First Year Council
Launched in the fall of 2019, the First Year Council (FYC) of the University of Toronto Students’ Union is a group of first-year students who plan events, organize programming, and advocate for students in their first year at the University of Toronto St. George Campus.
The FYC offers an environment where first-years can learn about student politics, university policy, campaigns and advocacy, events, leadership, and more. Any first-year student enrolled in full-time studies at the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus can apply at the beginning of each fall.
Councillors come from across the St. George Campus, offering diverse representation from various faculties and subject areas. The FYC is currently the only group of its kind at U of T, composed only of first-year students.
The Council elects a President and Vice President internally from its membership. They lead the FYC in accomplishing its goals and report to the UTSU’s Board of Directors. The Council’s committee structure allows for its members to take leadership in areas they are passionate about, including events, governance, finance, and outreach.Â
First Year Council (2021-2022)
Meet the students taking on first-year issues on campus
Hasna Hafidzah
President
Rebecca Sy
Vice-President
Cindy Lei
Chair, Events Commission
Madeline Dang
Chair, Finance Commission
Mathula Muhundan
Chair, Outreach Commission
Ezinne Arki
Chair, Policies Commission
Aarya Jha
Council Member
Alyssa Li
Council Member
Catherine King
Council Member
Emily Huynh
Council Member
Esther Kang
Council Member
Faiz Jan
Council Member
Harvi Karatha
Council Member
Niki Tang
Council Member
Paul Meyer
Council Member
Paul To La
Council Member
Shirui (Sarry) Zhong
Council Member
Taha Aboshanab
Council Member
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! The First Year Council was designed to give students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills in a constructive environment. The most important thing an applicant can demonstrate is their eagerness to be involved in the U of T community.
The President and Vice President of the First Year Council are elected at the second meeting by a vote of Council members.
Members get the opportunity to learn about student politics, gain leadership experience, and add membership on the FYC to their resume. You’ll also meet other students who are interested in getting involved in student politics more broadly. FYC members have the opportunity to chair committees of the council, which oversee everything from events and campaigns to finances and governance. The FYC enjoys a great amount of autonomy from the UTSU, which gives members a fantastic opportunity to operate an impactful organization almost entirely on their own.
Upon completion of the term, all members will receive an honorary certificate. The President and Vice-President receive a $500 honorarium for their work.
At the UTSU, we have many ways of getting involved, including the Blue Crew volunteer program which is temporarily paused due to Covid-19.
You can also visit your local student society’s website to find out if you can be a first-year representative there, or if there are other vacant positions on their council. You can also join a club, get involved with a service group, or form a club of your own!
You may reach out to president@fyc.utsu.ca and vicepresident@fyc.utsu.ca if you have any further questions.