Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature
The Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) is a forum for students to exchange ideas, express their opinions, and learn how Tennessee’s state government works. TISL’s Senate and House of Representatives meet in the legislative chambers of the State Capitol each November.
The University of Tennessee’s TISL chapter brings together students from across the state to engage in public policy, debate, and civic learning. Beyond participating in the legislative process, students can gain experience in lobbying, media, and the Appellate Moot Court Challenge (AMC3), simulating the full scope of state government. The organization also offers on-campus programming to help students understand the impact of policy and governance on everyday life.
TISL is open to students of all majors and interests. Whether pursuing careers in law, media, business, or simply exploring how government works, members can find meaningful roles that align with their skills and passions. Through these experiences, students develop practical skills in advocacy, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, while building connections with peers from across Tennessee.
Leadership Opportunities
There are leadership opportunities available within the organization and at the state level. TISL offers executive positions and component director roles that are elected by the delegation. At the state level, students may pursue a variety of elected and appointed positions across all components.
Membership Information
The delegation currently has approximately 24 available spots. An application will open at the beginning of the spring semester, and selections will be made based on the information provided in the submitted applications.
Current Executive Team
Ava Foley, President
Maggie Howard, Vice President
Avery Roth, Treasurer
Ali Pohland, Secretary-General
Morgan Johnson, Public Relations Director
Organization Advisor
Troy Goodale, Political Science Teaching Assistant Professor
Stay Up-To-Date
TISL communicates about the recruitment process via their social media.
TISL is a fun way to build policy writing and debate skills. Not only do you learn how to write bills, but you spend the weekend debating them with students from across the state. TISL is a great opportunity to make friends not only from your school, but from schools across the state.
AVA foley
Junior
