Greektown prepares for latest addition

Sigma Sigma Sigma will be able to formally recruit due to the move.

By Campbell Massie

Published Feb. 13, 2009

Get those welcome baskets ready, Greektown has a new neighbor.

Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority will join the rest of the Panhellenic Association sororities in Greektown next semester in time for formal recruitment.

The sorority will move into the former Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house next semester. The Sigma Sigma Sigma President Jaimie Borislow declined to comment further.

The national Alpha Tau Omega housing corporation still owns the house, Interfraternity Council spokesman Ryan Morimura said.

The former Alpha Tau Omega house is next to the Delta Delta Delta house and directly across the street from Zeta Tau Alpha at 909 Richmond Ave. in Greektown.

The Alpha Tau Omega fraternity lost its recognition as a student organization for five semesters after violating the Student Organization Code of Conduct while already on university probation for a previous incident, according to a December news release. The fraternity could potentially come back after serving its probation.

The sorority started recruiting on campus last year, making themselves the newest members of PHA since Phi Mu sorority was charted in 2001.

Sigma Sigma Sigma recruited in a non-traditional manner by holding events around campus to attract recruits.

During formal recruitment at the beginning of fall semester, potential members of different sororities visit the physical houses while deciding which house they would like to join. Despite not participating in formal recruitment at the beginning of the semester and it being the sorority' s first year on campus, the sorority has over 100 members, PHA spokeswoman Lindsey Hoffman said.

"That's unbelievable for not having a formal house," Hoffman said.

Having a house to show and base recruiting from will work to the sorority's advantage, Hoffman said.