The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) has a long and storied history dating back to 1859. The council is the governing body for the 22 fraternities on campus, and its mission is to promote the values of brotherhood, scholarship, leadership, and service.
The Early Years
The first fraternity at Ole Miss was Phi Kappa Alpha, which was founded in 1859. Over the next few decades, several other fraternities were founded on campus, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon (1860), Kappa Alpha Order (1861), and Phi Delta Theta (1868).
In 1878, the IFC was founded to coordinate the activities of the different fraternities on campus. The council’s first president was William D. Gale, a member of Phi Kappa Alpha.
The 20th Century
The IFC played a major role in the development of Ole Miss during the 20th century. In 1903, the council helped to establish the university’s first chapter of the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society for Boy Scouts. In 1914, the IFC helped to found the university’s first chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.
The IFC also played a role in the civil rights movement. In 1962, the council voted to allow African-American students to join fraternities on campus. This decision was a major step forward for the university, and it helped to pave the way for the integration of Ole Miss.
The 21st Century
The IFC continues to play a vital role in Ole Miss today. The council is responsible for overseeing the recruitment, initiation, and education of new members. The council also organizes a variety of social and service events throughout the year.
In recent years, the IFC has focused on increasing diversity and inclusion within the Greek community. In 2019, the council launched the “Elevate” program, which is designed to recruit and support students from underrepresented backgrounds. The program has been a success, and it has helped to increase the number of minority students in the Greek community.
The Future of the IFC
The IFC is well-positioned for the future. The council has a strong foundation, and it is committed to the values of brotherhood, scholarship, leadership, and service. The IFC will continue to play a vital role in the Ole Miss community for many years to come.
Key IFC Statistics
- The IFC has over 2,000 members.
- The IFC is home to 22 fraternities.
- The IFC has a budget of over $1 million.
- The IFC has a staff of four full-time employees.
Tips and Tricks for IFC Success
- Get involved early. The sooner you get involved with the IFC, the more you will get out of it.
- Attend IFC meetings. This is a great way to stay informed about what is going on in the Greek community.
- Volunteer for IFC events. This is a great way to meet new people and make a difference in the community.
- Run for IFC office. This is a great way to get involved in leadership and make a difference in the Greek community.
Pros and Cons of IFC
Pros:
- The IFC provides a great opportunity to make new friends and build relationships.
- The IFC offers a variety of opportunities for leadership and involvement.
- The IFC can help you develop your skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
- The IFC can help you build your professional network.
Cons:
- The IFC can be time-consuming.
- The IFC can be expensive.
- The IFC can be competitive.
FAQs
- What is the IFC?
The IFC is the governing body for the 22 fraternities on campus.
- What are the benefits of joining the IFC?
The IFC provides a great opportunity to make new friends and build relationships. The IFC offers a variety of opportunities for leadership and involvement. The IFC can help you develop your skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. The IFC can help you build your professional network.
- How do I join the IFC?
You can join the IFC by completing the IFC recruitment process. The recruitment process is a one-weeklong process that begins in the fall semester.
- How much does it cost to join the IFC?
The cost of joining the IFC varies from fraternity to fraternity. However, the average cost is around $1,000 per year.
- Is the IFC open to everyone?
The IFC is open to all students, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
- What are the expectations of IFC members?
IFC members are expected to uphold the values of brotherhood, scholarship, leadership, and service. IFC members are also expected to be active in their fraternity and on campus.
Conclusion
The IFC is a great way to get involved on campus and make a difference in the community. The IFC offers a variety of opportunities for leadership and involvement, and it can help you develop your skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. If you are looking for a way to get involved on campus, the IFC is a great option.
Call to Action
If you are interested in joining the IFC, please visit the IFC website or contact the IFC office at (662) 915-7499.
