FLED – Freshmen Leaders in Education and Human Development
The purpose of FLED is to connect and involve freshmen seeking a similar career path with each other. Although associated with the College of Education and Human Development, we have members from all majors and colleges. As an organization, FLED provides opportunities to develop oneself as an individual and as a leader on and off the Texas A&M campus through an emphasis on improving leadership, service, professional development, and social skills.
Why apply to FLED?
FLED does an amazing job of giving freshmen both service and social opportunities. We value the importance of giving back to the community and the university. We have weekly hangouts and holiday parties to allow freshmen opportunities to grow closer together and enjoy the social aspect of college. As an organization, we encourage the personal and professional growth of our freshmen through freshman-led events and guest speakers. FLED provides a positive environment that promotes a diverse community and friendship among all members.
Fall Application & Informational ScheduleAbout FLED
To provide a glimpse into what the experience of being in FLED 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 FLED, but please note that your experience may look different.
What does a “week in FLED” look like?
There is a weekly meeting that everyone is required to attend, with the exception that the student has a class or a university-approved excuse. We have an optional weekly hangout with the organization and a service opportunity, which may include a random act of kindness, volunteering at a local elementary school, etc.
What did the remote experience look like due to COVID-19?
At the beginning of quarantine, staff made it a point to reach out to all the freshmen and see how they were handling this situation. We kept open communication about our plans on how to stay connected and reassured them that FLED was not ending early. Although we were all saddened by the circumstances, staff stayed positive and gave the freshmen new ways to interact, including Netflix parties, weekly committee hangouts, and assigning projects for FLED. We did an end-of-year video highlighting FLED’s best moments and sharing what FLED meant to each of us. For academics, we encouraged study groups and made sure that the freshmen could reach out to us with any questions they had about their classes.
Organization Size
| Position | Freshmen | Counselors | Executives |
| # Students | 60 | 15 | 2 |
Being involved with FLED I can expect to pay…
| Dues & Known Costs | · Fall Semester: $100
· Spring Semester: $60 |
| Financial Aid
(if available) |
FLED will be putting aside money for the fall and spring dues for two of the freshmen. An application will be sent out within the first week of acceptance emails to all but is not mandatory and will include two questions. We will then review the responses and pick two recipients. For those remaining who need assistance, they can meet with the executive staff to create a financial plan where not all the money will be required at once. |
Does FLED have a Big/Little Program?
Yes
What does the Big/Little Experience entail?
At the beginning of the year, we have a Big/Little week where the Bigs and freshmen are required to attend a minimum of two events. This allows them to become acquainted and see who they best get along with. After this week, our traditions committee will pair up the freshmen with a Big. A Big will not have more than two Littles. We have biweekly opportunities to hang out with the Bigs, and we encourage the Bigs to hang out with the freshmen outside of FLED events. Bigs are held to the same policies as the staff.
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
- Opportunities to practice leadership
- Digs and Gigs – All-FLO Volleyball Tournament
- Send a Boo to your Boo – Halloween Candygrams
- Boo Bash – Trunk-or-Treat benefitting the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley
- SpikeFest – Spikeball Tournament, freshmen plan advertising for event and speak with multiple businesses to receive prizes for winners of the event
- Road Trips – Freshmen planned one road trip per semester
- Parent’s Weekend Brunch – Traditions freshmen plan and host a brunch for families in April
- Shak-a-thon : Reaching out to find sponsorships
- Apparel: Freshmen design and decide which apparel is sold
- Speakers:
- Alex Hebert – College of Education and Human Development – How to Set Priorities
- Chad Nelson – Health and Kinesiology – Taking Advantage of Opportunities
- Karina Lara – A&M Career Center – ACTivate Your Career: Career Center Overview and Resume 101
- Reuben May (Stuckey) – A&M Department of Sociology – How to Be a Leader
- CEHD Welcome Back Bash
- Fall Leadership Retreat
- Ol’ Army FLED Meeting – Freshmen split up into groups based on career paths and have the opportunity to speak to FLED alumni about their journey through college
- Resume review and interview tips
Service
- 1 Fall Service Retreat
- Boo Bash – Trunk or Treat benefitting the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley
- BUILD
- South Knoll Elementary School – Bi-monthly visits to 1st graders
- Special Olympics
- Valentine’s Day at retirement home
- Senior Olympics
- Shackathon
- DSABV Field Day – Field day with members of the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley
- DSABV Gala – Set up, tear down, assist gala benefitting the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley
- Big Event
- Book Drive and Blanket Making for Books and a Blanket
- Big Event
- Boys and Girls Club – Bi-monthly visit to after school center
- # of service hours expected of each freshman = 10
Social
- Digs and Gigs – All FLO volleyball tournament
- SpikeFest – All Student Spikeball tournament
- At least 4 Co-FLO hangouts
- Boo Bash – Trunk-or-Treat benefitting the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley
- Boo Grams – Halloween Candygrams
- Alumni Kickball Tournament
- Christmas Cook-off – Committees baked goods involving pumpkin and competed against each other
- Ski Trip
- Movie Nights