The NIC takes positions on critical issues within the interfraternal community. These positions align with all NIC member adopted Standards and the IFC SOP:
If you have questions, please contact the Campus Support Team.
North American Interfraternity Conference members and the Governing Council propose and vote on standards that guide the larger fraternal community and help unite fraternities to be who we say we are. As the needs of fraternity communities and their campuses are constantly changing, these standards call upon leadership to create changes to what “fraternity” means and asks each member to live to the highest standards of fraternity membership.
The NIC is a voluntary trade association and membership in the NIC requires each member organization to adhere to the following Standards of Membership, known as the NIC Standards. Realizing that undergraduate chapters are self-governing, nothing in the NIC Standards shall be interpreted to imply that a member organization has a duty to provide day-to-day supervision or direction, or control the daily activities of undergraduate chapters and/or individual members associated with that member organization. It is further understood that each member organization shall strive to work collaboratively with host institutions through these Standards and The Campus Advocacy Protocols, while supporting its respective chapters to maximize student enrichment.
Member organizations are expected to provide appropriate follow up and ongoing education with their chapters on compliance with NIC Standards in a similar manner to which they accomplish the same regarding member organization policies and expectations.
(A) Each member organization shall maintain a policy of a 2.5 minimum cumulative high school or college, if established, GPA for joining an undergraduate chapter.
Each member organization shall have health and safety policies which mirror NIC Alcohol and Drug guidelines and address the following.
(A) Alcohol and Drug policies consistent with those adopted by the NIC
(B) Hazing
(C) Sexual Abuse and Harassment
(D) Fire, Health and Safety
(E) Carry Commercial General Liability Insurance.
(F) Have and enforce a policy prohibiting women’s auxiliary groups (i.e. “little sisters”) associated with their undergraduate chapters.
(G) Adopt and implement a medical Good Samaritan policy.
(H) Provide ongoing education on member organization Health & Safety Guidelines.
(I) Provide ongoing education on member organization Big Brother and Mentor Programs
Each member organization will strive to work collaboratively with host institutions while supporting its respective chapters to maximize student enrichment.
Each member organization shall:
(A) Have and enforce a policy that supports the opportunity for all NIC member fraternities to flourish through responsible access to open expansion. “Responsible access” requires that the CEO of the Conference has confirmed that
(B) Commit to responsibly colonizing chapters that enhance the campus community by working collaboratively with other member organizations and the host institution and adhering to responsible access expectations.
Each member organization shall:
Maintain and enforce a policy supporting student choice as to the ability of any male to freely choose when he can join an undergraduate chapter of any member organization without restrictions on the date, time and place of membership invitation, extension, and acceptance; or which would violate IFC SOPs.
(A) Each member fraternity shall have and enforce a policy that all of its eligible undergraduate chapters and colonies shall maintain membership in an Interfraternity Council, where applicable, that is in alignment with NIC Standards and IFC SOPs.
Each member organization shall:
Have and enforce a policy establishing minimum GPA requirements for joining any of its undergraduate chapters by requiring the following:
Provide ongoing education to its undergraduate chapters on its policy establishing minimum GPA requirements for joining.
Each member organization shall:
Have and enforce a policy establishing a minimum annual cumulative GPA requirement for its undergraduate chapters by requiring either a cumulative GPA:
Provide ongoing education to its undergraduate chapters on its chosen policy establishing minimum annual cumulative GPA requirements.
Member fraternities will make available upon request at least three years of confirmed chapter conduct history to members, new members, prospective new members, and to the parents of members, new members, or prospective new members.
Each member fraternity should submit annual membership data as requested within 30 days of the request. Failure of a member organization to accurately submit the required data shall be referred to the NIC Membership & Accountability Committee for consideration of disciplinary action pursuant to Article X of the Constitution.
By September 1, 2021, each NIC member fraternity will have a public position or policy addressing its commitment to belonging and inclusion. Furthermore, each member fraternity will establish and maintain a system for reporting of and acting on bias-related allegations/incidents. Any member fraternity that does not have a business meeting before September 1, 2021, will be granted a one-year extension in adopting the above policy if such a meeting is required to comply with this standard.
The authority for holding member organizations accountable to NIC Standards derives from Article X, Sections 2 and 3 of the NIC Constitution.
All membership questions should be directed to your fraternity. Each fraternal organization has unique membership policies and procedures.
Typically you are eligible to go through recruitment again. All membership questions should be directed to your campus and/or the fraternity you wish to join. Each fraternal organization has unique membership policies and procedures.
All membership questions should be directed to your fraternity. Each fraternal organization has unique membership policies and procedures.
Email Will Foran who manages all partnerships.
The NIC’s Campus Support Team is happy to help. See details and contact information for Campus Support here.
Use the contact us button below to send a general message to NIC staff. The appropriate member of our team will follow up with you within 1-2 business days. If you are looking for a specific member of our staff, visit our Staff Directory.
Mailing address:
11722 Allisonville Road
Suite 103, Box 352
Fishers, IN 46038
Select one; IFCs should work together to select PRIME/IFC Academy dates that best suit their collective availability.
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IFC Presidents have an enormous job. They are asked to lead their council effectively, establish relationships across campus, create a shared vision and guide their community toward positive change. These are no small tasks. We’d bargain the IFC President’s job is one of the most complex student leadership roles on campus. And these leaders need greater support. That’s why, in partnership with the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values (AFLV), Northeast Greek Leadership Association (NGLA) and Southeast Greek Leadership Association (SGLA), we developed PRIME: The Summit of IFC Presidents.
PRIME focuses IFC Presidents on their role from the get-go. Getting this concentrated training in December/January, when many IFC presidents start their term, will prepare them for council and community leadership. Please review the PRIME FAQs below for program questions.
At PRIME we prepare IFC Presidents to be the best possible leader as they work with their council and community to provide a safe, enriching and memorable fraternity experience. This is accomplished through high-level skill building around elements of leadership, as well as dedicated time learning from experts in the industry. IFC Presidents also get an opportunity to share their own best practices and IFC experiences with their peers and build relationships for support throughout the year.
Held over winter break, the newly elected IFC President will learn and engage with other IFC Presidents, skilled facilitators and NIC staff to prepare them for success in all aspects of their role. In addition to the synchronous program, PRIME will include an ongoing cohort experience to promote deeper conversations and continued resource sharing.
PRIME attendees will:
Past attendees said:
Click the questions to see answers to common questions about PRIME.
PRIME: The Summit of IFC Presidents is a program that focuses IFC Presidents on their role from the get-go. Getting this concentrated training in December/January, when many IFC presidents start their term, will prepare them for council and community leadership.
The NIC developed PRIME in partnership with the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values (AFLV), Northeast Greek Leadership Association (NGLA) and Southeast Greek Leadership Association (SGLA). Educational outcomes for PRIME were developed with RISE Partnerships, a consulting partner that delivers the insights, skills and resources leaders need to improve the fraternity and sorority experience.
Your job is tough. Many could argue it’s the toughest student leadership role on campus. PRIME will help cultivate a greater capacity within you to lead your IFC toward addressing critical issues and key opportunities in your community. You will also learn how to best lead your fellow IFC officers.
PRIME 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.
At PRIME, you will network with other IFC Presidents from across the country, learn from experienced professionals and experts in the field, and hone skills to help you lead a high-performing, highly-relevant IFC. You will engage in large and small group discussions about IFC performance, building trust, supporting your team, and enhancing your leadership competence.
IFC Presidents will apply what they’ve learned at PRIME and what they’ve learned early in their terms in office when attending IFC Academy or additional council development training later in the spring. PRIME and IFC Academy are complementary experiences that set the IFC President up for success during his time in office. The curriculum in both programs is unique, and the experiences build upon each other.
PRIME: The Summit for IFC Presidents is a fully virtual program.
All dues-paying IFCs have a complementary registration for their IFC President.
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.
Due to changes in our registration system, this is no longer an option. To register, students must log in to our data portal, FS Central. Please update your officer roster as soon as possible after elections to ensure your new IFC President can sign up for PRIME.
Contact Education Programs team at edprograms@nicfraternity.org.
To ensure that programming and trainings are safe, accessible and impactful, we are offering LAUNCH as a virtual or in-person experience for students. To learn more about the differences, please contact edprograms@nicfraternity.org.
It’s not difficult to focus on challenges we face, but what if instead of getting down about issues we identify, we turned our perspectives to the positive?
LAUNCH does just that. It’s intended to explore the best of the fraternity and sorority experience and transform it into dynamic solutions to community challenges.
LAUNCH is a one-day retreat supporting fraternity and sorority campus leaders. Through this engaging, participant-driven experience, chapter presidents and council officers will build relationships, explore individual and shared issues, and set goals to address them.
The goal of the program is to bring fraternity and sorority leaders together to kick off the officer term together positively.
LAUNCH is designed to bring together fraternity and sorority chapter presidents and council leaders as they kick off their officer terms. The curriculum allows for guided conversation driven by participant perspectives, culminating in identification of goals for the term and beyond.
The general structure of the program is a collective experience with some individual reflection time and supporting small-group conversations throughout.
“I really enjoyed LAUNCH. I felt that it brought all of the councils together more than we have been in a long time.”
— 2019 LAUNCH participant
LAUNCH can be held in a single-day and may be held on campus. The NIC will provide program curriculum and one lead facilitator. This retreat can be held in conjunction with or in addition to existing programming and can be tailored to meet the needs of your campus community. Email us at edprograms@nicfraternity.org if you’re ready to bring LAUNCH to your campus.
FACILITATORS: Click here to access/download resources
IMPACT is an intensive retreat-style experience that serves as a catalyst in developing relationships, community capacity, and leadership skills in fraternity/sorority members. The program provides participants with experiences that develop relationships and shared identity with other fraternal leaders. They explore shared concerns and priorities and use a framework for community building to evaluate their community’s capacity to mobilize and address its issues. One facilitator leads the experience and volunteer organizers guide participants through small group discussions and large group activities.
IMPACT is designed to build on itself in a manner that culminates in an agenda for meaningful community elevation. Through increased self-awareness, community awareness, visioning and skill development, participants will be able to recognize the current realities of their fraternity/sorority community and begin to develop effective strategies for positive change.
The general structure of an IMPACT includes experiential activities, interactive presentations and both large- and small-group activities that flow together into a unified, community building experience. All sessions offer hands-on activities and ample discussion time to address individual concerns. The sessions are led by an experienced lead facilitator (identified by the NIC) and several volunteer organizers (identified by the host campus).
“Helping us realize the benefits of being a part of FSL has really motivated all of us to work together and improve student life on our campus. Continue inspiring others. One of the best retreats I’ve been to thus far!”
— IMPACT participant
The program can be used to meet a variety of needs, such as a retreat for chapter and council leadership or an emerging leaders institute. The NIC will work with you to customize the program to focus on your campus’ unique issues. Email edprograms@nicfraternity.org if you’re interested in bringing IMPACT to your campus.
FACILITATORS: Click here to access/download resources
WASHINGTON, January 18, 2019— Yesterday, Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (D-Ohio) and Rep. David P. Joyce (R-Ohio) re-introduced the bipartisan Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act, legislation that has had strong support from the NIC and many of its interfraternal partners since first filed in 2017.
The REACH Act would require colleges and universities to disclose information about hazing on campus in their annual crime reports. It would also require any college or university that accepts federal funding to provide hazing prevention education to all students.
“The REACH Act calls for a comprehensive approach to fighting hazing—heightened proactive education, transparency and accountability,” said NIC President and CEO Judson Horras. “It is just one of the ways we hope Congress will work with fraternities and the Anti-Hazing Coalition to address this critical issue.”
In 2018, alongside parents who lost their sons to hazing and several interfraternal organizations, the NIC formed the Anti-Hazing Coalition to pursue stronger federal and state anti-hazing laws and educate thousands of students about the issue. In recent months, the Conference has also taken steps to enhance health and safety across college campuses through new measures to reduce alcohol and substance abuse.
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Indianapolis, January 17, 2019— The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) announces the promotion of Todd Shelton to the role of Chief Communication Officer (CCO) as Heather Kirk departs January 31.
Shelton joined the NIC in April 2018 and has nearly two decades of strategic communication experience. In his new role, he will focus on advancing the brand of fraternity, further developing industry-wide response protocols and resources, and directing the communication strategy for the NIC and Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE).
“We are very pleased to have Todd ready to step into this role,” said Judson Horras, NIC President & CEO. “Todd has the experience, skills and dedication to positively impact our NIC priorities and reinforce the brand of fraternity.”
During his time at the NIC, Shelton has led the development and successful execution of the myFraternity proactive campaign to raise the volume on the positive impact of fraternity. He provided leadership for rebrand efforts for the NIC and FFE. Most recently, he helped launch the Stand Up To Harvard public relations effort in defense of the single-sex fraternity/sorority experience.
“The NIC has established itself as a valuable communication partner for our members and campuses,” Shelton said. “I am honored to build upon that reputation, share the story of fraternity and communicate the groundbreaking NIC efforts, particularly in health and safety.”
Shelton’s breadth of experience as an interfraternal communicator comes from communication leadership roles for Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Sigma Pi Fraternity and Kappa Alpha Order.
Interfraternal volunteer experience has further contributed to Shelton’s position as a fraternal storyteller. He is past president of the Fraternity Communications Association (FCA) and has been on its board for five years. Throughout his career, his teams’ work has garnered dozens of FCA awards for excellence in writing, design and digital communication. Shelton has also served on the Southeastern Interfraternity Conference (SEIFC) board of directors since 2016.
Shelton was initiated into Kappa Alpha Order at Middle Tennessee State University. He will assume the CCO position February 1 and is currently recruiting a Senior Director of Communication and Director of Digital Media to round out the team.
After three years with the NIC, Heather Kirk has accepted a new position at Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity as its Chief Communication Officer.
“Heather’s dedication and professionalism has successfully guided us through a very challenging and critical time—laying a solid foundation for future communication efforts,” said Judson Horras, NIC President & CEO. “We are eternally grateful for her steadfast service and happy to see her work continue within the fraternity community.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 10, 2019
Heather Kirk, Chief Communication Officer
317.872.1112; Heather.kirk@nicfraternity.org
INDIANAPOLIS—In a historic decision, the 66 fraternities of the North American Interfraternity Conference adopted guidelines to standardize and strengthen health and safety measures across fraternities.
In unanimous agreement, leaders of the NIC fraternities voted at a November 29, 2018, meeting to adopt 10 guidelines (below) designed to reduce the presence and negative impact of alcohol and drugs in the fraternity experience. By September 1, 2019, each of the 66 fraternities will codify these measures in its own policies and implement them in its chapters.
“Our assessment shows these are best-practice strategies that make a big difference in safety for members and guests,” said Mark Timmes, Pi Kappa Phi CEO, who led the committee charged to provide recommendations on health and safety guidelines to the NIC. “When fraternities can move as one to implement consistent measures across a campus community—and across the more than 6,100 chapters in North America—we create shared expectations and a level field for all members.”
These guidelines build upon the fraternities’ strong commitment to enhance the health and safety in campus communities. In the last year, NIC fraternities voted to ban hard alcohol in fraternity houses and events by September 1, 2019; partnered with parents who have lost their sons to hazing to strengthen hazing laws across the country and educate high school and college students on hazing and bullying; implemented conference-wide adoption of medical Good Samaritan policies; and are developing SocialSafe, an online event management platform and app.
“This is another important step to improve the health and safety for our 385,000 members and their guests,” said Judson Horras, NIC President & CEO. “This will lead to a more unified prevention and accountability system, resulting in safer communities and refocusing fraternities on brotherhood, personal growth, support and service.”
While elements of these guidelines have been in place across many organizations, through this historic agreement, all NIC fraternities will—for the first time—implement uniform health and safety measures. These NIC Alcohol & Drug Guidelines will also appear in the forthcoming Interfraternity Council Standard Operating Procedures the NIC is implementing, which provide structure, support and accountability for campus IFCs.
As with all NIC Standards and guidelines, these are minimum expectations; when member fraternities and campuses have more restrictive policies, students and chapters will still be expected to follow those.
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Click here to download a PDF of this release. The North American Interfraternity Conference is a trade association that represents 66 inter/national men’s fraternities, with more than 6,100 chapters located on more than 800 campuses in the United States and Canada, with approximately 385,000 undergraduate members and nearly 4.2 million alumni.
Indianapolis, October 31, 2018—Known throughout the higher education community for her commitment to leadership development and interfraternalism, Ashlee Louise Canty will bring her experience to the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) as Vice President of Campus Operations for the Northeast region.
Joining staff November 7, Canty will deliver support to college fraternity communities and contribute to NIC educational and advocacy initiatives. Her work will focus on community development, council effectiveness and alumni engagement, which contributes to the NIC’s vision to enhance the fraternity experience. Canty will fill the position left open when Dominic Greene returned to a role at his organization, Delta Upsilon.
“Ashlee’s extensive experience in higher education and the fraternal industry makes her a valuable resource to support campuses in the Northeast,” said NIC President & CEO Judson Horras.
Canty comes to the NIC from Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, where she served as Director of Fraternity Operations and oversaw planning and development of educational curriculum, program assessment, and the conduct process. Prior to ZBT, she worked at Sigma Alpha Epsilon headquarters, DePaul University and Syracuse University, and she served on the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Board of Directors.
“Ashlee has a true gift when it comes to student development and developing campus partnerships,” said ZBT Chief Executive Officer Laurence Bolotin. “Her track record is proof of that and her time at ZBT was no exception. We wish her well at the NIC and look forward to seeing her leadership on the broader movement.”
Canty is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She earned her bachelor’s degree at North Carolina State University, her master’s degree in college student personnel from Western Illinois University, and anticipates completion of her doctor of education from DePaul University in 2019. Canty will work from her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she will be accessible to the campuses she serves.
“I hope that through this role I am able to have a positive impact on the experience of undergraduate fraternity men by building relationships that provide support, advocacy and leadership as a way to advance Fraternities on college campuses,” said Canty.
In another staffing change, on November 23, Director of Education & Leadership Development Melissa Kish will depart the NIC staff to join Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity as its Chief Operations Officer.
“In the short time she has been on our team, Melissa has brought enthusiasm and expertise to the NIC’s educational programs,” said Horras. “Her departure is bittersweet, as we are excited for her to take on this leadership role and glad to see the fraternity community will continue to benefit from her talent.”
Will Foran, a veteran of writing and facilitating NIC programs, will direct the NIC’s educational initiatives, while continuing to serve as VP of Campus Operations.
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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