Freshman Forum serves as your opportunity to start your leadership journey at The University of Alabama. Whether this is your first experience with leadership development or you have explored multiple leadership opportunities, Freshman Forum inspires you to unleash your inner leader to make a unique and positive impact in the world while developing leadership skills. Participants learn through interactive discussion, leadership training, and civic engagement.

About Freshman Forum

Apply for Freshman Forum

Freshman Forum Application

Applications for Freshman Forum are due September 4, 2023.

Important Dates

  • Application Available: May 25, 2023
  • Application Due: September 4, 2023
  • Interview Offers: September 8, 2023
  • Interviews: September 13, 2023
  • First Session: September 20, 2023

Requirements

Before applying, please review the requirements of Freshman Forum members listed below:

  1. Attend all Sessions on Wednesdays from 4 – 5:30 p.m. from September through March.
  2. Participate in Capstone Plan Presentations.
  3. Actively engage in group Civic Engagement Projects.
  4. Pay $40 program fee. (Waivers available for fee)

Learning Outcomes

Freshman Forum participants will:

  • Formulate their personal leadership identity.
  • Design a foundational plan for their Capstone experience.
  • Build skills relevant to leadership work, including self-assessment, dialogue and listening, and critical thinking.
  • Expand their personal frame of reference to include different perspectives, values, and cultures.
  • Develop a network of peers, UA professional staff, and Tuscaloosa community members.
  • Be able to describe the importance of ethical leadership.
  • Be able to defend the importance of civic engagement.

Meet the Interns

Freshman Forum Small Groups are led by a team of Interns who are former participants in the program. Interns facilitate Freshman Forum weekly sessions and serve as mentors to students in their small groups in order to prepare them for their first year of college and future leadership opportunities.

Freshman Forum Interns