North-American Interfraternity Conference - advocate • collaborate • educate

Attending UIFI

UIFI's main purpose is to inspire and educate the current generation of fraternity and sorority leaders to become dedicated, courageous, and principled builders of the future.

UIFI is the premier leadership development experience for fraternity and sorority members, and is an experience unlike any other. It is not a conference. It is not a workshop. It is a uniquely holistic journey that you share with other interfraternal brothers and sisters. A UIFI graduate not only learns important leadership lessons, but also reaches deep insides him/herself to find their true fraternal calling. He or she is changed forever.

Your journey will include discussions on purpose, courage, leadership, integrity, and vision. Your work will be done both in full-group sessions and in small discussion groups called "chapters." You will interact with peers from all over North America and with mentors that work professionally in fraternity and sorority life.

You will learn skills, theories, principles, and methods. You will provide wisdom, experience, and enthusiasm. You need a willingness to change yourself, your chapter, and your fraternity / sorority community. This is not an introductory experience - it is for those who are ready to realize the potential of themselves and their fraternity or sorority.

Why attend UIFI?

UIFI will challenge you intellectually, emotionally, and physically. You will develop your leadership skills, UIFI will teach you about resolving complex issues, grow your confidence, enhance your critical thinking ability, and build your courage. You will also increase your network of relationships that can help you reach your potential and attain your goals.

UIFI makes a difference. Consider these survey results from 2009 participants:

• 97% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they are a better leader because of UIFI.
• 98% agreed or strongly agreed that UIFI deepened their commitment to Greek life.
• 98% would recommend UIFI to a peer.

Participants rated strong growth in a variety of areas including:

• My personal leadership ability
• My personal courage
• Ability to develop a vision
• My personal commitment to integrity as a leader
• My appreciation for myself
• My personal commitment to leaving a legacy
• My commitment to living my ritual
• My appreciation for my own fraternity/sorority

• My appreciation for Greek life

Curriculum

UIFI is experiential. It will not feel like a classroom experience, or a simple retreat. It is complex and each day builds upon the one it follows. Time is devoted to written reflection, verbal discussions, active challenges, and personal introspection. There are times to think about the big picture, and times to think about issues on a smaller scale. There are times to be serious, and times to let it loose. There is also unstructured time to build natural connections with friends and mentors.

UIFI Curriculum Highlights:

DAY ONE

On the first day, steps are taken to build a strong learning community through activities and challenges. Trust is developed and relationships are forged. We explore what it means to be a revolutionary leader.

DAY TWO

The second day begins with an exploration of leadership and then the critical issues faced by groups that work together. During Day Two, we examine the role that courage plays in ethical and revolutionary leadership. Participants also discuss how values, ethics, and integrity connect with leadership. The harsh realities of the current state of fraternity/sorority life are held up against the ideal visions our founders passed on to us.

DAY THREE

The third day is a day about values, community, and Ritual. A longstanding UIFI tradition, "Into the Streets" kick-starts a morning devoted to the key tenets of service and philanthropy. Notions of "community" are established and the presence of Ritual in today's fraternity/sorority is examined.

DAY FOUR

Day four is about action and results. We will focus on creating lasting change and this is when participants create an "Action Plan " which will be their guidepost as they enact change back on their campus. Time is spent in small group discussions, personal reflections, and one-on-one consultations with the session facilitators. The day concludes with a social event to celebrate the relationships and commitments that were established.

DAY FIVE

The final day is about all of the days that follow UIFI. It is about graduating from the UIFI experience and looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

Attending UIFI

All undergraduate members of fraternal organizations (fraternities, sororities, multi-cultural fraternal groups, local groups) are eligible and encouraged to attend UIFI.

Each summer there are several sessions of UIFI to choose from. Each session only has a specific number of openings, so act fast to get the session you want. Information about 2010 session dates and locations is available below.

Registration Process and Fees

The registration fee includes lodging and meals for the duration of the institute. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses.  Program fees for are:

INTERCHANGE MEMBERS

• $450 if submitted prior to April 30
• $525 if submitted after May 1

NON-INTERCHANGE MEMBERS

• $525

If you are not sure if your college/university is an Interchange Member, contact the NIC.

Once your registration is processed, and your session is confirmed, your registration cannot be cancelled. However, it can be transferred to another individual up to 14 days before the session begins.

Register by completing the online form here.  Payment can be made with credit card or check.

Session Dates and Location

All 2010 sessions will be held on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.  The dates for UIFI 2010 are:

• Session 1: May 15-19
• Session 2: May 19-23
• Session 3: May 22-26
• Session 4: June 5-9
• Session 5: June 9-13
• Session 6: July 7-11
• Session 7: July 9-14
• Session 8: July 14-18
• Session 9: July 21-25

Travel details

Your confirmation letter will contain specific travel information for your particular session. Do not make any travel arrangements prior to receiving this letter.

Substance Free Expectation

UIFI is a drug and alcohol free educational program and environment. All participants, regardless of age, are not to bring or use alcohol or drugs during the institute. There are no exceptions. Violation of this policy results in expulsion from the session at one's own expense.

Ready to Apply?

You can apply for UIFI 2010 by clicking here