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.

 

COB Process

During Continuous Open Bidding (COB), chapters with available membership spaces may extend invitations to join at any point throughout the semester. Chapters may connect with potential new members through events, personal outreach, or other recruitment opportunities.

Submitting a COB Interest Form is optional, but it allows the Panhellenic Council to share your information with chapters that are participating in COB. Completing the form does not guarantee an invitation, and potential new members may receive multiple bids or no bids.

There is no cost to participate in COB.

 

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

Students interested in participating in Continuous Open Bidding (COB) must meet the following requirements:

  • Have completed at least one semester of college credit

  • Have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA

  • Have not previously initiated into an NPC sorority or pledged an NPC sorority since the previous recruitment period

Students who withdraw from Formal Recruitment before submitting a preference card may be eligible to participate in COB during the following semester. However, not all chapters participate in COB, and availability depends on individual chapter membership numbers. Participating chapters will be announced at the beginning of each semester.

Participating Chapters

Spring 2027: To be determined
Fall 2026: To be determined

 

COB Timeline

Continuous Open Bidding (COB) begins at different times depending on the semester:

  • Fall COB: Begins the first Monday after classes start.

  • Spring COB: Begins immediately following the conclusion of Formal Recruitment.

Final COB bid deadlines will be announced each semester by Fraternity & Sorority Engagement.