1. The greek system is pretty strong at U of M, even though only 18% of students participate (about 7000)in social orgs and we have a greek involved in pretty much every student organization on campus. On a pretty much anti-greek campus it is well recognized by non greek students. However, non and anti-greek students do stick up for the system when they feel its been wronged.When its time for a greek event at UM, everyone knows about it, sees it and/or hears it going on.

2. In all truthfulness I couldnt tell you who does the best acadeimically, even though a report does come out at the end of the year. But women in the greek system have higher then GPA's than women who aren't. Think it was 3.04 vs. 3.14 (not a biggie). same goes for the fraternities. Couldnt tell you about sisterhood either, but all the houses seem to have some strong bond, if not throughout the whole house, through the pledge/new member classes. As for philanthropy, there is always some sorority doing something for their charity or another chairty every week so everyone is equal and strong on that.
There are a few that it seems most girls look at when they go through recruitment and thats because of word of mouth, national recognization, yada yada...which are Tri-Delt, KKG, and Theta. All cool houses.

3. Formal Recruitment begins about the 2nd or 3rd weeks of school and last about 2 1/2 weeks. But its only 2 days a week. Sometimes on weekdays starting at 5 and sometimes on weekends. Professors know the deal so I think they are easy those days that girls rush. Girls have to go to all 16 houses on campus (7 the first day and 9 the second) So the first day your out from like 5-11pm and next from 9am-5 or 6 pm with an hour break.
Winter Recruitment usually begins in February and last a week. Its more like fraternity rush at this time where its just hanging out with the house. Much more relaxed. This is usually for houses that didnt make quota or just want a "Friend's Rush", only about 3-4 houses generally do it. Either way rush is competitive at Michigan.

4. Michigan has a pretty sweet Nursing program and has many greeks involved in it. One is one of my sisters!

5. U of M doesn't have AOPi anymore (TKE is currently living in their lovely house), but it seems like U of M is always willing and looking to expand their system (we could definately use more NPC sororities with a 16:30 frat. ratio), so if she wanted to recolonize the AOPi chapter and AOPi's nationals were all for it. I am sure she'd have no problems. Even though U of M is pretty anti-greek, there are women always looking to create something new and different from what is already available. Thats how we brought back Alpha Gam

If I can think of anything else Ill add it. I hear Western Michigan's system is sweet also.