Become an Alliance Partner

Is your business or organization interested in the fraternal market? The North American Interfraternity Conference and Foundation for Fraternal Excellence have a wide variety of partnership opportunities available. If you answer YES to any of the following, our Alliance Partner opportunities may be a great fit for your business goals. Do you:

  • Have existing business relationships with fraternities?
  • Want to expand your reach in the fraternal market?
  • Work with college students?
  • Work with associations and higher education?
  • Have a product or service that can be used by individual members, chapters or inter/national organizations?
  • Work for a nonprofit organization looking to develop partnerships with fraternities?
  • Work with organizations to support their fundraising initiatives?
  • Have a great idea that could help advance the fraternal movement?
  • Need guidance on how to be successful in the fraternal market?
  • Want an easier way to contact organizations with 300,000 undergraduate members and 6,100 chapters on nearly 800 campuses?

ELIGIBILITY

You are eligible to become an Alliance Partner if:

  • Your company is actively engaged in the business of manufacturing, selling, distributing, or providing supplies, products or services to men’s college fraternities
  • Your nonprofit organization is actively involved in educating, informing, charitable fundraising or willing to work cooperatively with men’s college fraternities

If you’re interested in becoming an Alliance Partner, use the button below to view the Alliance Partner Guide and application for either first-time partnership or partnership renewal. For more information about partnership opportunities for both the NIC and FFE, contact FFE Executive Director Will Foran at will.foran@foundationfe.org.

DOWNLOAD ALLIANCE PARTNER GUIDE
SUBMIT ALLIANCE PARTNER APPLICATION

The Alliance Partner Guide includes partner benefits and costs by level for the 2025-26 year.

DISTINGUISHED TITANIUM AND DIAMOND ALLIANCE PARTNERS

The FFE and NIC work together to preserve the fraternity and sorority experience and invest in industry-wide initiatives that advance research and educational-based needs for students, higher education partners and interfraternal organizations. Because of this important collaboration, we created Alliance Partner categories that give partners the opportunity to engage with both organizations at the highest possible level.

  • Distinguished Titanium: Companies wishing to receive top priority would typically pay full price ($15,000 annually) to both the NIC and FFE (costing $30,000 annually). Through this partnership, top billing is now available to select Alliance Partners for $25,000 annually.
  • Distinguished Diamond: Companies wishing to receive priority would typically pay full price ($10,000 annually) to both the NIC and FFE (costing $20,000 annually). Through this partnership, distinguished billing is now available to select Alliance Partners for $15,000 annually.

IFC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

The mission of an Interfraternity Council (IFC) is to foster a healthy and vibrant fraternity community. The IFC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) provide structure and support—a baseline for policies and practices—for IFCs to operate in accordance with NIC Standards, endorsed by all inter/national member fraternities of the NIC.

Implementing the Standard Operating Procedures will help an IFC anticipate and address critical operational needs, while serving its member chapters and advocating for the fraternity experience.

IFCs should aim to align with the IFC SOP — first ensuring that baseline, Level 1 expectations are achieved, then focusing on higher-level, aspirational operations. For assistance, please contact your VP of Campus Support.

Watching April 2024 webinar on IFC SOPs.

IFC STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

IFC SOP

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Level 1

  1. IFC has in its bylaws criteria that only allows full membership to single-sex men’s organizations that align with NIC Standards. (Governance)
  2. IFC has policies and practices aligned with the NIC’s Responsible Growth and Interest Group Protocols that guarantee all students a path to IFC membership. (Membership Access)
  3. IFC pays its annual NIC dues. (Finance)
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Level 2

  1. IFC has proper insurance coverage for its officers, advisors and volunteers. (Finance)
  2. IFC has a constitution and bylaws that is reviewed annually. (Governance)
  3. IFC adopts an open bidding policy that allows member fraternities to extend bids to interested men at any time. (Recruitment)
  4. IFC has social event policies that align with the NIC’s Health and Safety Guidelines. (Health and Safety)
  5. IFC has health and safety policies that include a medical good samaritan policy. (Health and Safety)
  6. IFC has health and safety policies that include a process for implementing a temporary pause on social activities. (Health and Safety)
  7. IFC updates its contact information and chapter listing in FS Central. (Administrative)
  8. IFC Officers meet regularly with the IFC Advisor. (Leadership)
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Level 3

  1. All IFC bills are paid on time and in full. (Finance)
  2. IFC files required tax forms annually. (Finance)
  3. The IFC budget is approved annually by a vote of member chapters. (Finance)
  4. IFC operates within a financial planning framework which includes basic financial controls. (Finance)
  5. IFC provides a detailed reporting on its financial performance to all IFC delegates at least twice per term. (Finance)
  6. IFC has a governance structure which consists of chapter presidents as the primary delegate. (Governance)
  7. IFC has a clear document retention policy with centralized file storage system. (Administrative)
  8. IFC conducts an annual officer training / transition retreat. (Governance)
  9. IFC has a position responsible for planning and implementing risk management, risk prevention and student safety efforts. (Health and Safety)
  10. IFC provides health and safety education. (Health and Safety)
  11. IFC sponsors educational programs for fraternity members on alcohol, hazing, sexual misconduct and self-governance. (Programming)
  12. The IFC maintains a new member interest list. (Recruitment)
  13. The IFC recruitment officer compiles and distributes resources for chapter recruitment officers. (Recruitment)
  14. IFC completes the End of Term Report following each academic term. (Reporting)
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Level 4

  1. IFC has Policies and Programming for all-fraternity GPA to be above all-men’s average (AMA). (Academics)
  2. IFC has both a strategic communications and crisis management plan which is reviewed annually by all IFC officers and delegates. (Communications)
  3. The IFC maintains a website updated with information for members, chapters, parents, university administrators and potential members. (Communications)
  4. IFC officers conduct personal outreach to all chapter presidents and visit chapter meetings at least once a term. (Leadership)
  5. IFC sets multi-year goals that are passed on to future leadership teams. (Governance)
  6. The IFC has a service and philanthropy strategy with ongoing, active community partnerships. (Programming)
  7. The IFC provides belonging and inclusion programming and resources for member chapters (may be in conjunction with campus or fraternity/sorority community programming). (Programming)
  8. IFC provides education on peer governance to chapter leaders. (Accountability)
  9. The IFC conducts an annual goal-setting process that actively involves the chapter presidents in setting the direction and priorities for the council. (Governance)
  10. IFC has a cap on the number of events with alcohol. (Health and Safety)
  11. IFC Officers meet regularly with the counterparts on other undergraduate fraternity/sorority councils. (Leadership)
  12. IFC executes an annual marketing plan for its community. (Recruitment)
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Level 5

  1. IFC recognizes chapters for excellence in scholarship programs and high academic performance. (Academics)
  2. IFC actively partners with admissions, orientation and residence hall staff to introduce students and their families to fraternity membership. (Recruitment)
  3. IFC has in its bylaws a policy that prohibits an IFC from being involved in a sexual misconduct adjudication or hazing investigation process (Council can request an exemption to adjudicate a hazing case if it is an independent council or if the host institution does not hear organizational hazing cases). (Accountability)
  4. IFC has a community judicial policy and process with accountability mechanisms that align with NIC Standards, Position Statements and Health and Safety Guidelines. (Accountability)
  5. IFC provides judicial board training for its members. (Accountability)
  6. The IFC judicial board issues sanctions that are educational, developmental and consistent with the violation. (Accountability)
  7. The IFC judicial board uses a written sanction contract to explain the terms of each sanction and procedures for completing them. (Accountability)
  8. IFC judicial officers have a direct working relationship with campus conduct officials. (Accountability)
  9. IFC president meets annually with the university president and vice president of student affairs. (Leadership)
  10. IFC has a working relationship with undergraduate student government, programming and activities boards. (Leadership)
  11. IFC hosts an annual awards program for its member chapters (potentially in conjunction with campus recognition). (Programming)
  12. IFC submits awards applications for NIC or regional conference recognition. (Programming)
DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

IFC Insurance Program

ENABLING PEER GOVERNANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Peer governance is critical to fostering shared community standards, and the new IFC Insurance Program removes some of the barriers, putting students back in charge of setting and maintaining expectations. The NIC’s IFC Insurance Program covers officers, alumni and volunteers for most IFC-hosted programs and events, including peer monitoring, Greek Week, Homecoming activities, recruitment and philanthropic endeavors to name a few.

In many cases, the IFC and its officers, alumni advisors and volunteers are not covered by the university. If there was a claim filed against the IFC due to the operations or event hosted and sponsored by the IFC, the IFC and/or its officers have the potential to be brought into a lawsuit. The IFC Insurance Program includes general liability insurance, commercial crime insurance, and protection for directors and officers. The program is even flexible enough to add the host institution (including the fraternity/sorority advisor) as an Additional Insured to provide an extra layer of protection for our trusted campus partners.

Further, when purchasing insurance independently, IFCs can pay almost $6,000 for council coverage and more than $2,600 (and often much higher) for stand-alone event coverage. The NIC’s IFC Insurance Program offers immediate savings, as pricing is tiered based on the number of IFC chapters.

TO JOIN THE IFC INSURANCE PROGRAM, YOUR IFC MUST HAVE PAID ITS ANNUAL NIC DUES. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THE NIC CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT TO YOUR FRATERNITY COMMUNITY.

IFC DUES & CAMPUS SUPPORT INFORMATION

“The NIC insurance program will be half the cost the Illinois IFC has been paying! Carrying insurance coverage for IFC events and peer monitoring program is just good practice and an outstanding service that the NIC can now provide to the local campus Interfraternity Councils.”

Ashley A. Dye
Senior Assistant Dean of Students, Fraternity & Sorority Affairs
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

WATCH

We’ve Got You Covered: About NIC’s IFC Insurance is a recording of a recent webinar to help attendees answer questions and understand IFC liability and why your IFC needs insurance. View the recording.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why?

IFC Insurance Why

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Why do we need insurance?

There are risks that IFCs don’t currently see, and when an organization holds events, hosts people, and sets policies, there can be legal and liability exposure that requires insurance to offset what could be large issues.

For example, on one campus an IFC and its President were brought into a lawsuit filed by a property owner against fraternities with houses alleging the fraternities created a public nuisance. In another incident, an IFC held a flag football tournament at which a participant was injured and sought recovery of his out-of-pocket expenses from the IFC.

The IFC Insurance Program provides insurance for claims arising out of IFC operations and hosted events. If an IFC does not have proper insurance coverage in place, an IFC officer may be held personally liable should an incident occur.

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Why should my IFC purchase insurance through the NIC vs. obtaining on our own?

The NIC has established a program providing broad coverage that is customized for the specific needs of an IFC. It provides a level of coverage not available in the open insurance market. In addition, the NIC’s insurance program is a more cost effective option. An IFC could pay up to three times more to secure its own insurance policy.

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What is my personal liability as an IFC officer if my council doesn’t have insurance? How does the NIC’s insurance program address that?

In most cases, IFCs are unincorporated associations. Officers of an unincorporated association can be held personally liable for any negligent act or omission of an unincorporated association. Being an officer increases your exposure to being named in a lawsuit. If your IFC does not have insurance and a claim is brought against an IFC officer, this likely would result in a parent’s homeowner’s policy being called upon to provide a defense and indemnification of a liability claim. The NIC’s IFC Insurance Program will provide officers and volunteers the needed coverage should an injury occur during an IFC event or activity.

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Do we have to pay dues to the NIC to participate in the insurance program?

Yes, to be eligible for the IFC Insurance Program you do have to pay IFC dues with NIC (due Sept. 1). This is a good thing—the NIC provides support, coaching and resources. Learn more.

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Do other related umbrella groups provide insurance to their campus councils?

Yes, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) provides liability insurance coverage for Panhellenic Councils. The NPHC has explored doing the same but does not currently have an insurance program.

Who?

IFC Insurance Who

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What does the IFC insurance program cover?

The IFC Insurance Program covers the IFC for its events and activities. In addition, the policies extend coverage for officers and individuals volunteering on behalf of the IFC. It is important to note that coverage only extends to them while in the course and scope of their volunteer work on behalf of the IFC.

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Is my IFC currently covered by insurance through my university, inter/national organization, etc?

Probably not. You can confirm this by asking your college or university’s Risk Management Department. The IFC is definitely not covered under any member fraternity’s insurance program. If your host institution advises you that you are covered under the University’s liability insurance program, we recommend you request confirmation of the same in writing. The letter should clearly state that the IFC, its officers and volunteers would be considered an Insured while they are acting on behalf of the IFC and are protected on a primary basis. You should ask that this letter come from the University’s Risk Management Department or General Counsel. Also clarify if there are any limitations regarding the types of events you can hold and the process for adding Additional Insureds if required by third parties.

It is very important you retain the letter from the University once you receive one. The NIC should be copied on the letter for our records. If the university will not provide this to you in writing, we recommend you consider yourselves not covered by the University and join the NIC’s program. Under the NIC’s IFC insurance program all activities with the exception of just a few (see special events section) are covered. Including participant liability should you host an athletic event like a volleyball, basketball and flag football tournament. Plus, adding an Additional Insured is easy and inexpensive.

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Does my chapter’s liability insurance provide coverage to me as an IFC officer?

No, your chapter’s liability insurance does not cover the activities hosted by the IFC you serve. The insurance program offered through your Fraternity only provides protection for the chapter and its operations.

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What does the IFC insurance program cover? What is included?

If there was a claim filed against the IFC due to operations or an event hosted and sponsored by the IFC, the IFC has the potential to be brought into a lawsuit. Insurance coverage aids in situations resulting from activities covered within the scope of the policy, like Greek Week, Homecoming events and philanthropic endeavors, just to name a few.

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If an individual is injured at an IFC or IFC co-sponsored event will there be coverage?

Depending on their relationship to the IFC and what activity caused the injury, they could be covered under the Medical Payments portion of the General Liability policy regardless of fault. If Medical Payments does not apply, the IFC would be legally liable for the injury sustained.

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Does this provide coverage for campus professionals who work with IFCs?

The campus professional’s work with the fraternity/sorority community is a part of their job duties for the university or college that employees them. They would be covered under the university or college’s liability policy if they are alleged to have acted in a negligent manner or failed to act resulting in an injury to a third party.

However, your university or college can be named to the IFC Insurance Program policy as an Additional Insured. This would extend coverage to the university and its employees for potential vicarious liability from IFC-sponsored activities they may be exposed to. For additional information on adding an Additional Insured to your IFC’s policy, Lauren Owens, Placement Account Manager, Holmes Murphy, lowens@holmesmurphy.com 402-898-4171.

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Does this provide coverage for volunteers (especially for sororities on campus) that would like to participate in our peer monitoring program?

Yes, if someone wishes to volunteer and participate in a Peer Monitoring program, they would be covered under the IFC’s liability insurance policy. This would include any person—as they would be considered an IFC volunteer—no matter their other campus involvement or affiliations, including sorority women. The definition of “Who is Insured” within the policy includes volunteers while in the course and scope of their duties for the Named Insured.

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How do I sign up for the IFC insurance program?

First, learn about paying your IFC dues and the levels of Campus Support you can choose from. Then submit the online form to paying your dues. On the form, you will be able to choose your level of support as well as indicate that you would like to participate in the IFC Insurance Program. Once the form is submitted, you will receive an invoice for the IFC Insurance Program. After the NIC has received payment, you will receive your certificate of insurance.

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Does this provide coverage for Alumni IFCs?

Yes, coverage extends to an IFC Alumni Council should one exist. Like the IFC, the Alumni IFC’s officers and volunteers are considered an insured under the policy while in the course and scope of their duties on behalf of the Alumni IFC.

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Would insurance cover other fraternities and sororities on campus? How about fraternity chapters on campus?

For the 2019-2020 academic year, to get this program up and running, we are focused on IFC coverage. So for this initial year, coverage will not extend to other councils, however, we will revisit this in the future. It also will not extend to cover the operations of fraternity chapters. It only covers the IFC and individuals serving the IFC whether that be as an officer or a volunteer but only for alleged negligence that occurs in the course and scope of their volunteer work on behalf of the IFC.

What?

IFC Insurance What

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Who are our insurance carriers and what are the limits?

Landmark American Insurance Company: General Liability

Each Occurrence: $1,000,000
General Aggregate: $2,000,000 per location
Medical Payments: $5,000
AM Best Rating: A+ (Excellent) XIV ($1.5B to 2B)

Zurich North America: Commercial Crime

Aggregate: $25,000
AM Best Rating: A+ (Excellent) XV ($2B or greater)

RSUI Indemnity: Directors & Officers

Aggregate: $1,000,000
AM Best Rating: A+ (Excellent) XIV ($1.5B to $2B)

If your IFC is seeking independent insurance coverage either with your university or separately, we recommend at least these levels of coverage.

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What is the difference between the types of coverage?

The NIC’s IFC Insurance Program provides General Liability, Commercial Crime and D&O Liability insurance.

General Liability:

Provides coverage, for the most part, to claims of bodily injury, property damage and personal injury arising out of the IFC’s liability associated with its operations and activities.

Commercial Crime:

Provides coverage for claims arising out of criminal acts, typically involving the theft of IFC funds.

Directors & Officers Liability:

Offers directors and officers protection from a wide variety of claims such as third-party discrimination and allegations that an officer failed to fulfill his/her fiduciary duties to the organization.

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What types of events are covered? or excluded?

Automatically Included*:

  • Peer monitoring activities
  • New student activities and fairs
  • Recruitment activities
  • Educational programming
  • Leadership academy/retreat
  • Leadership development conferences
  • Community service projects
  • Philanthropy events
  • Blood drives
  • Alumni IFC activities
  • Homecoming activities
  • Greek Week activities
  • Non-contact athletic events
  • Concerts and DJ performances of less than 1,000 attendees

* Please note the events in this list will be excluded if they included features in the lists below

Events Requiring Prior Approval from the NIC:

  • Events with alcohol
  • Events with inflatables
  • Contact sports
  • Events with attendance exceeding 1,000

Excluded:

  • Events with firearms, fireworks or other explosive
    devices
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How do we set up special event insurance for events that are outside the scope of the IFC insurance program?

You will need to complete a Special Event checklist and submit it to the NIC for referral to our insurance partners for approval. In addition to the Special Event checklist, include any contracts executed or proposed with vendors or venues that will be utilized. Also include proof that any vendor hired has appropriate lines of insurance coverage and acceptable limits of liability.

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Does the insurance cover property and items owned by the IFC?

No, the IFC insurance program does not provide any coverage for property owned by an IFC. If you need this coverage, it is available through our broker, Holmes Murphy & Associates.

Cost?

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How much does it cost for my IFC to participate in the program?

Pricing is based on how many fraternity chapters you have in your IFC. This pricing is cost-saving. When purchasing insurance independently, IFCs can pay almost $6,000 for council coverage and more than $2,600 (and often much higher) for stand-alone event coverage.

About Interfraternity Council (IFC)

PROVIDING STRONG COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

“A CHANGE AGENT.” “STRONGLY COMMITTED.” “TRAILBLAZER.” “HOLDS MEMBERS ACCOUNTABLE.” A MAN WITH “TRUE INTEGRITY, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE.” ONE WHO WORKS FOR “THE ADVANCEMENT OF THOSE AROUND HIM.”

These phrases have been used to describe the fraternity leaders honored with the NIC Undergraduate Award of Distinction. But these traits should not only apply to award winners. These are the characteristics interfraternal leaders need to make a positive difference in their communities, and the campus Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the group who should convene such leaders.

THE PURPOSE OF THE IFC

An IFC exists where there are two or more NIC member (or non-member) fraternities on a campus. The Council’s purpose is to advance fraternity on campus and provide interfraternal leadership to the entire community. The NIC provides direct support, resources and services to IFC officers, representatives, advisors and alumni to further the health and success of local fraternity communities.

NIC SUPPORT FOR YOUR IFC

  • Fraternities must provide leadership to shape our future, and IFC and fraternity leaders on your campus are the force that can drive that positively change on campus. The NIC is here to support your efforts in your fraternity community.

  • The NIC’s Campus Support Model assists councils by providing increased training and resources. This support focuses on the individual development and skills of officers, as well as providing coaching to advance the role of the IFC as the campus governing body that advocates and provides educational opportunities for the fraternity experience.

  • When your IFC pays its annual NIC dues (due Sept. 1), officers will gain access to specialized resources. Elevate support for your fraternity/sorority community by selecting an even greater level of Campus Support. Learn more here.

THE IFC CREED

We, the Interfraternity Council, exist to promote the shared interests and values of our member fraternities: leadership, service, brotherhood and scholarship. We believe in Fraternity and that the shared values of Fraternity drive the IFC to create better communities, better chapters and better men.

We work to advance the academic mission of the host institution, to enable fraternal organizations to grow and thrive through collaboration and teamwork, to provide an outlet for self-governance and accountability, and to model and teach ethical leadership. In a spirit of mutual support and betterment, we, the men of the Interfraternity Council, pledge to elevate the Ritual and the values of the member organizations.

NIC Alcohol & Drug Guidelines

By September 1, 2019, NIC member organizations will evaluate their documents to determine if they are consistent with the following guidelines. As autonomous and self-governing entities, member organizations have the latitude to codify these guidelines in a way that is consistent with their organization’s nomenclature, operations, programming, etc. Member organizations are responsible for enforcing their own policies; the NIC does not play a role in policy enforcement.

In any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by the chapter/organization, including those that occur on or off organizational/chapter premises:

  1. The chapter/organization, members and guests must comply with all federal, state, provincial and local laws. No person under the legal drinking age may possess, consume, provide or be provided alcoholic beverages.
  2. The chapter/organization, members and guests must follow the federal law regarding illegal drugs and controlled substances. No person may possess, use, provide, distribute, sell and/or manufacture illegal drugs or other controlled substances while on chapter/organizational premises or at any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by the chapter/organization.
  3. Alcoholic beverages must either be:
    a. Provided and sold on a per-drink basis by a licensed and insured third-party vendor (e.g., restaurant, bar, caterer, etc.); or
    b. Brought by individual members and guests through a bring your own beverage (“BYOB”) system.The presence of alcohol products above 15% alcohol by volume (“ABV”) is prohibited on any chapter/organization premises or at any event, except when served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor.
  4. Common sources of alcohol, including bulk quantities, which are not being served by a licensed and insured third party vendor, are prohibited (i.e., amounts of alcohol greater than what a reasonable person should consume over the duration of an event).
  5. Alcoholic beverages must not be purchased with chapter/organizational funds or funds pooled by members or guests (e.g., admission fees, cover fees, collecting funds through digital apps, etc.).
  6. A chapter/organization must not co-host or co-sponsor, or in any way participate in, an activity or event with another group or entity that purchases or provides alcohol.
  7. A chapter/organization must not co-host or co-sponsor an event with a bar, event promoter or alcohol distributor; however, a chapter/organization may rent a bar, restaurant, or other licensed and insured third-party vendor to host a chapter/organization event.
  8. Attendance by non-members at any event where alcohol is present must be by invitation only, and the chapter/organization must utilize a guest list system. Attendance at events with alcohol is limited to a 3:1 maximum guest-to-member ratio and must not exceed local fire or building code capacity of the chapter/organizational premises or host venue.
  9. Any event or activity related to the new member joining process (e.g., recruitment, intake, rush, etc.) must be substance free. No alcohol or drugs may be present if the event or activity is related to new member activities, meetings, or initiation into an organization, including but not limited to “bid night,” “big/little” events or activities, “family” events or activities and any ritual or ceremony.
  10. The chapter/organization, members or guests must not permit, encourage, coerce, glorify or participate in any activities involving the rapid consumption of alcohol, such as drinking games.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Awards

RECOGNIZING INTERFRATERNAL EXCELLENCE

The North American Interfraternity Conference annually recognizes excellence in the fraternal experience by conferring Awards of Distinction to individuals and groups who exemplify leadership, service and fraternal values. These honors play a significant role in the advancement of the NIC mission and vision, as well as the industry as a whole. Recognizing the value and impact of individual and group efforts on college/university campuses and within interfraternal organizations conveys the importance of innovation, courage and commitment to a positive fraternal experience.

Awards of Distinction

The NIC is proud to continue our tradition of recognizing excellence in the fraternal experience. The Awards of Distinction program plays a significant role in the advancement of the NIC vision and community impact, as well as the industry as a whole. Taking time to nominate and recognize individual and group efforts on college/university campuses, and within interfraternal organizations, helps emphasize the value and impact of a positive fraternal experience.

We’re grateful for all fraternity advocates who help us recognize individuals and programs making a difference!

The NIC Awards of Distinction program has three categories that recognize outstanding fraternity men, chapters, supporters and initiatives.

  • Gold and Silver Medals recognize lifelong service to the interfraternal community and/or the NIC
  • Award of Distinction (Undergraduate, Chapter, Advisor, Alumnus) honor people and groups who rise above in fraternity communities
  • Laurel Wreath Award celebrates unique programs and initiatives influencing the fraternity community and greater world

2025 Awards of Distinction Applications Now Open

Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)

To read more about the process and access each category’s application link, click on the Prepare Your Nomination or Make a Nomination toggle below.

Nomination Process

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Prepare Your Nomination

ALL AWARD APPLICANTS SHOULD

  • Excel among peers and exemplify what it means to be a fraternity member
  • Support NIC Positions and align with NIC Standards
  • Innovate and lead others to greater heights

HOW TO NOMINATE

Open the online submission portal for the award type by clicking the “Make a Nomination” header below and clicking the applicable “Apply Now” button. Here’s what you will need to complete the form:

Narrative (100 to 500 words)
Be thoughtful and creative. The NIC purposely doesn’t provide strict criteria for awards because we want to see innovation, enthusiasm and diversity — but we need you to tell us the story of your nominee in the best way you can. The more information you provide, the more likely your nomination is to stand out.

Letters of endorsement
At least one is required for all entries. Multiple letters are encouraged. There is no length requirement.

  • Undergraduates and Chapters – Both inter/national fraternity and university/college endorsement required
  • Advisor/Volunteer – Either fraternity or university endorsement is required
  • Alumnus – Fraternity endorsement required

Additional documentation (optional)
We welcome links to articles, videos, webpages and any other relevant additional information.

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Make a Nomination

Undergraduate Award of Distinction

Must be a current undergraduate in good standing with their organization or young alumnus who graduated in the past year

  • Illustrates clear leadership that has shaped the future of their organization, their peers and the campus community.

  • Models and teaches ethical servant leadership and elevates the Ritual and values of their member fraternity.

  • Deeply committed to the advancement of the fraternal experience and lives the highest standards of fraternity.

APPLY NOW

Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)

Chapter Award of Distinction

Must be in good standing with the inter/national organization and in alignment with NIC Standards

  • Goes above and beyond to establish fraternal values that are woven into multiple facets of the experience, community and group attitude.

  • Holds high standards for all individual members and thoughtfully strives to develop members into better men.

  • Shows excellence in all aspects of chapter operations, academics, service and interfraternalism.

APPLY NOW

Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)

Advisor Award of Distinction

An individual who has provided tenured support to a chapter and/or community through inter/national headquarters affiliation

  • Exemplifies fraternity values, mission, purpose.

  • Shows collaborative leadership in addressing critical problems and affects systemic change for good.

  • Inclusively committed to the personal development of all individuals, challenges students to be the best they can be, encourages progressive change.

APPLY NOW

Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)

Alumnus Award of Distinction

Recognizes accomplished leadership and service the local, regional or national level

  • Provides exceptional and sustained service to their own fraternity and/or campus community and/or the extended interfraternal world.

  • Exhibits a strong belief in interfraternalism and has committed to action that supports interfraternal values.

  • Fosters positive change that advances the fraternal movement.

APPLY NOW

Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)

Laurel Wreath Award

Recognizes unique programs, community outreach, or influence within the fraternal world by an NIC member organization.

APPLY NOW

Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)

Gold and Silver Medals

The Gold Medal is the highest honor the Conference can bestow and recognizes lifelong service to the interfraternal community and/or the NIC. The Silver Medal recognizes exemplary service or leadership in a role or task that has advanced the fraternal movement.

APPLY NOW

Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)

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IFC Awards Program

In 2022 the NIC expanded our awards program. The IFC Awards Program recognizes Interfraternity Councils and campus-specific roles for their work to advance fraternity.

IFC AWARDS PROGRAM DETAILS

Please direct any questions about the awards process to awards@nicfraternity.org.

IFC Academy

2024-2025 Information

  • Dates & Times:
    • Sat. Dec. 14, 2024, from 1-5 p.m. ET / 10 a.m.-2 p.m. PT

    • Sat. Jan. 4, 2025, from 1-5 p.m. ET / 10 a.m.-2 p.m. PT

    • Wed. Jan. 8, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. ET / 1-5 p.m. PT

Select one; IFCs should work together to select PRIME/IFC Academy dates that best suit their collective availability.

  • Format: Virtual

  • Cost: PRIME is a complimentary program for all dues-paying councils and campuses.

Individuals must log in to FS Central to complete registration.
Need help logging in? Learn more here.

IFC Academy provides IFC officers with tools and training to be effective in their specific roles, build cohesiveness as a team and understand their responsibility in the governance of their fraternity community.

To enhance access, learning and training opportunities, IFC Academy is offered online. There are officer tracks, council breakouts and content designed to help elevate and improve IFC performance.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

IFC Academy takes place over a half day in December/January with a condensed agenda. We will be utilizing event management technology to live stream sessions, host robust discussions and provide valuable connections to peers and leaders in the fraternal industry.  For questions, email edprograms@nicfraternity.org.

IFC Academy offers tracks for specific officers, such as:

  • President

  • Finance

  • Accountability / Conduct

  • Health, Safety and Wellness

  • Marketing / PR

  • Recruitment / Growth

  • Belonging and Inclusion

  • Advisor

PAST ATTENDEES SAY

  • 87% said as a result of participating in Academy they can define the expectations for their officer role.

  • 90% said as a result of participating in Academy they know the resources available to support their success. 

  • 88% said as a result of participating in Academy they are able to determine actions fraternity members may take to implement peer-governance. 

  • 92% said as a result of participating in Academy they are able to identify the purpose of the interfraternity council. 

  • 92% said as a result of participating in Academy they are able to define relevance for their IFC. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click the questions to see answers to common questions about IFC Academy.

Academy

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What is IFC Academy?

IFC Academy provides Interfraternity Council officers with tools and training to be effective in their specific roles, build cohesiveness as a team and understand their responsibility in the peer governance of their fraternity community.  

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Why should I attend IFC Academy?

IFC Academy provides the officer training tools and leadership skills to improve your community. It is a time for you to build relationships with your council and with IFC officers from other campuses. 

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What can attendees expect?

IFC Academy is an institute, not a conference. That means you won’t pick and choose what sessions to attend; rather, curriculum pieces build off of each other to create a progressive learning experience. 

You will work with IFC officers in similar roles from other campuses and your council. You will engage in large- and small-group discussions about peer-governance, IFC standard operating procedures and key practices.  

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How is IFC Academy different than other officer programs?

IFC Academy is about your officer role and your IFC council team and is specifically tailored for IFC officers. The curriculum in all NIC programs is unique, and the experiences build upon each other.   

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Where will IFC Academy take place?

IFC Academy is a fully virtual program.

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What does it cost to attend?

All dues-paying IFCs have a complementary registration for up to eight (8) IFC officers to attend.

If you are not a member of a dues-paying IFC the rate is $250 per attendee. Please email us if you are not a member of a dues-paying IFC but would like to attend.

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Who can I contact if I still have questions?

Contact the Education Programs team at edprograms@nicfraternity.org.

Member Fraternities

COLLABORATING TO ADVANCE FRATERNITY

The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is a trade association representing 58 inter/national men’s fraternities.

NIC member organizations also represent a diverse range of fraternity men and interfraternal interests, including fraternities founded for leadership and business interests as well as faith-based, multicultural, historically black, and new or emerging fraternities.

CURRENT NIC MEMBER FRATERNITIES

Note: Associate Partners (noted “*”) of the Conference are fraternities that do not meet the criteria to be full members. Associate Partners have access to all NIC resources and support services, and have agreed to follow all NIC Standards. Associate Partners do not have a vote on business items and are ineligible to serve on the NIC Governing Council.

Preserving the fraternity/sorority experience

PROTECTING A STUDENT’S RIGHT TO GATHER

All-men’s and all-women’s organizations, like fraternities and sororities, create a unique community of support on college campuses—a strong network unlike anything else available today. They are the one place, where through a shared experience, young men or women can enjoy a sense of belonging, confidence and personal development.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

A student’s First Amendment right to freely associate with single-sex organizations has recently come under threat. It is becoming increasingly common for higher education institutions to propose policies aimed at forcing these organizations to become coed or to impose other membership policies that would violate a student’s right to freely associate with organizations of their choice. We are asking Congress to include language in the Higher Education Act that would protect college students’ Freedom of Association rights to join a single-sex organization.

A 2018 POLL OF PUBLIC OPINION INDICATES STRONG SUPPORT:

77 percent of adults think students should have the right to gather in the student organization of their choice, on campus or off campus

60 percent of adults think Congress should pass legislation that allows students to join any campus organization at the time of their choosing

THE IMPORTANCE OF MEN’S AND WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS

These groups are more important than ever as we seek to build men of character and empowered women! This issue matters greatly to the more than 1 million college students and millions of alumni, who are members of fraternities and sororities and value this unique experience. Across the nation, students who join fraternities find valuable leadership, friendship, academic and personal growth opportunities through brotherhood and the fellowship of men. Fraternities:

  • Have been proven to prompt greater retention to graduation
  • Are linked to higher wellbeing
  • Provide a sense of community and connection, at a time where research shows college men are experience higher levels of loneliness

We know the sorority experience provides a space that allows women to support, encourage and advocate for each other, and sorority membership is a proven launch pad for women leaders. In fact, when compared to their non-affiliated peers, sorority women experience:

  • Higher graduation rates
  • Gains in science, writing and thinking skills
  • Better emotional support
  • Increased engagement levels in college
  • Higher levels of community service

Government Relations: Priorities & Programs

ADVOCATING FOR LEGISLATION IMPACTING FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES

A solid government relations strategy is SO central to the success of fraternities, it is one of the core five priorities (above) of the NIC 2.0 reform. Such advocacy has been critical in our past and it will be in our future.

The very existence of fraternities as men’s organizations is enabled by an exemption to Title IX, legislation that NIC Executive Vice President Jack Anson and his interfraternal colleagues lobbied President Gerald Ford for in the mid-1970s. This hallmark example of legislative involvement might seem historical, yet, the value of single-gender organizations is still questioned today. The NIC employs a government relations strategy because advocating for the fraternal experience and the rights and benefits of its members is critical.

Let’s dive deeper into the NIC 2.0 priority establishing a government relations program.

EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY PROGRAMS

The North American Interfraternity Conference has developed a government relations strategy around three key questions:

  1. What are we trying to achieve?
  2. How can we foster ownership of the effort?
  3. How can we align all constituents around the strategy?

The NIC’s answer includes coordination and collaboration within three distinct areas:

  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
  • EDUCATION

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS

The NIC is dedicated to building strong relationships with interfraternal and higher education partners based on transparency, inclusion and respect. Moving forward, the government relations effort will take all partners furthering and supporting the effort—united, when possible and respectful of different views when presented.

Primary partners include:

  • National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)
  • Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC)
  • Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC)

GOVERNMENT AND LEGAL AFFAIRS

With focused legislative priorities and deliberate education opportunities, NIC’s government relations efforts will build grassroots programs for students, local alumni and state officials. The participation of these constituents will transform the way thousands of people involve themselves in the NIC’s legislative priorities.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

SINGLE-SEX EXPERIENCE*: Ensuring all students have self-determination rights to belong to a single-sex organization.

FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION: Ensuring students have self-determination rights to decide when and how it is best for them to join a student organization.

DUE PROCESS PROTECTIONS: Ensuring students and our organizations are afforded basic due-process rights in campus disciplinary hearings. For example, we will always be supportive of accountability for not meeting shared expectations, but we oppose blanket actions that impact students and organizations who are following the rules.

TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFTS FOR CHAPTER HOUSES (CHIA): Ensuring college affordability and safe living environments by allowing alumni to donate tax-deductible gifts to house corporations just like they can for campus residence halls.

IMPROPER REPORTING REQUIREMENTS: Ensuring students continue to feel comfortable having personal conversations with chapter volunteers and peer leaders. The designation of our members and volunteers as Campus Security Authorities by some higher education administrations is having a chilling effect on recruiting and retaining leaders who serve on the frontline of defense for student safety. While the intention of increasing transparency is commendable, the unintended consequence of less adult and peer mentoring offsets potential gain from this improper application of the Clery Reporting Act.

ANTI-HAZING LEGISLATION: Ensuring comprehensive hazing prevention measures — proactive education, transparency and accountability around standards — are addressed through federal legislation, in complement to additional organizational and university efforts.

*The NIC understands that sex is the classification as male or female assigned at birth and gender identity is a person’s internal sense of gender. The term is used because Title IX uses “sex” when referring to social fraternities, yet societal understanding has moved toward “gender identity.”

EDUCATION

Develop a grassroots program for campus, local and state involvement.

Continue to host visits to Capitol Hill to lobby for legislative priorities.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Supporting the efforts of the NIC’s government relations program takes action. Dedication to these efforts—by both individuals and groups—will make a difference. Consider this:

Contact your members of Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) and ask that they sponsor the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA) and encourage its inclusion into comprehensive tax reform legislation.

Stay informed. Mobilize as a community.

Vote. Everyone’s involvement is vital to our voice being heard and our message being taken seriously by Congress. The future of this experience is in question. By our action we will help to impact the future of fraternities.

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The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is a trade association that represents national and international men’s fraternities, including a diverse range of culturally and religious-based organizations, on campuses in the United States and Canada. The NIC is committed to supporting opportunities for young men to seek and form positive, enriching fraternal bonds. The health and safety of students guides our advocacy, standards and education.

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