181st Psi Upsilon Convention and 2025 Leadership Institute
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at Convention and the Leadership Institute?
The Psi Upsilon Convention is a unique opportunity for brothers of all ages and from around to world to meet in the true spirit of Psi U. Psi Upsilon was the first fraternity to gather all of its chapters and hold a convention in 1841. Today the Convention has become the legislative body of our fraternity. Among other important work the Convention decides any changes or updates to the Psi Upsilon Constitution, Elects Executive Council Members, Reviews the work of the Executive Council and International Office and approves Chapter Awards. Every full attendee is placed on a committee so they can participate in the process, and can speak on matters at the Convention floor.
The Leadership Institute takes place between the opening and closing sections of the Convention and covers different topics each year based on the needs and the feedback of the chapters. Prior institutes have included sessions on Mental Health, Bystander Intervention, Organizational Leadership, Inclusive Practices, and Community Service – the agenda changes and offers opportunities for both undergraduates and alumni.
In the evenings we host events to encourage attendees to socialize with one another and local alumni.
Who can attend Convention?
Brothers with all levels of engagement can attend the convention and have a great fraternal experience! Whether you are an alumni advisor, a new initiate, or haven’t been engaged with the fraternity for some time. The Convention weekend is filled with opportunities to network with brothers from all chapters and walks of life – if you love Psi Upsilon you will have a great experience attending Convention!
While the business sessions and leadership institute are meant for only members of the fraternity, the evening events and meals are appropriate for spouses and significant others.
The 2025 Leadership Institute will primarily focus on recruitment and growth – so we highly recommend every chapter to send it recruitment chair or members of its recruitment team.
When should I plan to arrive?
If you are a member of the Executive Council or the Foundation Board of Directors please plan to arrive on Thursday evening. There is a dinner to honor members of the Pillar Society at 6PM, and both the Foundation Board of Directors and Executive Council will meet beginning on Friday morning. If you are a convention delegate the opening session begins Friday at 4PM. If you are flying into Syracuse, we recommend that your plane arrives before 1PM to give you plenty of time to get to the hotel, check in, and change clothing if you need to.
I only want to attend certain events, do I have to register for everything?
If you would like to just attend the social events around the Convention and not be a part of the business meetings or leadership institute, you can register for just them by choosing the “Single Event Option” on the Registration page. To participate in a committee or attend the General Sessions, you must be fully registered for the Convention.
Who should the chapter send to Convention as its delegates?
The Constitution requires two (2) undergraduate and one (1) alum delegate from every chapter, but not who those brothers are. Those actual delegates are at the discretion of the chapter and alumni association, respectively. We do ask that you are thoughtful with your decision, as attendees will be making important decisions for the fraternity and representing your chapter. It is not uncommon for multiple alums to register from a chapter, when this occurs we verify with the president of the alumni association who should be the voting delegate.
What is the Undergraduate Advisory Board (UAB)?
The Undergraduate Advisory Board (UAB) are two delegates who are elected by the chapters to attend Executive Council meetings for the academic year. They serve as a liaison between the undergraduate members and report to the Archons about the work of the Executive Council as well as serve as a voice of the undergraduate body at meetings. They are invited to participate in committees and other Town Hall events.
The UAB can be a great opportunity to get more involved with Psi Upsilon at an international level and be a part of the important decision-making that directs our fraternity.
What does the Chapter Service Fee cover?
The Chapter Service Fee covers a hotel room for Friday July 25, Saturday July 26, and Sunday July 27 (departing Monday, July 28) as well as the convention registration fees for two undergraduate delegates. The Chapter Services Fee DOES NOT include travel expenses, additional nights, or any out-of-pocket meals or activities. Staff will book a hotel room for the chapter’s two official delegates to share for the weekend. Delegates will need to show a credit card at check in, but just for incidentals.
Why was Syracuse chosen as the Convention Location?
It is the 150th Anniversary of the Pi Chapter at Syracuse University, originally founded in 1875. The Pi Chapter has hosted the Psi Upsilon Convention on all its major anniversary years, including 1900, 1925, 1950, 1975, and 2000. We chose hotels that were in easy walking distance to both the Pi Chapter House and University buildings where we’ll be holding our General Sessions and Leadership Institute.
Will black tie be required for the Sunday Evening Awards Banquet?
While not required, black tie is always special, and certainly appropriate, at an occasion with such a long history and high ideals.