Applications are due Sunday, September 8th, 2024 at 11:59PM!

Are you passionate about creating change at Pitt but unsure where to start? Join the First Year Council (FYC) and transform your ideas into reality! This unique opportunity is open to 12 freshmen and first-year transfer students who are eager to develop their leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of the university's operations.

As part of the FYC, you'll be at the heart of Pitt's Student Government Board (SGB), serving as the essential research and outreach branch. You'll bring a fresh first-year perspective to Student Government initiatives and have the chance to develop and lead your own projects.

Meetings will be held each week on either Friday afternoon or Sunday afternoon (the exact day/time is TBD based on the group's availability), starting the week of September 16th, 2024.

Got questions or want to learn more? Reach out to Jaydep Halder (SGB Chief of Staff) at JAH380@pitt.edu or Maddie McCann-Colvard (SGB Board Member) at LMM290@pitt.edu. Don't miss this chance to make a meaningful impact on your campus!

Personal Information:

Academic Information:

 

Expectations And Commitments For The FYC:

Joining the First Year Council requires a commitment of approximately 3-5 hours each week. As an FYC member, you will:

1. Understand and Engage with SGB Operations: Gain an in-depth understanding of Student Government Board (SGB) operations and stay updated on current initiatives.
2. Enhance Campus Connections: Play a pivotal role in SGB’s outreach efforts, strengthening relationships across the campus community.
3. Contribute to Research and Ongoing Projects: Collaborate on various SGB projects, providing essential research support as directed by the SGB Board and the Chief of Staff.
4. Initiate and Implement Projects: With the guidance of the SGB Board and Chief of Staff, plan and execute meaningful initiatives that positively impact Pitt student life.
5. Participate in Committees: Actively contribute to at least one Conditional Committee by attending weekly meetings and bringing fresh perspectives.
6. Join SGB Public Meetings: Be present at a minimum of one SGB Public Meeting each month (every Tuesday at 8:45 pm), staying engaged with the broader student governance discussions.
7. Attend FYC Meetings: Join your peers for weekly FYC meetings (exact day/time TBD), where you will discuss progress and plan future activities.

Balancing these responsibilities alongside your other commitments is crucial. To ensure you can meet these expectations, please provide a detailed outline of all activities you plan to be involved in during the 2024-2025 academic year that require mandatory meetings.

Essay Questions For The FYC:

Please attach your responses (250 words per question) as a PDF or Word document. At Pitt, we celebrate the diversity and unique experiences of our students. We encourage you to share what personally inspires and motivates you!

1. Describe your journey to Pitt. What issue, experience, or passion has been your driving force, and how have you pursued it?
2. Identify an area for improvement at Pitt. In your short time here, what have you noticed that could be better? Whether it's a small tweak or a big change, explain why it's a problem and its potential impact on students.

After an initial review of applications, interviews will be conducted on Saturday, September 14th, and Sunday, September 15th, in the Student Government Board office (WPU 848). Final selections will be announced the week of September 16th. Best of luck on your application!