North-American Interfraternity Conference - advocate • collaborate • educate

Facilitating at UIFI

What is the role of the UIFI Facilitator?

The UIFI facilitator performs one of the most important roles of the UIFI curriculum: assisting the undergraduate students in developing key leadership skills, fostering a heightened awareness of critical issues, and helping students apply their newly refined skills to the issues confronting them and their Fraternity/Sorority community.

Each UIFI session attracts approximately 75 fraternity/sorority community leaders from throughout North America .  This group of delegates is then divided into smaller groups called chapters.  Facilitators are paired together and assigned a chapter of 10-12 students with which to work throughout the program.  Daily large group general sessions presented to all delegates are complemented by small group discussions and processing, which occur in the chapter meetings.

The primary role of the facilitator is, with his/her partner, to prepare and conduct the chapter meetings that occur throughout UIFI and are outlined in the UIFI Curriculum.  Facilitators are also asked to assist with topical discussions and other components of the general sessions.

What will I gain from being a UIFI Facilitator?

Facilitators often find the UIFI experience to be as enriching as it is to the undergraduate participants. This is because of the learning environment, the forward-thinking nature of the curriculum, and the heart and passion of the undergraduate participants. UIFI is an opportunity to break away from the day-to-day business of the office and be amongst colleagues and students who share a passion for Greek life. You will find professional development through your interactions with colleagues from across the country, the practice and development of facilitation skills, and structured conversations about the nature of our work. Many facilitators also find pieces of the UIFI curriculum which they can take back to their work.

Who is eligible to be a Facilitator?

Campus professionals, graduate students, fraternity/sorority staff, consultants, and volunteers are all eligible and encouraged to apply. Only undergraduate students are not permitted to serve as a facilitator at UIFI.  In addition, individuals who work with non-profit organization that connect with college students, as well as employees of businesses that cater to college students, are eligible as well. There is no requisite age or experience level. Facilitators also do not need to be affiliated with a fraternity or sorority.

What are the expectations of facilitators?

Besides bringing a positive attitude and willingness to work hard and have fun, we also expect the following:

0. Review all advance mailings and training materials prior to arriving for your session.
0. Adhere to the curriculum developed by the NIC. This includes conducting all exercises, meetings, and small group activities as outlined in the facilitator guide, and not omitting or adding curriculum pieces without the expressed approval of the Session Coordinators.
0. Keep in contact with the students from your UIFI chapter at least three times per year following the UIFI program.
0. Participate fully in the UIFI session from beginning to end. Participate in all activities and meetings and make yourself available to participants during free time. Facilitators must agree to not conduct business (i.e. use of cell phones, email) during UIFI activities.
0. Respect the policies and procedures of the North-American Interfraternity Conference and all other national entities connected to the Facilitator's affiliation.
0. Live in the chapter house during the entire program. Eat all meals with session participants, sleep in provided housing (Note: Some of our sessions will only offer sleeping porch/cold dorm sleeping rooms and multi-use bathroom facilities).
0. Support the substance-free policy of UIFI.  Share this expectation with students and assist in holding them accountable to it.
0. Campus fraternity/sorority advisors should register at least one student from your campus and fraternity/sorority volunteers/staff should encourage your organization to sponsor students of your affiliation to participate in UIFI.
0. Facilitators are expected to cover their own travel expenses to and from the UIFI host sites.  NIC covers all lodging and meal expenses and provides materials for the program.
0. Facilitators who drive may be asked to assist with special situations such as providing transportation for airport runs, service projects, etc.

How do I apply?

The deadline for Facilitator Applications for UIFI 2010 has passed.  Facilitator selection will occur in mid-March and all facilitators will know their status by the end of March.