Imagine introducing about 4,000 freshman to college life.

That’s what the 65-member Freshman Council has been doing since 1996.

“Freshman Council is here to make all-star freshman,” said Ricky Cordaro, vice president of the council and sophomore in electrical engineering.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet outstanding students and become a great leader without having a G.P.A.,” Cordaro said.

The main goal of the council is to acquaint the ISU freshman class with clubs, organizations and activities on campus.

“It’s a way for freshman to gain experience, leadership and responsibility,” said Brian Nash, council member and sophomore in mechanical engineering.

He said Freshman Council programs center around education, multi-ethnicity and philanthropy.

Changes in control of the group are in store this year, Cordaro said.

“We want to turn the control back over to the students, where earlier it rested with the adult leaders,” he said.

There have been several other changes to this year’s council. Members have just unveiled the council’s Web site, located at www.stuorg.iastate.edu/freshmancouncil. Users can join the group online.

Freshman also can stay up to date with the council’s activities by reading its newsletter, “Fresh Voices,” which is delivered monthly to their mailboxes.

The newsletter contains information on the council members, the group’s goals and upcoming programs and activities.

Although the first week of classes has just begun, the members of the council already are working on planning and recruiting.

One of the upcoming activities is Ames Bond, a program that pairs out-of-state ISU students with Ames families to help diminish homesickness.

Another upcoming project is the Sept. 1 cookie sale at Parks Library to benefit the Beloit Children’s Home.

Members also will be helping out with the Beloit Children’s Skyride on Sept. 18.

Applications for the Freshman Council are due Sept. 14.