Alpha Omicron Pi Women’s Fraternity was announced as the new UW-Milwaukee sorority to appear on campus in fall 2014.
The process to find a new sorority began in 2011 when members of Student Involvement submit a proposal to the National Panhellenic Conference Extension Chairwoman requesting new Greek organizations to come to UWM.
A select group of current sorority members, a non-affiliated student representative, a sorority advisor and two staff members formed a group — called The Extension Team — to narrow the dozens of sorority offers down to three finalists.
The finalists included Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Sigma Tau, and Alpha Phi. Calling these chapters “new” to UWM isn’t correct, however. Each sorority shares a history on campus as previously active sororities.
The Extension Team looked for a sorority that best fit these goals:
- Provide an understanding of the unique characteristics of a public, urban research university
- Offer opportunities to connect directly with the campus and city of through service
- Provide an experience that is complimentary to the current fraternity/sorority community, but also contributes something not offered by current chapters
- Provide a well-rounded and fun experience including service, academics and leadership
- Has a solid support structure in place from both inter/national staff and alumnae
After a long hiatus (beginning in 1995), The Extension Team welcomed back Alpha Omicron Pi as the “new” sorority in late March.
“[The Extension Team] feels Alpha Omicron Pi is an organization that would provide a complimentary experience and be a good partner to our current fraternities and sororities, while also creating another option for women who may not have found a fit with a current campus sorority,” said Leih.
Representatives from Alpha Omicron Pi will be on the UWM campus in April to inform students on how to join. The new sorority will begin recruiting members when fall 2014 courses begin.