The Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) is a forum for students to exchange ideas, debate policies, and learn firsthand how government works. First convening in 1966, TISL's Senate and House of Representatives meet in the legislative chambers of the State Capitol in Nashville each November. Delegates simulate the role of policymakers, constructively collaborating with other members as they work to enact legislation. Lobbyists representing particular interests try to influence the passage of bills. The Tennessee Intercollegiate Supreme Court, the judicial branch of TISL, presides over the Appellate Moot Court Collegiate Challenge (AMC3) when the TISL legislature meets. AMC3 is a moot court competition for non-law students. Colleges form teams of two to five members to prepare a brief and argue for the petitioner and respondent before the Court. TISL Media entails producers, editors, and reporters who communicate about critical events at TISL, including videos, a printed newsletter, blogging, and Twitter. Selected by their peers, student officers play a primary role in running programs throughout the year by holding regular meetings with members, managing the submission of bills, and overseeing the delegation’s trip to TISL.
Rhodes TISL Delegation
In 2011, Rhodes College sent its first delegation to the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature under the leadership of faculty advisor Professor Stephen Wirls and student Betsy Swann. Since then, the Rhodes delegation has passed legislation, competed in the Appellate Moot Court Collegiate Challenge, lobbied on behalf of bills, participated in TISL media, and elected Rhodes students as leaders of the organization.
Rhodes TISL gives students the ability to learn more about government and law by preparing legal briefs and legislation, running for office, and practicing lobbying and journalism skills. The program culminates in a four-day general assembly in Nashville, Tennessee, each fall.
For more information about the state-wide organization, please visit them online at Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature.
To get in touch with the Rhodes TISL delegation, please visit their organization page on Presence.
What are the advantages of joining the Rhodes delegation to the Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL)?
Rhodes TISL provides a range of opportunities for students interested in law, politics, journalism, and more to gain leadership and public speaking experience. Rhodes TISL is an excellent way for a student of ANY major to learn more about government and meet students from colleges and universities across the state.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment for TISL varies depending on the specific program a student chooses. The Appellate Moot Court Collegiate Challenge (AMC3) meets once weekly from September through November. Legislative, Lobbying, and Media are comparatively lighter but require student participants to author at least one piece of legislation for the General Assembly. The leadership of the Rhodes delegation to TISL is always willing to work with students regarding scheduling conflicts and other concerns.
Additionally, because the TISL General Assembly takes place in mid-November, the fall semester is busier than the spring semester. During the spring, elections are held for leadership positions within the Rhodes delegation as well as the opportunity to travel to Nashville for a brief conference where students learn more about TISL.
How can TISL help me after I graduate?
Rhodes TISL alumni pursue a variety of paths post-graduation. Law school, jobs in Washington, D.C., teaching abroad, and graduate school are just a few of the many career paths that recent TISL alumni are involved in. The statewide TISL organization works diligently to maintain a strong alumni network that often proves useful for Rhodes students.
For more information on TISL please contact our TISL Advisor Dr. Thomas Goodman or our Department Assistant Mrs. Hannah Guess.
2025 TISL Delegation
Members:
Hannah Davis (head delegate), Caroline Schow, Hunter Rheinfrank, YaMiya Shears, Eleanor Knight, Sofia Lewis, Sofia Aguilar, Ivannah Jacob, Carlos Campbell, Chloe Weisinger, Sage Dassinger, and Lu McNulty.
2024 Delegation
Members:
Macy Tidmore, Hannah Davis, Hunter Rheinfrank, Eleanor Knight, Sofia Lewis, Riley Posey, Matthew Baymiller, Mark Cole, Lu McNulty, and Johan Gigme
Achievements:
The following students were recognized as outstanding delegates:
Hunter Rheinfrank - Best Lobbying CEO
Sofia Lewis - Best Media Reporter
2023 Delegation
Members:
Keaton Dicapo, Kate Atchison, Matthew Baymiller, Lu Benedetto McNulty, Mark Cole, Hannah Davis, Diego Donald, Lucy Fornetti, Eleanor Knight, Hannah Koonce, Sophia Rall, Chapman Reeves, Hunter Rheinfrank, Hayden Summers, Macy Tidmore
Achievements:
The following students were elected for office or recognized as outstanding delegates:
Chapman Reeves - Chief Clerk of House
Macy Tidmore - Speaker Pro Tempore of Senate
Eleanor Knight - Best Featured Story
Lu McNulty - Douglas Carlisle Award
Hunter Rheinfrank - Top Overall Lobbyist
Diego Donald - Outstanding Lobbyist