What is Continuous Open Bidding?
Continuous Open Bidding, commonly called COB, is an informal recruitment process outside of Panhellenic Primary Recruitment. At UMD, COB can provide eligible students a way to meet participating Panhellenic chapters during the fall semester.
COB is different from the structured Primary Recruitment process held at the beginning of the spring semester. There is not one universal COB schedule or formal round structure. Participating chapters may host open houses, casual events, coffee chats, meals, or other opportunities to meet students interested in membership.
Not every Panhellenic chapter participates in COB. Each participating chapter may also run its process differently, so students should register and proactively review the chapter information below.
How Fall COB Works
Fall COB is flexible and chapter-specific. After registering, use the participating chapter information below to learn which chapters are recruiting, how to connect, and when their first COB opportunities are scheduled.
Step 1
Register for COB
Complete the CampusDirector COB registration form so DFSL and participating chapters know you are interested.
Step 2
Review participating chapters
Look through the chapter cards below for chapter descriptions, contact information, Instagram accounts, and event details.
Step 3
Reach out
Follow each chapter's listed contact method. Some chapters may also reach out to registered students directly.
Step 4
Attend COB opportunities
COB may include casual events, open houses, coffee chats, meals, or other informal ways to meet chapter members.
Step 5
Continue the conversation
Chapters manage COB individually, so timelines and next steps may look different from chapter to chapter.
Good to know: Registering for COB does not guarantee contact from every participating chapter or an invitation to membership. Students are encouraged to review the chapter details below and proactively connect with chapters that interest them.
Eligibility / Before You Register
Before registering, make sure you understand who can participate in Fall COB. A Potential New Member, or PNM, is a student interested in joining a sorority chapter.
- Students interested in COB should be currently enrolled at the University of Maryland.
- First-semester freshman students are not eligible to join through COB during their first semester, including students who have AP credits or were enrolled in a dual enrollment program.
- Students must register in CampusDirector to participate in COB.
Participating Chapters
The chapters below are participating in Fall COB. Each chapter may manage COB differently, so review the chapter details, follow the listed contact method, and check chapter communications for the most current event information.
Alpha Chi Omega (Gamma Theta)
Alpha Chi Omega is a sisterhood centered around friendship, leadership, service, and empowering one another to become real, strong women. Through its philanthropy, Domestic Violence Awareness, the chapter raises awareness, educates others, and supports individuals affected by domestic violence.
Instagram: @umdaxo
How to connect: Email vpri.gammatheta@gmail.com or vpr.gammatheta@gmail.com.
First COB opportunity:
Tote Painting
September 1, 3-5 p.m.
Alpha Chi Omega House, 4525 College Ave.
Alpha Delta Pi (Beta Phi)
Alpha Delta Pi is founded on the values of sisterhood, service, character, and knowledge. At ADPi, members value putting school first while balancing a fun, vibrant community of sisters.
Instagram: @umdadpi
How to connect: Message @umdadpi on Instagram or email adpi.dor.jessicalennon@gmail.com.
First COB opportunity:
Sip & Paint
September 9, 4 p.m.
Alpha Delta Pi House
Additional COB opportunities:
September 18 - Ice Cream Social
September 22 - RHM Goodie Bag Making
September 30 - ADPi Game Night
Alpha Epsilon Phi (Alpha Mu)
Alpha Epsilon Phi is a sisterhood built on beauty, strength, and wisdom. The chapter supports Sharsheret and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation while creating a community where members can build friendships, get involved, and feel at home.
Instagram: @aephiumd
How to connect: Watch the chapter's Instagram stories for the COB interest form, send an Instagram DM, or use the contact details the chapter shares through its official COB materials.
First COB opportunity:
Thursday, September 3
4:30-5:30 p.m.
AEPhi House
More opportunities: Additional COB events are expected the following week and will be posted on the chapter's Instagram stories.
Delta Phi Epsilon (Delta Xi)
Delta Phi Epsilon is a lasting sisterhood founded on justice, sisterhood, and love. Members grow in knowledge, self, and service while building lifelong friendships and supporting an inclusive chapter community.
Instagram: @umddphie
How to connect: Complete the chapter's COB interest form.
First COB opportunity:
Mocktails and Cards
September 13, 3-5 p.m.
DPhiE House, 4514 Knox Road
Additional COB opportunity:
Dessert Decorating with DPhiE
September 17, 7-8:30 p.m.
DPhiE House, 4514 Knox Road
Sigma Delta Tau (Alpha Theta)
Sigma Delta Tau strives to create close bonds and lifelong friendships through fun, meaningful memories. Members are academically driven, involved across campus, and passionate about supporting philanthropies and giving back to meaningful causes.
Instagram: @sdtmaryland
How to connect: Message @sdtmaryland on Instagram.
First COB opportunity:
Dirty Soda Bar
September 6, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
4516 Knox Rd.
Additional COB opportunities:
September 14 - Makeup Bag Decorating
September 23 - Bedazzling Claw Clips
October 24 - Eat Your Way philanthropy event
COB vs. Primary Recruitment
Both COB and Primary Recruitment are ways to learn about Panhellenic sorority membership, but the format and timing are different.
Fall COB
Informal, flexible, and chapter-specific.
- Offered only by participating chapters
- No universal schedule or formal round structure
- Events and outreach vary by chapter
- Students may contact chapters directly using the information on this page
Spring Primary Recruitment
Structured, scheduled, and organized through formal rounds.
- Held at the beginning of the spring semester
- Includes all PHA chapters
- Uses a shared recruitment schedule and round structure
- Requires registration, a recruitment fee, and required orientation or educational sessions
If you do not join a chapter through Fall COB, you may still be able to participate in Spring Primary Recruitment if you meet eligibility requirements.
About the Panhellenic Community
The Panhellenic Association at the University of Maryland is the governing body for UMD's 16 National Panhellenic Conference sororities. The community is rooted in scholarship, sisterhood, leadership, and service, and each chapter offers its own member experience, values, and opportunities to get involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is COB?
COB is an informal recruitment process that some Panhellenic chapters use when they have space to welcome new members outside of Primary Recruitment.
Is COB the same as Primary Recruitment?
No. Primary Recruitment is a structured spring process with scheduled rounds. COB is more informal, chapter-specific, and available only when chapters participate.
Do all PHA chapters participate in COB?
No. All chapters participate in Primary Recruitment, but not every chapter participates in COB.
Do I need to register?
Yes. Students must register in CampusDirector to participate in COB.
If I register, will every participating chapter contact me?
Not necessarily. Registering records your interest, but it does not guarantee contact from every participating chapter or an invitation to membership.
Can I reach out to chapters myself?
Yes. Use the contact method listed for each participating chapter.
What are COB events like?
COB opportunities are usually casual. Chapters may host open houses, coffee chats, meals, chapter house events, or other ways to meet members.
Can I participate in Spring Primary Recruitment if I do not join through COB?
Yes, students who do not join through Fall COB may still be able to participate in Spring Primary Recruitment if they meet eligibility requirements.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
For COB questions, contact PHA recruitment at umdrecruitment@gmail.com. For DFSL questions, contact fsl@umd.edu or call 301-314-7172.
Ready to learn more?
Register for Fall COB, review the participating chapters listed above, and contact chapters directly using the instructions they provide.
Register for COB Learn more about UMD PHA
Questions? Email umdrecruitment@gmail.com or fsl@umd.edu.