S O U T H E R N M I S S
COLLEGE PANHELLENIC COUNCIL
continuous open bidding
Another way to join our community outside of primary recruitment is through the continuous open bidding process (COB). Joining a chapter through COB still provides all the privileges and experiences of sorority membership - just on a little bit of a different schedule.
COB looks very different from primary recruitment. It is more informal and, unlike primary recruitment, you do not need to attend events for all sororities. You are welcome to attend events for various sororities, though not all events take place during the same time frames, so it can be more complicated to do so.
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. 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.
Once you’ve figured out which chapters are participating in COB and you’ve attended multiple events, how do you know if you have received a bid? Just like primary recruitment, not all women who participate in COB will be extended a bid. If a chapter will not be extending a bid to you, a member should contact you and let you know. This allows you to participate in COB events for other sororities or wait until the next primary recruitment period.
At the end of primary recruitment, the College Panhellenic distributes the bid that a sorority is extending to you. During COB, the sorority will contact you directly to extend you a bid. Each organization handles bid distribution it differently, but it always an exciting event. Many will still host a Bid Day to welcome their new members home and celebrate their new membership. Once you have received a bid, it is time to celebrate the lifelong membership benefits of sorority that are being shared with you!
"Being from out of state, I was hesitant on joining a sorority. I did not go through recruitment in the fall and noticed that I was missing a sense of community that I always longed for in college. With my roommate being in a sorority, I saw the events she was attending and friends she was making and was ultimately able to see sorority life through her eyes. After much thought, I decided that I wanted to go through Spring recruitment!! That was one of the best decisions of my life. I have made so many new connections, grown in ways I never thought were possible and have gotten out of my comfort zone. Serving as a Gamma Chi this past Fall recruitment was where I fell in love with the CPC community. I was able to realize that although we’re all in different chapters, we all have a common goal to embrace, equip, and empower each other. I was nervous to apply for CPC exec because I have never really held a leadership position, but I knew that my chapter and the community would support me no matter what! Even if you are hesitant about joining a sorority like I was, I encourage you to give COB a chance!”
Gabby Wilcox
Spring 2022 COB - Delta Delta Delta
VP Communications - 2024 CPC Executive Board
Bid Day 2022
2023 cpc exec