First-Year Council

First-Year Council (FYC) is a body of first-year students who represent the perspectives and priorities of incoming students on the issues that matter most to them. Members work directly with the UASU Executive Committee, sit on official UASU committees, and contribute to real projects and decisions, all while building a network of ambitious, engaged peers who will be with you throughout your time at the U of A.

The First-Year Council is the University of Alberta Students' Union's flagship leadership opportunity for incoming students: a place to get involved from day one, build real skills, and help shape the student experience at the U of A.

No prior experience is required. Whether you've never set foot in a student government meeting or you were President of a student group, FYC is designed to welcome you in and help you grow.

• Make a real impact. FYC members provide direct input to the UASU Executive Committee and the Student’s Council, and can sit as voting members on UASU committees, shaping decisions on student governance, finance, policy, and more.
• Build your resume. Titles like FYC President, FYC Speaker, and FYC Commissioner reflect real responsibility and come with training, mentorship, and professional development to match.
• Gain training and mentorship. Members receive structured education on the UASU, university governance, and student life, along with workshops and mentorship from UASU Executives and Students' Council.
• Find your people. FYC brings together first-years from across faculties, residences, and backgrounds who share a drive to get involved -  an instant community and network for the rest of your degree.
• Launch your leadership journey. FYC is the clearest entry point into student governance at the U of A. Many future Students' Councillors, committee members, and UASU Executives may get their start here.

Applications open in August and close in mid-September. To apply, you'll need:

• A short statement of interest
• A resume outlining your academic, volunteer, extracurricular, and/or work experience

Applications are reviewed by the UASU Executive Committee, who will select 10–20 members based on demonstrated interest, reliability, diversity of experience, growth potential, and commitment to learning.

Once selected, FYC members meet each other, learn about the roles and responsibilities of FYC Officer positions, and have the opportunity to run for Officer roles, including FYC President, FYC Speaker, and FYC Commissioner positions  at their first meeting in early October.