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    Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL)

     

    The Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature is a 60‑year‑old, student‑run General Assembly that convenes every November inside the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. Delegations from colleges and universities across the state gather for four days of debate, advocacy, and competition — all designed to give students a first-hand look at how state government works. Tennessee Tech’s delegation has been an active participant for decades, sending student senators, representatives, lobbyists, journalists, and moot‑court advocates to shape the future of Tennessee.

    Why TISL Matters

    Impact Area What It Means for Tech Students
    Leadership & Public‑Speaking Delegates draft bills, deliver floor speeches, and negotiate amendments — skills that translate directly to SGA service, graduate school, and professional careers.
    Policy Influence Dozens of TISL bills have later been introduced in the actual state legislature. Your research today can become public law tomorrow.
    Networking Students collaborate with peers from 20+ Tennessee institutions, meet state officials, and connect with alumni working in law, public service, media, and business.
    Campus Visibility Tech’s delegation has earned multiple awards, including Best Senate, Best House, and individual honors such as Carlisle Award finalist and Top Advocate in AMC³ (Appellate Moot Court Collegiate Challenge). TISL successes showcase Tennessee Tech’s commitment to civic engagement and often drive new campus initiatives when delegates return.

    Delegation Roles & Tracks

    • Legislative (Senate & House of Representatives)
      • Draft and debate bills; serve on committees; learn parliamentary procedure modeled on the actual Tennessee General Assembly.
    • Lobbyist
      • Craft advocacy plans, track legislation, and persuade legislators to support (or defeat) bills—ideal for public‑policy majors and anyone who enjoys strategic communication.
    • Media
      • Produce print, photography, video, and social‑media content covering the session; gain real‑time journalism experience.
    • Judicial (Supreme Court & the Appellate Moot Court Collegiate Challenge (AMC³))
      • Serve as justices on the TISL Supreme Court (via application).
      • AMC³: two‑person teams argue a simulated Tennessee Supreme Court case. This team is open to any major, but it is especially suited to pre‑law students.


    Experienced delegates may run statewide for positions such as Governor, Secretary of State, and Treasurer - seats Tech students have proudly held in past years.

    Who Can Join?

    Pathway Eligibility How to Get Started
    SGA‑Affiliated Delegate SGA Senators, Executive Council/Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, or any student with SGA involvement. Express interest during the beginning of the Fall Session of the SGA Senate or e-mail sgasecretary@tntech.edu.
    At‑Large Student Delegate Non‑SGA students passionate about government, law, debate, media, or advocacy — especially those who want to compete in AMC³ or serve on the lobbyist/media teams. Submit the TISL Interest Form (opens each August) or contact the SGA Secretary anytime.

    Minimum Requirements

    • Good academic standing (2.75 GPA or higher recommended)
    • Availability for weekly prep meetings (Sept. - Nov.) and the four‑day General Assembly in Nashville (usually the week before Thanksgiving).

    Note: Space is limited. Priority is given to active SGA members, but at‑large applicants are welcomed and often selected — especially for AMC³, media, and lobbyist roles.

    Annual Timeline

    Month What Happens
    April  –  May Delegation leader outlines goals for the fall.
    August Interest form opens
    September Training begins — bill writing, parliamentary drills, moot‑court brief workshops.
    October Draft legislation finalized; delegation caucus to decide bill package and roles.
    Mid‑November Travel to Nashville for TISL General Assembly (Wednesday – Saturday).
    December Delegation debrief; bills forwarded to local legislators; next‑year leadership interviews.

     

    Ready to Represent Tech?

    • Complete the TISL Interest Form (link).

    • Attend an information session or email sgasecretary@tntech.edu to schedule a meeting.

    • Indicate your preferred track—Legislator, Lobbyist, Media, or AMC³.

    • Watch your email for more details.

       

    Join us in Nashville this fall! Draft the next great idea, argue the landmark case, and show the state what Golden Eagles can do.

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