Each year the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) sponsors a five-day leadership institute for fraternity and sorority members. Since its inception in 1990, UIFI has challenged nearly 3,000 fraternity and sorority students representing almost 250 different universities and colleges, and 115 different Greek affiliations to make a difference in the Greek communities.
UIFI is a principle-centered approach to creating change within a Greek community. Lessons learned at UIFI will be beneficial for a lifetime.
UIFI helps participants identify the timeless principles through which they can define themselves individually and organizationally.
UIFI then helps participants recognize how they can act out these principles by honing important life skills in areas such as leadership, group dynamics, service, and organizational change and development.
UIFI also generates a momentum toward positive change in local Greek communities by creating a strong connection among all participants where people feel responsible to each other and to the greater good called "fraternity." Commitment helps UIFI graduates translate their enlightenment into action.
UIFI is an institute, not a conference. As an institute, it offers a unified curriculum to all participants. Each educational component builds on a previous segment and leads into the next. All sessions offer hands-on experiential activities and ample discussion time to address individual concerns. Major sessions are complemented by small group meetings (called chapters) held throughout the session. Chapter meetings are designed to assist each UIFI participant in developing his or her desired leadership skills and goals, gaining new ideas, and creating concrete action plans for his/her return to campus.
At UIFI you will:
Experience team-building at its best with your fellow UIFI chapter members.
Learn the value of a Greek environment that promotes academic achievement, ritual-based decision making, and a balanced college experience.
Be challenged to explore your potential as a leader.
Tap your power to motivate and encourage others.
Experience the excitement of "Into the Streets," a hands-on service plunge in the local community.
Identify what's important to you.
Be able to recognize signs of group think that interfere with building community.
Better understand the urgency for change and your responsibility to facilitate it.
Exchange ideas with other participants and facilitators.
Receive a resource kit designed to help you involve others in activities similar to those at UIFI.
Leave encouraged, energized, and confident to face the challenges ahead of you.
Identify resources which and professionals who will help you achieve your goals and objectives upon returning to campus.
Translate Awareness Into Action
Living and Learning Together The intimate living atmosphere, personal attention from quality facilitators, educational sessions which are interactive by design, and constant idea sharing among participants are just a few of the reasons why UIFI has been such a special experience for so many students.
Each session will offer 50 - 60 Greek leaders and 15 fraternity and sorority professionals from throughout the United States and Canada a live-in institute experience. A chapter house will become "home" for our time together. Large group programs are complemented by regular small group meetings in "chapters" of 10 - 12 students. From late night conversations to the one-on-one personal discussions, you're making new friends and supporters for life.
Sessions and chapter meetings are led by professionals committed to helping you achieve your desired outcomes. These professionals are staff and volunteers of fraternities and sororities and campus fraternity/sorority professionals. UIFI is interactive, fun, challenging, inspiring, encouraging, and beneficial.
Triangle Scholarships To enable Triangle brothers to attend UIFI, Triangle Education Foundation is proud to sponsor 13 scholarships to the 2009 program. These scholarships pay for conference registration. Scholarship recipients are responsible for their travel to/from the UIFI site (Indianapolis or Los Angeles).
If you are interested in going to UIFI and want to attend on a scholarship paid for by the Triangle Education Foundation, you must complete this application and return it to the National Headquarters by April 6, 2009. Once all of the applications have been reviewed, all applicants will be notified as to whether they were awarded a scholarship or not. All remaining procedures and requirements will then be discussed with the final scholarship recipients.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Fraternity's
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at (317) 837-9640.
Portions of this text provided by the North-American Interfraternity Conference.
Previous UIFI attendees from Triangle include:
Armour
Lanny Anaya
Brook Beardsley
Michael DeLeone
Troy Dupont
Carey Gorski
Kevin Hurley
Jim Moran
Ghanshyam Patel
E-Fann Saung
Paul Uhn
Chris Yim
Cincinnati
Adam Case
Sam Cooper
Jason Ellis
Adam Follrod
Brandon Grote
Eric Meyer
Jesse Riha
Matt Schmees
Dave Slack
Matt Wallbrown
Dave Wright
Darryl Young
Colorado State
Ryan Avery
Reid Hobler
Derek Lacock
Brian Lally
Michael Thompson
Jason Van Ort
Illinois
Robert Bierman
Thomas Korder
Patrick Lindley
Iowa State
Matt Baird
Brant Bristow
Josh Brown
Jesse Bulman
Bryce Campell
Jason Carroll
Ryan Clemens
Cory Dawkins
Nathan Dolezal
Pat Glennon
Nathan Grotelueschen
Timothy Herrick
Lance Juffer
Ben Kubczak
Dax Kuhfuss
Chris Moe
Colby Moorberg
Matt Ostanik
Olaf Peterson
Jdia Plum
Brian Rayski
Kyle Robertson
Jonathan Sevald
Brian Vanecek
Sysouk Vongphasouk
Chad Whitman
Kentucky
Eric Devins
Ryan Newman
Gregg Potts
Kansas
Douglas Clark
Kansas State
Matthew Ownby
Louisville
Ahmed Awadallah
Rob Catlett
Matt Chanda
Jeremy Coyle
Josh Edlin
Chris Finger
Andy Goss
Jeremy Gray
Josh Hillman
Mark Jones
Richard Jones
Scott Lange
Michael Murphy
Josh Nickel
Ryan Peterson
Charles Pulley
Marc Smith
Ray Smith
Aaron Stonebrook
Alan Ward
Kevin Wild
Chris Wiles
Jason Zoeller
Marquette
Gabe Brackman
Jeremy Brackman
Julius Carter
Patrick Dolan
Brian Keller
Mike Meyer
Jason Moulden
Ryan Murphy
Benjamin Nave
Travis Nickels
Wesley Pedersen
Nick Sayotovich
Ronald Tiongco
Scott Town
Jason Wilcox
Michigan State
Brandon Davis
Jaben Kitson
Charnel Massoude
Alex Rucker
Michigan Tech
Dan Amerman
Nick Anton
Chad Girard
Eric Kirchner
Minnesota
David Fleischhacker
Dave Gavle
Jason Myers
Mark Snyder
Yuching Wong
Missouri Mines
Christopher McGauley
Patrick Smythe
Nebraska
Anthony Fehr
Joshua Henderson
Matthew Kappes
Frank Opal
Dillon Sadofsky
Jordan Sena
Michael Waid
Northern Illinois
Jim Dorynek
Mike Hudec
Ohio State
Joseph Cerrato
Justin Vincent
Oklahoma
J. Mark Garner
Penn State
Pat Cozzi
Ben Jones
Josh Keir
Daniel Miller
Andy Moyer
Pittsburgh
Bruce Diges
Andrew Downs
Kevin Hehman
Daniel Mazzei
Michael Parrotta
Purdue
Dan Shultz
Brian Scott
RIT
Dan Wiltberger
Rose Tech
Stanislays Blaszczyk
Corey Blevins
Justin Jent
Mike Novotney
Jacob Phillips
Ian Steenhagen
South Dakota Mines
Seth Ritter
Texas A&M
Aaron Bryant
Tim Pease
Doug Wensrich
Toledo
Jeremy Avery
Scot Burbacher
Jeremy Forsythe
Bruce Hubble
Mike VanAlstine
Tri-State
Chris Denton
UCLA
Maziyar Amini
Dan Asheghian
Erik Olsen
Harsha Rao
UWM
Dan Guido
Tim Haagensen
Elliot Roman
Richard Spaeth
Wisconsin
Andrew Severance
Facilitators/Interns:
Dan Amerman
Andy Goss
Brian Tenclinger
Paul Lawson
Scott Bova
Merle Newlon
Adam Case
If you attended UIFI and your name is missing from the above list, please
let us know! Email Scott Bova at
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with your
information.
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Leadership School
The Herbert F. Scobie Leadership School is the centerpiece of
Triangle's educational programs. The Foundation provides funding to
support the program by underwriting the cost of the weekend event.
The Scobie Leadership School attention is on Triangle’s younger
members. The programming is geared towards those just entering the
chapter and college and providing them a introductory course on
leadership. The plan is these young men will begin to build upon what
the learned at Scobie and refine their skills through their chapter and
campus experiences. Just as the Presidents’ Academy is held in a
secluded wooded environment, Scobie uses a wooded retreat center
equipped with a high ropes course.
What Past Attendees Have Said
"In my opinion Scobie is a very important program. Participants are
challenged to determine what makes a leader great, and how they themselves might
improve their leadership abilities. The program was immersive and intense,
and every member walked away with many good ideas for their chapters.
Our chapter in particular, is in need of programs such as this. We are
facing declining numbers, a very tight budget, and freshly initiated president.
We need leadership in our chapter, and the programs provided by the Education
Foundation offer invaluable support."
-- Jeremy Zink niu03
"As a participant to this year's Scobie Leadership School, my eyes have been
opened to many different aspects of being a good leader. One of the most
interesting things I have learned is how leadership involves collaborative
relationships and not just one leader with many good qualities. The
opportunity to spend time with Triangles from across the nation has also been
very valuable."
-- Russell Mailen kan04
"The Scobie Leadership School has been a great experience helping me to open
my eyes to what I can achieve. It has also inspired me to take a more
active role in trying to improve the Illinois chapter as best I can. I
will definitely recommend it to future brothers.
-- Mike O'Malley ill04
"This weekend has been an incredible learning experience for both myself and
the other Fraternity brothers from around the country. I have engaged in
many meaningful, insightful discussions that will undoubtedly aid me as a leader
in the Tri-State chapter and in many situations and leadership positions in the
years to come. I have found many new ideas that I am eager to take back to
my chapter and utilize to better it. These include ideas in such areas as
chapter leadership, personal responsibility, rush and recruitment, and upholding
the Ritual. Once again, thank you."
-- Kyle Whitenack tsu03
Miller Presidents' Academy
Organizations, and student organizations in particular, undergo constant change.
One predictable change every group faces is the change in leadership. Chapter
presidents are part of an elite group of leaders in the Fraternity. However,
with the privileges of belonging to this unique group come certain
responsibilities. Triangle’s National Organization recognized the need to make
the transition of leadership as smooth as possible for the chapters. The
Fraternity also saw the need to help chapter presidents develop and sharpen
leadership skills that will impact their chapter, academic performance, and
community.
After all, leadership skills are used in a variety of forms throughout one’s
life. Developing these skills is a continual process. The effective leader must
assemble a vision of a desired future state for the organization. While this
task may be shared with other key members of the organization, it remains the
leader's core responsibility and cannot be delegated. With a vision, the leader
provides the all-important bridge from the present to the future of the
organization.
After the leader creates a vision and mobilizes commitment, perhaps the most
difficult challenge begins -- that of institutionalizing the new vision and
mission.
The Steven L. Miller Presidents’ Academy was created to help Triangle’s newest leaders to develop
their visions and implement them. The Steven L. Miller Presidents' Academy curriculum was
designed to:
Educate Chapter Presidents about the national fraternity
Educate the Presidents on their positions and provide them with a greater
understanding of the President’s responsibilities
Provide ideas for building an effective team of officers and tips and
resources to assist the presidents in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Define who the Presidents want to be as individual leaders
Help the Presidents understand personal and organizational values
Improve the Presidents' ability to creatively, critically, and constructively
think
Enable the Presidents to apply the above elements to their Fraternity chapter
and community
Another important element of the Steven L. Miller Presidents’ Academy is the ability of the
chapter presidents to interact with each other. Rather than reinventing the
wheel at each campus, the chapter presidents can learn from the curriculum and
each other to overcome obstacles and develop new resources for their chapters.
A fraternity is about the development of people and will only be as strong as
its members. The extent of that strength will be based on the character of the
people and the experiences and education that they have acquired. For Triangle
and its chapters to be stronger, its membership must be developed to be better
leaders, students, and citizens. Through the Steven L. Miller Presidents’ Academy, Triangle’s
training in this area starts at the top of each chapter.
What Past Attendees Have Said
“I am very excited to see what I can do over the next year as president, and I
feel as though this weekend of activities and discussions has given me the
necessary tools to get started on the right track. On behalf of every
brother who attended this workshop I thank you for your support.”
-- Cory Hudson csu03
“Over this past weekend the presidents of all the chapters meet to discuss the
purpose of Triangle and to redefine the purpose of Triangle and to redefine this
purpose to something that fits our modern times. We concluded: The purpose of
Triangle is to develop balanced men in the fields of engineering, architecture,
and science by providing an environment which fosters personal growth and
professional success.”
-- John Gable ps99
“I have learned many new things while at the Presidents' Academy, which I will
take back to Nebraska with me. I am going to use my new found knowledge
and skills to lead my chapter, as well as, the national organization”
-- Josh Henderson neb02
“With the skills and ideas I acquired at this retreat, I fell confident that I
can lead my pothers in the coming semesters.”
-- William Newkirk umbc00
“We were able to exchange ideas on how to foster stronger brotherhoods, how to
operate chapters more effectively, and how to ping Triangle to the forefront of
the Greek community. There is so much I have attained this weekend that I can
take back to my chapter”
-- Jeremy Coyle lou97
“This weekend has been incredible. I have had the opportunity to network
with many brothers, active and alumni. Also the National Fraternity
brought in two excellent facilitators to help us re-affirm our beliefs while
creating focused visions to help my chapter succeed wherever we want. I am
so excited to head back to Cincinnati and begin working with the chapter.
This academy gave me the opportunity to identify some problem areas in our
chapter and instilled in us the necessary tools to solve our own problems.
Thanks again for helping to give me, and our chapter, this excellent
experience.”
-- Adam Case cin01
“Being able to meet other brothers from around the nation lets me see that even
though we go to different schools that we joined Triangle for a similar cause;
that each of us wanted to get something more out of college than just an
education, but also something more than friendships, a brotherhood that will
last a life time.”
-- Steve Heimann mom97
Consultant Program
Now in its fourth year the Educational Leadership Consulting Program has made
a tremendous impact on the individuals, chapters and national organization of
Triangle Fraternity. Through this proactive educational program, Triangle’s
professionally trained staff is taking the Fraternity to the next level –
organizational excellence built on individual member excellence.
Over the past three years this Foundation funded program has facilitated:
Over two-thirds of the chapters received a customized consultant visit from a
trained professional staff member.
Specialized chapter programs such as chapter retreats, one-on-one
leadership mentoring, and personal development seminars.
The development of a new Pledge Education Program based on providing
individual skill training in areas that will better our members in all aspects
of their lives.
The creation of curriculum focusing on specific leadership skills, and
management techniques for incoming chapter presidents for the new President’s
Academy leadership program.
Awareness, guidance, and focus on risk management issues, such as house
safety, substance abuse, and individual responsibility.
This program insures the continued development of our individual members and
foster continued chapter growth and development. By focusing on service to the
individual member, the Fraternity is becoming stronger.
The results of these programs are very promising. The staff has received
overwhelming support and appreciation for the programming that has been
provided. In addition there are very clear results that point to this success.
Over the past two years we have seen a change in trends in both Triangle’s
internal success as well as the Fraternity’s health in relation to other Greek
organizations. Highlights of those trends include:
An increase in our average chapter GPA.
An increase in the number of chapters over a 3.0, which previously was on
a decline.
An increase in the average chapter size from 28 to 32 men. Other
fraternities have experienced declining numbers over the past 4 years.
An increase in the number of chapters, also on a decline in other
fraternities.
The development and implementation of the Leadership Advantage program,
which is geared towards improving the recruitment of quality young men.
Needless to say Triangle has accomplished much in a short period of time.
There are plenty of opportunities to continue to excel and meet the needs of
each of our members and chapters to insure each excels in their own right. The
continuation of the Educational Leadership Program is a key to the success of
Triangle and its brotherhood.
Undergraduate Comments
“You have opened eyes already…you have got the kindle burning and it is
catching fire quickly...one can see it in the activities around the house and
how excited people are on this year’s growth and how excited people are on the
awards we are striving for.”
"I'd definitely say that the ELC program has been one of the best things for
our chapter. The UCLA chapter was a small chapter when I first joined, and I met
Dave Fleischhacker (a former ELC team member) during my pledge quarter. It was
with Dave that we had workshops and programming, which from what I've heard
hadn't happened in the recent past. Since then, we have grown from a group of 12
guys to around 25. With the constant advice of the ELC program, we're able to
improve our programs. Personally, Dave's helped me feel more motivated about
working for the chapter, and encouraged me to attend UIFI, which was a
spectacular experience. Overall, I'd have to say that the ELC program has been a
great influence on both myself and my chapter."
“In November, the active chapter spent two days and three nights discussing
the present and future of the Missouri Mines chapter. With the enthusiasm and
guidance of Br. Guido uwm96 (a former ELC team member), we successfully
identified major problems facing the house and brainstormed steps to begin
solving the problems.” – MOM Chapter President
“Early this semester the chapter received a visit from Guido, National
Consultant for Triangle and an incredible brother all around. He sparked a lot
of new life into the house and into this tired old president. From the entire
house: Thank you Guido—keep up the good work.” – Armour Chapter President
Programs
The Foundation provides support for the educational activities of Triangle in
two primary areas, leadership development and financial aide. Each year the
Foundation awards over $200,000 in support each year. The Foundation is
confident this comprehensive support of our chapters and members will lead to
well rounded leaders and community minded citizens in the fields of engineering,
architecture and science. Each of the Foundation’s specific programs are
outlined below: