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CONTINUOUS OPEN BIDDING
INTERESTED IN COB? LEARN MORE BELOW!
WHAT IS CONTINUOUS OPEN BIDDING?
Continuous Open Bidding (COB) is an informal recruitment process that allows sororities to extend membership invitations outside of the formal recruitment period. This process typically occurs in both fall and spring semesters and is designed to help chapters that have not yet reached their membership quota. Not every chapter participates in COB and the chapters who do participate vary from semester to semester. COB provides a more relaxed and flexible opportunity for potential new members to join a sorority, as it allows women to explore different chapters and find a group that aligns with their values and interests at their own pace.
If you are looking to participate in COB, you must also register on www.udel.edu/greekreg
If you have any questions please reach out!
Panhellenic Contact- Elaine Zahnow:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR COB?
Any woman at The University of Delaware who meets the following criteria is eligible to participate in COB.
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Enrolled as a full time student at The University of Delaware
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Has at least a 2.5 GPA
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Has at least 12 college credits
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Has completed at least one semester of college
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Has never been initiated into one of the 12 NPC sororities at The University of Delaware or any other college campus
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Has not signed a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) at The University of Delaware within the past year. If she has signed an MRABA, she must not have received a bid.
WHEN IS COB?
In the spring semester, the Continuous Open Bidding (COB) process can start immediately after bids are distributed at the end of primary recruitment (Bid Day) and continues until the last day of the semester. COB can also occur in the fall semester if chapters that have not yet reached their membership quota.
WHICH CHAPTERS ARE PARTICIPATING IN COB?
Not all chapters will engage in COB. The purpose of COB is to offer as many chapters as possible the chance to expand their membership. Chapters that are below the Panhellenic total (median chapter size) have the opportunity to recruit up to that total through COB.
NO CHAPTERS ARE CURRENTLY PARTICIPATING IN COB
HOW DOES COB WORK?
As COB is an informal process, each chapter determines its own approach to recruiting new members. Typically sororities will either host events or individually meet with interested women before potentially extending them a bid for membership. These events or one-on-ones are relaxed, enjoyable, and provide a great opportunity for potential new members to connect with current chapter members.
WHAT DOES FILLING OUT THE COB INTEREST FORM MEAN?
This form indicates your interest in learning more about COB and allows chapter recruitment teams to collect your information. Completing this form does NOT commit you to joining a chapter or attending recruitment events for COB-participating chapters. It also does not guarantee that a chapter will contact you.
HOW IS COB UNIQUE?
COB offers potential new members greater control over the recruitment process. Not all chapters participate, and there are no formal registrations, or required events. A potential new member (PNM) isn't obligated to attend COB events and can withdraw from consideration with any chapter before receiving a bid and signing a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA). Likewise, she can receive a bid from a chapter at any time. If primary recruitment wasn't successful or if you prefer a more relaxed recruitment process, COB provides an ideal opportunity to join the Panhellenic community at the University of Delaware.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF I AM OFFERED A BID TO A CHAPTER?
"If you receive a bid during the COB process, you have the option to accept or decline it. If you decline the bid, you can continue pursuing other chapters participating in COB or opt to conclude your participation in the process altogether. If you choose to accept the bid, you must sign a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) within 24 hours, provided by your new chapter. The signed MRABA must be returned to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life within this timeframe. This agreement remains binding until the next primary recruitment period.
WHAT IS THE MRABA?
The Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) is a document that potential new members must sign if they accept a bid from a sorority during recruitment processes such as Formal Recruitment or Continuous Open Bidding (COB). This agreement formalizes their commitment to join the sorority and outlines the responsibilities and expectations associated with membership. The MRABA typically includes terms related to financial obligations, conduct expectations, and adherence to the sorority's values and policies. Once signed, the MRABA is legally binding and remains in effect until the next primary recruitment period. It ensures clarity and mutual understanding between the sorority and the new member regarding their commitment to the organization.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PANHELLENIC
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