The First Year Assembly (FYA)
Are you a new freshman or first-year transfer student eager to get involved, develop leadership skills, and make your voice heard at Tennessee Tech? The First Year Assembly (FYA) is designed specifically for you!
What is the First Year Assembly?
Established by the SGA Senate (First Year Assembly Act of 2023), the FYA is a unique Executive Program within the Student Government Association (SGA). Its primary goals are:
- Develop Future Leaders: To provide a foundational experience for students interested in potentially serving in the SGA's Executive, Legislative, or Judicial branches.
- Represent New Students: To act as a representative body for the freshman class and first-year transfer students, ensuring their perspectives are considered.
- Provide Guidance: To assist new students in navigating university life at Tennessee Tech.
Why Join FYA?
- Leadership Training: Develop essential leadership qualities through targeted workshops and hands-on experience.
- Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced SGA members and advisors.
- University & SGA Insight: Learn about TTU's resources, services, customs, traditions, and history, as well as the role and function of the SGA itself.
- Networking: Connect with fellow new students from diverse backgrounds and academic programs.
- Voice & Representation: Contribute to discussions impacting the first-year experience and provide valuable feedback to SGA leadership.
- Pathway to SGA: FYA is the primary pathway for freshmen to become Freshman Senators in the SGA Senate.
What Does the FYA Do?
FYA members meet regularly throughout the academic year. Activities typically include:
- Learning sessions about university departments and resources.
- Workshops on leadership, communication, and parliamentary procedure (using Robert's Rules of Order).
- Discussions on issues relevant to first-year students.
- Mentorship pairings or group sessions.
- Selecting nominees from its freshman membership to serve as Freshman Senators in the SGA Senate.
Who Can Join?
- Freshman Class: Students classified by Tennessee Tech as members of the freshman student body.
- First-Year Transfer Students: Students new to TTU who have transferred from another institution and may be further along in their degree program. (Note: Up to 20% of FYA membership can be transfer students).
The total membership aims to be between 25% and 50% of the total number of seats in the SGA Senate, reflecting the diversity of the incoming class.
How to Apply (Fall Semester Process)
Joining FYA is a selective process that takes place at the beginning of each Fall semester:
- Notification: The SGA Secretary will notify all eligible freshman and transfer students via university communication channels about the opportunity to apply.
- Application: Interested students submit an application form via Eagle Engage detailing their qualifications, interests, and commitment.
- Review & Interviews: A selection committee reviews applications and conducts interviews.
- Selection: The committee selects members based on their applications and interviews, aiming for a diverse and engaged cohort.