Nearly four years after the Inter-Fraternity Council was de-chartered as a club in the Alma Mater Society, a new agreement has set common goals for the two parties. A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has helped make this possible.
Background Motivation
The AMS, UBC’s student union, has a mission statement “To improve the quality of the educational, social, and personal lives of the students at UBC”. While the IFC serves as the governing body of the social fraternities at UBC, which consistently turn out men of scholarly merit, student leaders, mentors, and serve the greater Vancouver community through over ten different philanthropic events and fundraisers. This MOU represents a formalized partnership that creates mutually beneficial opportunities for both the IFC and the AMS, while placing the safety and well-being of UBC students at its forefront.
Scope and Purpose
The purpose of the MOU is to establish shared values between the two student bodies and advance the joint mandates of the AMS and the IFC. It aims to create more channels of accountability and communication in a renewed relationship which is positive, constructive and cooperative. This framework acknowledges that the collective influence and expertise of both parties can be better applied in tandem to support the shared interest of both parties, as well as UBC students. Importantly, it stipulates termination of this MOU must be preceded by a one month notice, and cannot be terminated on the grounds of public relations or fear of association, a departure from the trend of previous years.
The MOU Establishes Important Understandings Between the AMS and the IFC
Both the AMS and the IFC schedule regular meetings at a minimum of three times per year to discuss matters related to the agreement, with a focus on upholding mutual goals. It designates the AMS President, and Vice-President Administration as a primary point of contact for the IFC regarding cross-channel communication and event booking, respectively. Both parties can also present at each other’s respective meetings provided reasonable notice, a channel for communication of both parties at the executive level. The IFC is also presented with new opportunities to book rooms in the nest more easily, and now allows for the IFC to partner with AMS Events for event promotion. Most importantly, the IFC and its respective chapter members now have more access to the educational resources provided by the SASC, while Greek houses on campus will now promote the services of AMS Safewalk, which will now stop at the Greek Village at regular hourly intervals on busy weekend nights from 11 pm to 1 am.
Moreover, as this agreement can completed, the AMS has transferred the remaining balance of the residual funds of the IFC, which can now be put towards the requisition of AMS services. All deductions from this fund will be made at cost, underscoring the goal of both parties to ensure a safer and more accessible campus environment.
The MOU is set to last until September 1st, 2025, after which it will be subject to review by both parties. Amendments to the MOU can be also be made at any time, provided there is consent from both parties. This represents a momentous step forward for both the Fraternities and the AMS of UBC, we anticipate that both organizations will work together effectively to ensure a safer and more vibrant campus community.
Special thanks to the executives from the AMS, the IFC is happy to be working with you again.
AMS President Esmé Decker signing MOU with IFC President Ferdinand Rother