For many students, the acronym FASET (familiarization and adaptation to the surroundings and environs of Tech) sparks memories of first-year orientation. As a rite of passage into the Institute, FASET welcomes and introduces all incoming students and their families to the Yellow Jacket community — and it takes the effort and enthusiasm of current students to make it a welcoming experience.

Applications are now open for leaders for summer 2017. Regardless of how students recall their FASET experience, all are invited to apply to be FASET leaders. The FASET staff is looking to add students of all personality types, backgrounds, years, and majors. Applications are due by Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. and can be found here.

Allie Pope, a third-year mechanical engineering major, got involved with FASET after a friend encouraged her to apply during her first year at Tech. She’s been on the FASET staff for two years and is a member of FASET cabinet for this summer.

“FASET can offer different things to everyone,” Pope said. “My first year on staff showed me that I had made the right choice by coming to Georgia Tech. All of the students and guests I met were so excited to begin their journey, and I was excited to share a part of my journey with them.”

FASET reignited Pope’s passion for Tech. “After a challenging second year, FASET showed me why I love Tech so much. It provided me with a network of leaders that became my Georgia Tech family.”

Her favorite FASET memory is from her first training two years ago. She initially knew only one person on staff but hoped to be accepted by others. As soon as she walked into the training room, she felt at home.

“Everyone was so excited to be there and so friendly,” she said. “We began the training as strangers and were group hugging by the time we left.”

Students who are considering applying to be a leader, Pope said, “need to have a willingness to learn from others. There is a constant inflow of new information, emotions, and lessons coming from other students and leaders and it takes a lot to process it all.” Having an open mind, Pope believes, makes for the best experience. 

Emeritus Morris, a second-year industrial engineering major, joined the FASET leadership team with the support of upperclassmen role models.

“When I went through FASET I was too intimidated to get into the program, so I thought that becoming a leader would be my chance to overcome my apprehensions and gain the leadership skills that I saw in my friends.”

He encourages other students to apply for the “life-changing experience” of FASET. He said, “The reward of knowing that you get to make an impression on more than 95 percent of incoming first-year students is amazing.”

He also noted that FASET orientations do not fill the entire summer. “We understand that FASET leaders are Georgia Tech students first, so we have flexibility for people to take classes or work while being on staff." There are seven trainings spread throughout the summer, starting in the spring semester and running through June, along with 11 sessions of FASET in July and early August.

Morris’ favorite FASET memory was a silent disco in “Club Love” during the fourth FASET of Summer 2016. “We had way too few headphones for the amount of people, so most of the leaders and incoming students could not hear the music playing. Luckily, this didn’t stop anyone from dancing their hearts out. It was great to see first-years that were too reserved to participate in ice breakers just hours before throw away their inhibitions and dance!”

Prospective FASET leaders, Morris said, “should be genuine and open to learning.” He said, “A cookie-cutter FASET leader does not exist. Whether you are quiet, reserved, loud, or ‘extra’, if FASET peaks your interest, you should apply.”

Learn more about the role and requirements of FASET leaders here.