UPDATE (3/19/20, 10:34 a.m. EDT): Along with many of you, the NIC team has been closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19 over the past two weeks. Through this time, we have been in close communication with our various partners throughout the fraternal community and higher education as we have all worked to effectively navigate our evolving environment with a focus on health and safety concerns and supporting our partners.
Due to health and safety guidance around COVID-19, we have made the decision to cancel the announced national sessions of UIFI.
UPDATE (3/18/20, 4:48 p.m. EDT): Our friends at AFLV Connections offer some great advice if you are taking classes remotely/online (or if you are a professional working from home) for the first time. Take a quick read of “5 Ways to Get It Done, Even at Home.”
UPDATE (3/16/20, 4:47 p.m. EDT): NIC to host webinar – Staying in Touch and Navigating Remote Community Operations – As campuses have moved to remote classes and guidance related to COVID-19 continues to evolve, let’s come together to discuss resources to help you remain connected, support chapters and members in your communities, make the most of the current environment and opportunities, and navigate a challenging situation that has and will continue to upend our daily lives.
Target Audience: IFC Officers and Advisors
Two available times:
Monday, March 23, 2020 – 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. EDT
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 – 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. EDT
UPDATE (3/16/20, 2:12 p.m. EDT): Given the ongoing concerns about COVID-19, we are reviewing upcoming programming, including UIFI, and will provide additional information by Monday, March 23. We appreciate your patience as we work through the constantly shifting realities of the situation. If you have immediate questions, contact Jackie Hackett.
UPDATE (3/16/20, 1:45 p.m. EDT): To assist in the dissemination of information, the NIC has reached out to member fraternities for their guidance to chapters. We will continue to update the linked list as we receive.
UPDATE (3/11/20, 2:45 p.m. EDT): With regards to questions about member education and recruitment, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution here. Our recommendation is that chapters should reach out to their inter/national organization for guidance on completing new member education and initiation activities while following campus and local community guidance related to events and gatherings.
Dear IFC Officers & Advisors:
As you should know, colleges, universities, state and federal health officials are actively monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness COVID-19, which is very rapidly spreading in numerous countries including the United States. While the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is believed to be low at this time, the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is committed to supporting Interfraternity Councils as many colleges and universities are announcing temporary shifts to remote/online courses to minimize exposure to COVID-19 through social contact. We understand fraternity and sorority communities are going to have a lot of questions moving forward. First, guidance will vary based on decisions at individual campuses and that guidance will evolve over time. We encourage you to communicate with your Fraternity & Sorority Life staff for guidance specific to your school.
Here are some topics to consider and review with your advisor(s):
- Events: many campuses are discouraging on and off campus events. Please follow recommendations from your institution on social engagements, philanthropy events and gatherings.
- Meetings: if your school recommends cancelling all in-person meetings/gatherings, you may want to consider having remote, web-based meetings. We recommend reading this article that highlights the best way to engage remote meetings.
- Housing: individual chapters should seek guidance from the school, their inter/national headquarters and/or their local house corporation.
Additionally, we encourage you to review the everyday preventive actions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. Additional information and guidance: Symptoms, How it spreads, Share the Facts, Stop Fear.
The health and safety of all students is our top priority. If you have specific concerns, contact university health services or the local county health department.
We will provide updates as additional information or guidance becomes available.
Sincerely,
Will Foran
Senior Vice President of Campus Operations
