Frequently Asked Questions:

Over the last several months we have fielded many questions from our alumni. Below we have addressed some of the most common concerns.

• Who is occupying the house? The Sig Eps (Sigma Phi Epsilon) have signed a four year lease to occupy the Chapter house. They have a strong undergraduate chapter on campus and a committed and involved alumni board.
  
  
• What are the terms of the lease? The four year lease payments increase over time from a small shortfall during the first year to an eventual cash flow benefit during the final years. In addition to covering our expenses during this time we will also be reducing the principal balances of our existing loans by making our scheduled payments.
  
  
• Am I welcome at the house? We have enjoyed a positive relationship with the Sig Ep undergraduate chapter and alumni board and they have been very accommodating to our members who have already visited the chapter house this fall. We expect this opportunity to continue while we also balance the nature of our relationship which provides their chapter and alumni with the full use of our house during the term of the lease.
  
  
• What is the status of the renovation project? The success of our renovation project included making critical updates to the infrastructure of the Chapter house. The primary priorities were the heating, plumbing, electrical, and fire suppression systems, asbestos abatement, and the upstairs windows. We still have many items on our to do list and the most common area we hear about is the highly visible first floor which needs new windows and improved aesthetic appeal. The renovation work we were able to complete was critical in allowing us to attract a tenant and preserve the Chapter house for future generations. We have successfully passed all code and safety inspections.
  
  
• Are there plans to recolonize? Yes. Our goal for recolonizing is to have Sigma Chi's ready to move back into our Chapter house when the Sig Ep lease is complete. The process will include petitioning our National organization for reinstatement and a commitment from our alumni to support the process.
  
  
• What course of action is the House Corporation taking to recolonize a chapter whose members value the traditions and ideals of Sigma Chi? There are many important issues for our members to resolve before a new Theta Theta chapter can be reinstated with a great opportunity to be successful. Our goal will continue to be providing an atmosphere and experience that cultivates young men and produces leaders and positive members of our brotherhood. We will be considering many options including a dry house, live in adult advisor, alumni big brother and mentoring programs, and increased alumni involvement in the rush, ritual, and indoctrination processes. We will be reviewing our methods for recruiting great candidates for membership and redefining the role of our chapter on campus.
  
  
• What is the state of the Greek system at Michigan? In addition to the troubles our chapter experienced there are other fraternities and sororities who have suffered similar problems. The University and representatives from the Greek system have been meeting to work on solutions which will allow the Greek system to continue to satisfy an important roll on campus and provide leadership, enrichment, and housing opportunities for undergraduates. As both sides work together towards preserving the positives of our system we are optimistic we will be recolonizing our chapter into a system which will have addressed many of the issues which were a threat to our existence.
  
  
• What is the state of our House Corporation? Our House Corporation meets on a monthly basis in Ann Arbor. In addition to checking on and maintaining the physical condition of the house we are meeting our financial obligations and working towards recolonizing our chapter. While we have satisfied one of our major issues by securing a tenant for the next four years we still have many projects to complete and a lot of work to do before we can recolonize. If you are interested in attending a meeting or are in a position to consider joining our ranks please e-mail us at sigmachihc@umich.edu.
  
  
• How can I help? First of all we ask you to continue to participate in Theta Theta by providing alumni news to be shared in our publication. Our alumni are over 1100 strong and it is important that we continue to keep the bond alive.
  
  Secondly, we continue to need your financial support. The current debt load on the chapter house is over $700,000.00. We have secured a line of credit to facilitate some of our cash flow requirements however we must pay down this debt and reduce the monthly loan expenses in order to be in a position to successfully recolonize. Your donations also pay for publications such as this one and will allow us to continue to make required improvements to the chapter house.
  
  Finally, we need your participation in recolonizing the chapter. We will be assembling a committee this coming spring to formulate our game plan for a successful recolonization. This will include increased alumni participation across the country identifying and recruiting quality candidates, an alumni big brother and mentoring program, and established criteria and high standards for membership in our fraternity.
  
  
• If I contribute funds now how will they be used? Your donations continue to be required to pay for alumni communications, maintenance and improvements to the chapter house and to satisfy loan obligations. Unfortunately contributions to the chapter are not tax deductible.
  
  
• How can I leave a legacy to help sustain the chapter? If you are interested in learning more about planned giving we have a member of our House Corporation, Mike Stearns '81, who is qualified to answer your questions and can be reached directly at 734-213-6262.
  
  
• When will I hear from the House Corporation again? We will be posting feedback to additional questions as we receive them to this website. You can also contact Dan Page '87 directly if you have questions regarding The Wolverine Sig. Our next scheduled publication will be this coming spring and we will be include the alumni news we receive between now and then so be sure to drop us a line. This publication will include information on how you can be part of the recolonization efforts. Also, if you did not receive our last mailer in April you can review the information that was sent on our website.