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This spring at Cal Poly, several sororities have been adding members through continuous open bidding — a post‑recruitment option that gives students a simpler, faster route into Greek life. For students balancing classes, jobs or who missed formal rush, COB can be a practical alternative, but spots are limited and policies vary by chapter.
According to Elizabeth Aiello‑Coppola, assistant director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, chapters qualify to extend COB invitations when their active membership falls below the campus median. That threshold shifts each quarter, so the number of openings can be small or relatively large depending on the chapter’s current roster size and turnover.
How continuous open bidding typically works
COB moves away from the multi‑day, highly structured rush events. Instead, conversations are usually informal: short one‑on‑one meetings, casual coffee chats or small gatherings with a handful of members.
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Because interactions are more personal, recruiters often use COB to get a clearer sense of whether a prospective member will be a good fit — and whether that person genuinely wants to join. Chapters that do have openings are more likely to favor candidates who make their interest known directly.
Recruitment coach: be direct and keep it casual
Trisha Addicks, a veteran sorority recruitment coach and author of The Rush Bible, recommends contacting chapters to ask if they are running COB, since not every house advertises it publicly. When you do get a meeting, she says, treat the encounter like a friendly conversation rather than a formal interview.
“COB is a chance to connect in a low‑pressure setting,” Addicks told me. Recruiters are looking to learn about you and whether you want to commit; clear interest improves your chances.
She also emphasizes wardrobe and nerves: there’s no need for formal rush attire — comfortable, neat clothing is fine — and an invitation to meet usually means the chapter already sees potential, so try to stay relaxed.
Quick COB checklist
- Ask directly: Email or message the chapter to confirm they accept COB and whether there’s a waiting list.
- Be clear: If you want to join, say so — recruiters prefer candidates who communicate intent.
- Match the tone: Keep conversations casual and authentic, not rehearsed.
- Bring questions: Ask about time commitments, philanthropy and chapter culture to assess fit.
- Follow up: Send a brief thank‑you note or message to reiterate interest after meeting.
For students, COB can shorten the time and stress involved in Greek recruitment while offering more focused interaction with chapter members. For chapters, it’s a practical way to fill meaningful vacancies after formal recruitment ends. That balance—between opportunity and limited supply—is why COB remains an important but variable option each quarter at Cal Poly.
