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.
Kendall Ard, Freshman Forum Director, 2024-2025
Hometown: Destin, FL
Major: Global Business Marketing
Classification: Sophomore
Why I chose TROY: I get this question a lot, especially being that I am an out-of-state student. When I was searching for colleges in my junior year of high school, I had originally planned to attend a Florida school. I did not want to be too far from home because I knew I would miss the beach too much. Then I came across Troy and decided to do some more research. I quickly became intrigued with all that I saw online and asked my parents to drive me up for a tour. During my tour, I fell in love with the campus and truly felt at home. The staff was so attentive and showed me that Troy really was the perfect fit for me. We also learned the amazing scholarship opportunities Troy has to offer, which made it possible for me to attend Troy!
Involvement and Honors at TROY: My proudest accomplishment of my freshman year was being a 2023-2024 Freshman Forum delegate. I served on the Public Relations committee and had the great honor of receiving the first Barbara Patterson Leadership Award. I am also a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and Student Alumni Association.
Words of Encouragement: My favorite line and best advice about starting freshman year: College is what you make it! Get as involved as you can, meet as many people as possible, and make connections that will last a lifetime. Do not be afraid to be outgoing because you will find the people that make life so much sweeter! Through Freshman Forum, I met my absolute best friends that I cannot imagine living life without!
Colton Lindsey, Freshman Forum Director, 2024-2025
Hometown: Cullman, AL
Major: Global Business Management
Classification: Sophomore
Why I chose TROY: My first time on Campus was the summer leading up to my senior year in high school. I came to Troy for 85th American Legion Alabama Boys State. The moment I stepped on campus, I knew Troy was the school I wanted to attend. Coming from a small town, I knew I wanted to attend a University that was similar. Troy is a great place if you are looking for smaller classes and building relationships with professors. I can honestly say that coming to Troy was one of the best decisions I have ever made!
Involvement and Honors at TROY: During my Freshman year, one of my biggest accomplishments was being named to the Fall 2023 Provost's List. This achievement is given to students who had at least 3.65 GPA for the Fall semester. During my time in Freshman Forum, I was named the 2023-2024 Excellence in Leadership Conference Director. I am currently a member of FarmHouse Fraternity and serve as the Vice-President of Recruitment for the Student Alumni Association.
Words of Encouragement: My advice would be to get out of your comfort zone. College is really about getting to meet new people and try new things. Coming into college, I had no intention of joining Freshman Forum or Greek Life, but I can confidently say both organizations have made my time at Troy enjoyable. The experience that you will have at Troy is all about what you make it!
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.