the fear of moving from home, being away from family and friends, and the unknown. However, it is important that you push past this fear and allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Doing so will get you involved, help in finding your group, provide opportunities and connections, boost your confidence, and will make it easier to do so the next time. College is not only about academics, although it is very important and the reason you are at school. It is also about finding who you are and making memories and friends that will last your lifetime. Troy makes it so easy to do just that. Troy is home away from home, and we cannot wait to have you!
Hometown: Fairhope, AL
Major: Communication Studies
Classification: Sophomore
Why I chose TROY: At first, I was hesitant to attend a college that I wouldn’t be able to commute to. A friend of mine planning to attend Troy invited me to come with her to visit the campus. The first aspect I noticed was how gorgeous the campus was! It reminded me of a college campus from one of my favorite old films. As soon as I stepped into the Adams Administration Building, I was greeted by so many kind faces. Immediately, Troy welcomed me into their family. Everyone was so kind, personable, and genuinely happy to be at Troy. I was also impressed with all of the opportunities available spiritually, academically, and socially. Troy was an answer to prayers, and if I was to relive my decision, I would choose to be a Troy Trojan every time!
Involvement and Honors at TROY: I found it so easy to get involved at Troy! During my first year, I served on the Community Service Committee in Freshman Forum, I was both a Global and News Desk Anchor for Troy Trojan Vision News, and I was involved in Campus Outreach. Outside of school, I attended College Street and Community Groups at Troy First Baptist Church as well as a Freshman/Sophomore small group at the Christian Student Center. I am so excited to get more involved this coming year through my service as a Trojan Ambassador and of course a Freshman Forum Director through the SGA! During my first year, I had the honors of making the Chancellor’s List (4.0 GPA), being selected as a Troy Leadership Conference Group Leader, and becoming a Millennium Scholar. I’m also blessed with the honor of giving back to Troy and Freshman Forum by being chosen as a 2020-2021 Freshman Forum Director!
Words of Encouragement: I have two very important pieces of advice. First, get involved! Everyone is in a new season of life when entering college. Some of my best memories came from organizations I had to interview for or by talking to classmates I didn’t initially know. It’s so worth it to step outside of your comfort zone. You aren’t alone! Everyone else is nervous too! Take a risk, learn from mistakes, and grow! (This is all coming from a girl who tried to avoid interviews as much as possible- I’ve now done three in the past month!) Secondly, stay true to yourself in college. Never compromise your values for the approval of others. I promise you that there are people at Troy who will support you and help you to be your best self! I can’t wait to meet all of you, 2020-2021 delegates! See you soon, and Go Trojans!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Troy's first ever Freshman Formal was held in 2018 and was an absolute hit! This event gives freshmen the opportunity to meet and dance the night away with the rest of their class. Freshman Forum looks forward to growing this event more and more each year!
Freshman Forum delegates have a blast planning and organizing Hoopcoming - the Spring homecoming for the Troy Basketball team. This event brings in a great crowd to cheer on the Trojans and all proceeds are donated to a charity of the Hoopcoming King's choosing.
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.