UIFI Question
 

Is it worth my time and money to go to this? And what is the program where one gets a discount, Interchange, what is that?
I get the impression that this is for leaders which is good, but I am wondering if it will help me as a chapter leader, or is this more for IFC, FSC, greek council types?

I graduated from UIFI the first year it was offered (a long time ago). For me it was one of the most awesome experiences I had ever had, and one of the main reasons I became a university Greek Advisor. I have been trying to get my students to go, and finally last year an IFC officer went and loved it. It is a very different experience than any other Greek leadership experience I know of. I highly recommend it!:D

I only know of it indirectly but I have heard its a great experience.

I am not sure how great it is as a leadership/management lesson. I think its based on Posner's work (I read the book) which is an academic approach to leadership. Very idealistic.

However, the experience itself is supposed to be very good and very intense.

The people are divided into "chapters" and supposedly you don't get a lot of sleep because you are up late bonding with your rommies lol.

Who is Posner and what book did he write?

Posner is an organizational psycholoist I believe and the book's name escapes me. Someone has to know it. It was considered like a bible in the collegiate staff community.

I went to UIFI summer 2001. A lot of it is based around The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, but it also touches on the FISH philosophy, if that's what Posner wrote. Anyway, I went into it kinda hoping for concrete ideas as far as chapter operations, but it was more focused on changing your individual outlook and leadersthip style. I would definitely say it's worth the time, but as far as the money, I'm not sure. My school has a scholarship for about 20 people to go, so I didn't have to pay, and I'm not sure what it costs. Maybe you could petition your nationals or local alumni chapter to pitch in to defray your costs.

Lemme sum it up: If you have the extra time and cash . . . GO.

Its always worth it for a new experience.

many national orgs as well as the NIC offer scholarships to go to UIFI. many schools also send chapter presidents and other greek leaders.

I went in 2004 and was an intern for the program in 2005 and it was amazing. they adjust the curriculum almost every year to go along with new issues in greek life, etc. the facilitators are amazing and great contacts for the rest of your life. it is great for exchanging ideas amoung people from other orgs and schools and it is amazing to see how different people's greek experiences have been. and then after leaving UIFI, they set up a listserve so that everyone can stay in touch with one another and keep everyone up to date on the changes they are making.

Overall, absolutely loved UIFI. One of the few turning points in my life. and i have heard almost everyone seeing it as a beneficial experience.

i also have to plug it, as I met my bf at UIFI 2004!

I was asked to be a facilitator last summer but was unable to do so. I hope I get the opportunity again sometime.