CONTINUOUS OPEN BIDDING
What is Continuous Open Bidding?
Continuous Open Bidding, also known as COB, looks very different from primary recruitment. Continuous Open Bidding (COB) is an informal recruitment process that Panhellenic sororities use to recruit new members outside of the designated primary recruitment period to reach quota and/or Panhellenic Total (i.e. Median Chapter size). For example, if Alpha Alpha Alpha sorority has 250 members for the spring semester and Chapter Total 255, then Alpha Alpha Alpha can offer 5 COBs if they are interested.
Which chapters participate in COB?
Any chapter in good standing that does not have above the quote (i.e median chapter size) is eligible to participate in COB. The specific chapters eligible vary each semester, and although chapters may choose to participate in COB, they are not required to. Many chapters participating in COB will publicize it on their social media.
What does the COB process look like + how can I get involved?
When a sorority participates in COB, it hosts a number of different informal and intimate events to get to know potential members better. As a potential member, you get to meet a variety of women from the chapter in a relaxed setting, ask your questions and learn more about the organization and its members. Attending as many events as you can is still the best way to learn if you would like to be a member of that sorority.
These informal events will look different for each organization. Sorority chapters might host a game night, roller skating, bowling, potluck or similar types of events. Others may simply take you on a coffee date to get to know you! COB events are designed to be less structured than primary recruitment, which can allow you to speak with more chapter members. These events may provide some insight into what being a member of that organization is like. That is because many of these COB events are very similar to sisterhood events the chapter might host.
COB Fall 2023 Interest Form
Please note: just because a chapter is eligible for COB does not mean that they will participate. Additionally, filling out the interest form does not guarantee that a woman will be contacted by a chapter.