What is FLI?

The Freshman Leadership Institute (FLI) is an executive project within the Student Government Association at Florida State University. The program encompasses weekly workshops, a weekend retreat, family groups, and a peer mentor program for student participants. During the workshops students are exposed to campus resources, opportunities, leadership development activities, and much more. This unique opportunity allows freshman to make connections and build relationships with other FSU students interested in leadership development. Not only do students have the opportunity to network, but they also gain valuable knowledge and skills to leave a legacy at our University. Each summer we recruit and select about 40 freshman who will participate in the ten week program.

 

The program has three major components:

Workshops: Workshops are held for two hours once a week. The Leadership Development Model from Marquette University was adapted and used to create the curriculum.
Family Groups: Each student will be placed in a Family Group with one facilitator responsible for carrying out the duties outlined. Details of the Family Groups can be found here.
Peer Mentoring: Each participant will be paired with a Peer Mentor who will provide guidance and assistance as the student becomes more involved on campus.

Mission

The Freshman Leadership Institute’s mission aims to provide first year students with the tools to become active student leaders on campus while providing support as students adjust to the Florida State University campus and culture. With an emphasis on individual, group, and community values, students will develop a leadership identity with the support of their peers and Student Government Association staff.

Family Groups

Events and Programming

This group will plan an event with the intent of bringing freshman and other FSU students together. We will also create other social events with the purpose of building lasting relationships between the Freshman Leadership Institute Family.


Student Publications

This group will be the voice of the Freshman Leadership Institute. We will be responsible for publicizing events put on by other family groups as well as managing the Facebook page, Instagram, and various other social media.


Homecoming

This group will be in charge of not only personally participating in all of the homecoming events on campus but will also have the task of inspiring peers and fellow Noles to get involved with the events as well.

Participant Testimonies

Matilda Von Kalm


"FLI introduced me to all the opportunities FSU had to offer me, which facilitated my active involvement on campus and helped me meet most of my close friends." –Matilda Von Kalm, Fall 2014

Maurice McDaniel

"My FLI experience was filled with good times and valuable lessons. Each week was an opportunity to develop professionally and the friendships kindled inside of the Senate chambers have been amazing. I would not trade my FLI experience for the world." –Maurice McDaniel, Fall 2014

Frances Hanson

"FLI gave me a group of driven individuals to collaborate with who are as interested as encouraging campus involvement as I am. The facilitators were more than helpful and well-equipped to navigate me through my first semester and answer any questions I had about FSU." –Frances Hanson, Fall 2014

Ryan Cote

"The Freshman Leadership Institute is one of the most meaningful experiences you will have at Florida State University. It provides a strong foundation for students to take a hands-on approach towards developing themselves into exception leaders. The program exceeded my expectations and I highly advise any student to consider applying." –Ryan Cote, Fall 2014

David Walsh

"FLI not only helped me learn to be a leader, but also introduced me to some of the most passionate and talented leaders on campus. There's no better way to kick off your involvement career at FSU." –David Walsh, Fall 2014

Brooke Samolee

"FLI was the perfect way to start of my freshman year! I learned about so many opportunities and resources on campus that I might have never heard about on my own. It gave me the tools to further my success on campus and in the professional world, while introducing me to amazing mentors and friends!" –Brooke Samolee, Fall 2014

Jacqueline Faerman

“I applied for FLI with the hope of finding a program that would help me find leadership opportunities at FSU, as well as build on the skills that I had gained in high school. Not only did the program exceed my expectations, but it also helped me to meet other like-minded students I might not have met otherwise.” – Jacqueline Faerman, Fall 2013

Courtney Kantor

“Throughout my search for “the perfect college,” I was on a mission to find a school that is not only an academically strong institution, but also one with a program dedicated to citizenship and public service. FSU's Freshman Leadership Institute has taught me how to effectively communicate, negotiate, and manage conflict all while leading others. Through FLI I've had the opportunity to work outside of the classroom with diverse groups of students, and learned how to connect my everyday experiences with the academic knowledge I’ve gained, allowing me to recognize my talents and capabilities.” – Courtney Kantor, Fall 2013

Nathan Molina

“Experiencing the Freshman Leadership Institute left me with many lessons. Among them are three universally useful traits. 1) A passion for growth. 2) Knowledge of the resources available to a student. 3) Every door open in front of me.” – Nathan Molina, Fall 2013

Catherine Jones

“I remember walking around campus during the first day of my fall semester overwhelmed of what all FSU have to offer. I did not know how or where to even begin my involvement search. I heard about FLI and what it was about. I knew then that that was the perfect program to get involved in. FLI broke me out of my shy shell and helped build the skills I needed to be able to succeed at whatever I did. I met amazing faculty, many of whom I still talk to. I have an amazing FLI family and I love that we all still support each other in whatever we choose to do. The last thing FLI taught me is that leadership comes in many different forms. If it wasn't for FLI I would not have felt comfortable getting involved like I am now.” –Catherine Jones, Fall 2013

Mackenzie Cesar

“Coming to FSU, I had one little idea that meant a lot to me on how I wanted my college experience to run. That idea was to leave a meaningful legacy that would serve as positive inspiration for others. Only thing is I had absolutely no clue where and how to begin. That is what I thank FLI for, they've helped me channel my creative energy, find a small niche on campus, as well as provide the foundation that would allow me to form genuine friendships with a diverse group of emerging leaders on campus. And for that, I thank them.” –Mackenzie Cesar, Fall 2013