Continuous Open Bidding

What is Continuous Open Bidding (COB)?

Continuous Open Bidding, or COB, is a way for sororities to offer membership bids after formal recruitment has ended. Formal recruitment in January is the main way to receive a bid, and COB is not guaranteed. COB usually takes place in the fall semester, but some chapters may also offer bids in the spring after formal recruitment.

Key Terms:

Total is the average chapter size and is set twice a year in spring and fall. Chapters with membership below total can offer bids through COB until their spots are filled.
Quota is the number of new members a chapter can take during spring formal recruitment. Taking the full quota can temporarily put a chapter above total.

Eligibility

Women who withdraw from recruitment before signing a preference card can participate in COB the following semester. Only some chapters have open spots and not all will participate in COB. Availability is announced at the start of the fall semester.

Participating Chapters

Spring 2026: To be determined
Fall 2026: To be determined

Screenshot 2024-09-12 at 12.00.11 PM.png

Screenshot 2024-09-12 at 11.57.02 AM.png

COB Process
Chapters with open spots can offer bids anytime during COB through events or direct communication. A potential new member may receive multiple bids or none. Registration for COB is optional, but submitting a COB Interest Form allows Panhellenic to share your information with chapters that have open spots. COB is free.

Timeline
Fall COB bids begin the first Monday after classes start. Spring COB bids begin immediately after formal recruitment ends. Final bid deadlines are posted each semester through Fraternity and Sorority Engagement

Requirements for Membership (for COB only):

One semester of college credit
Cumulative 2.5 GPA (collegiate)
Must not have initiated into an NPC sorority or have pledged an NPC sorority since the prior recruitment period