MSC FISH – MSC Freshmen in Service and Hosting – Freshman Leadership Advisory Council

Why apply to MSC FISH?

Freshmen should apply to MSC FISH because we are dedicated to providing leadership opportunities that enhance purpose and identity through community service and program development on campus and in the Bryan/College Station community. Freshmen participate in weekly service in the Bryan/College Station area, as well as out-of-town weekend service experiences. They also gain hands-on programming experience through the production and implementation of several major on-campus events. Two of our events are targeted directly at the FLO community: FLO Bowl – a powderpuff football and cheer competition that serves as the major fundraiser for Kyle Field Day (KFD) Service FLO Down – a one-day service event at Rudder Fountain where FLOs host booths for small service projects Kyle Field Day is a one-day service event in the Kyle Field concourse benefiting over 50 nonprofits and organizations. Over 2,000 students, staff, and community members attend annually to engage in service and learn ways to stay involved in the community. FISH also hosts Run the Ramps, a 5K through Kyle Field with over 500 attendees. MSC FISH provides a unique opportunity for freshmen to build a community at Texas A&M that carries through their first year and beyond through social events, retreats, road trips, and football games facilitated by small groups and Big/Little pairings. At the same time, we develop professional skills such as communication, project management, marketing, and team-building to prepare members for success at Texas A&M and beyond.

Fall Application & Informational Schedule

About MSC FISH

To provide a glimpse into what the experience of being in MSC FISH looks like, the FLO’s Student Leaders completed an assessment of their previous year. The following should be used as information to help you make an informed decision about being a member of MSC FISH, but please note that your experience may look different.

What does a “week in MSC FISH” look like?

In a typical week, MSC FISH freshmen attend a general committee meeting and subcommittee meetings, complete subcommittee work, and participate in weekly service.

Freshmen are required to complete 18 service hours in the fall and 23 service hours in the spring, averaging about 2 hours per week.

Subcommittee meeting: 1 hour (Sundays)
General committee meeting: 1 hour (Wednesdays)
Subcommittee work: 20 minutes–1 hour (varies by season)
Weekly service: ~2 hours (sign-up based on availability)

What did the remote experience look like due to COVID-19?

During our time away from campus, MSC FISH remained committed to maintaining community and purpose in an online format while continuing to uphold our pillars of service, leadership, and social connection.

Kyle Field Day transitioned into a virtual format hosted on the Family Weekend website, providing access to small-scale service projects benefiting various nonprofits. We also introduced “Afternoons at the Aquarium,” a program where freshmen facilitated Zoom activities for families in the Bryan/College Station area.

Weekly meetings continued, including guest speakers such as a former MSC FISH member who shared her experience as an ICU nurse during COVID-19. Freshmen also gave presentations on leadership styles, and we hosted an online banquet where annual awards were presented.

To maintain engagement, we organized online game tournaments, Netflix watch parties, and Zoom social events, including weekly Pictionary, Jackbox games, and “fireside chats.” The MSC also supported members with academic resources and services such as internet assistance to ensure access during remote learning.

Organization Size

Position	*Freshmen*	*Counselors*	*Executives*
# Students	80	16	8

Being involved with MSC FISH I can expect to pay…

Dues & Known Costs

· Fall Semester: $85

· Events: $55

· Apparel: $100

Financial Aid

(if available)

MSC FISH offers scholarships to members with financial need, including deferred payments, reduced dues, or full financial assistance in some cases. The organization is supported by two endowments that help reduce reliance on dues. Dues directly support retreats, meetings, professional development, administrative costs, and committee apparel. Additional apparel is optional.

Does MSC FISH have a Big/Little Program?

Yes

What does the Big/Little Experience entail?

Freshmen and Bigs get to know each other over a week or two before submitting preferences. Staff then pair Bigs and Littles based on those preferences.

Before Rev Night, Bigs surprise their Littles with gifts. At Rev Night, freshmen dress according to a theme that matches their Bigs.

Throughout the year, Bigs invite Littles to hang out, attend at least one general committee meeting per semester, and participate in bonding events. In the spring, Bigs and Littles complete a service project at the Brazos Valley Food Bank.

Want to learn more?

Attend the FLAC Coordinated livestreams, informationals, and reach out to the student leaders using the contact information available on this page. Find the full recruitment schedule here.

FLO Evaluation

FLOs are evaluated yearly based on several factors. Three of these factors are Leadership, Service, and Social. Here is what last year’s members experienced in these areas:

Leadership

Freshmen-led general meetings (4–6 per year)
Internal workshops (4–5 per year) on professionalism, diversity, etc.
Leadership roundtables (2–3 per year) with guest speakers
Winter Service Retreat planning and execution
Run the Ramps 5K planning (Kyle Field)
Outreach subcommittee fundraising and sponsorship work
Professional mentorship program with alumni
Various leadership speakers and trainings throughout the year

Service

Service FLO Down (fall)
Kyle Field Day (spring)
FLO Bowl donation drive (Carly’s Way)
Jones Elementary Lunch Buddies (year-round)
Afternoons at the Aquarium (virtual service program)
Fall service project (Isaiah’s Place)

Social

Co-FLO service project
FLO Bowl
Sock Game
Weekly Lunch Buddies
All-group bonding events (5–6 per year)
Fishentines
Intramurals
Participation in Digs and Gigs, FLO Cup, Mr. FLO, and All-FLO Picnic