Hey ya'll....no snap bid for me...so maybe COB is an option.. I'm feeling a lot better than I have been these past couple of days...I found out that my GX is a Pi Beta Phi...haven't heard from her since but i got a couple phone calls from girls in my rush group asking if I was alright and we are still friends..adorable girls. I'm going to give them a call tonight and see where they ended up today. I guess it was just a mix up...but oh well. COB starts September 2nd. What exactly happens now? Do they come to me or what?

Usually (at least at my school), the sororities that will be having open bidding will have COB parties. They are generally much more relaxed than formal recruitment and a lot more fun, I think! I would either contact the sororities and find out who is having parties and when or be on the lookout for advertisements. Don't discount any sororities you didn't like or that cut you - start with a fresh slate! You may find qualities about them you didn't see before since the atmosphere is more relaxed and vice versa!

Just want to echo DZHBrown's advice! This is a whole new ballgame, and actually, a little more realistic. Any friends you've made in the various chapters or your Rho Chi group who are in sororities that are COBing - let them know that you're interested! They are just as interested in having people come to their COB parties as you are in going!

Call the Panhellenic Building and ask who's doing COB.

COB is a great way to go! AS most people on GC know, my chapter did not do so hot in formal recruitment. We have been COBing since Bid Day(the 18th) and have gotten 7 new girls- one of which is a JUNIOR! I think COB is a wonderful way for you to get to really know the girls. I know I am more comfortable at COB parties than formal parties and the girls get to know the real me that way.

Whatever you do, Good luck!

(even if you're a Vol...:cool: )

Go through COB it is a great experience, and many of the chapters are more at liberty to take the older girls they had to pass on during formal. As someone else said formal recruitment has so many rules regarding cuts and things. Please keep in mind that sometimes cuts (especially early on) have nothing to do with you as a person and going to a COB party can give you and them a second chance to make a good fit.

That is wacky about the Sigma Kappa invite... Sounds like Panhel was being pretty stressed out!

I, too, encourage you to check out COB at any of the chapters you felt a connection with.

Thanks guys for the support. But how exactly does COBing work? Do they come to you and can you COB more than 1 sorority? Are there cuts? COB'ing here starts September 2nd. I heard from a friend of mine that went Sig Kap that they are still calling girls about snap bids...dunno whats up with that but anyway, toodles for now :)

Pam, every school does it differently, but usually any of the women who signed up for rush but didn't pledge is contacted by the various sororities for COB. At my school, it was not considered gauche to contact any of the (geniune) friends you've made and tell them you're interested in COB. Some schools have a more structured COB, or at least have a second Pref. It wouldn't hurt to contact the Greek Advisor and find out what the tradition is for YOUR school.

Most of all, keep that wonderful attitude of yours, and best of luck to you!

Usually with COB the org has an open party for anyone that is interested, could be as informal as a bowling party or as formal as pref was. You still have to meet the school's minimum standards for rush ie. GPA, good standing... Sometimes they advertise, sometimes it is word of mouth. There are no cuts it is usually just one evening and then they make their decisions. They will usually tell the women at the party to be home at a certain time on a certain day, and that is when they will notify you.

You may attend more than one COB, but remember that the orgs make their decisions and extend bids quickly during this time. It is not like rush where you will get the chance to see several groups at one time. You should only COB groups you think you can see yourself in and would accept a bid from immediately, if offered, because if ABC extends a bid you can't really tell them you need to wait a week because you still want to go to COB at XYZ.

There was definately a mix-up in Panhellenic. Apparently there was a huge computer problem and that is what prompted Gamma Chi's to contact people and tell them about a sorority giving an invitation to a girl and it ending with it not being true. Yes, it is frustrating but it wasnt the Gamma Chis fault.

how sad for all around....

Yeah - it was bad, and I feel sorry for all involved

IMO, you can go ahead and e-mail the president or rush chair of an org. that you know is COBing and express interest. I have been on the chapter's side of it, and if they are looking for women, the more the better.

RedFox,

Definitely contact the Panhellenic Advisor and ask what groups will be doing COB. That way you'll have an idea of where you can go. Don't be pressured though by the fact that you may get a bid quickly and you have to decide on the spot. If you need a day to think, that's ok.

COBing
 

Alright all..I've taken everyone's advice and contacted the VP of Panhellenic Recruitment. I asked her about juniors and what the situation is with taking them and I asked which sororities will be participating in COB which starts september 2nd. We'll see what she says and I'll let you all know.

Good luck, Pam! I hope you'll be able to COB!

i echo that...you will never know unless you give it a shot.
:cool:

I'm so glad you've decided to COB! My fingers are crossed!!!!

YAAY! Im so glad youve decided to do COB :) GooD LUCK!~



Nichole

MTSU and Tennessee peoples...
 

We all need to meet up somewhere one night and meet up for dinner or something! You girls are awesome! Hugs and kisses

Pam,

Good Luck w/ COB.:D

The VP emailed me back...I'll find out who is COBing on Tuesday when I head over there. Any particular questions as to what I should be asking?

Are you heading over to sorority houses Tue or Panhellenic? If you are goin to Panhellenic, ask which chapters are holding events. Ask about how this process differs from formal recruitment, right on down to attire.

At the sorority houses-- Just like in formal recruitment, ask all the same questions and talk about your assets, just as you would have for a formal recruitment party. If you are warming up to a chapter, tell them that you like them, you feel comfortable, you really admire their sisterhood, etc. Don't be afraid to talk about your talents and attributes that make you an outstanding prospective member-- your performing talents, that you will be in school another 3 years, GPA, your unique experiences, etc.

Best of luck!

Pi Love and Mine :)

Re: MTSU and Tennessee peoples...
 

I think that's a great idea, Pam!

Best of luck with COR (recruitment rather than bidding)! Like many have said, it's a MUCH more relaxed atmosphere to get to know members of the sorority. Our chapter usually went bowling, watched TV in our chapter room, or even had a Super Bowl party as COR events. Those chapters would be lucky to get a sweetheart such as yourself as a sister! :)

Re: MTSU and Tennessee peoples...
 

All for that chickie!

COB
 

I hear the only groups that are COBing are Pi Beta Phi, Sigma Kappa and Alpha Xi Delta...I'm debating going tomorrow..any thoughts? comments?

I'd go and check it out. What can it hurt? :)

I'll second that! At least you'll have looked & decided from there.

(and just think, Pi Beta Phi is the stronghold of the "Carnation Nation"!! ;) )

those are all great groups!!! go to the parties and see how it goes. some chapters are just better are cob. cob gives the chapter and the pnm to get to know one another in a much less fake and much less rushed environment. you will have the opportunity to meet more people bc the sisters won't be rotating around in certain groups. you will also get a chance to meet the new members and get a feel for life as a new member. go, have fun and keep us posted!


honeychile, that is exactly what i was thinking! i was going to say that carnation would probably adopt you if you went pi phi lol!

I say go and check it out...there is nothing to lose in looking! :) good luck :)

That's the hardest I've laughed in days!! Thank you SO much!! :D

sweetie...give it a shot. what do you have to lose?
it might just be where you were meant to be....
and if you pick up carnation as a new aunt...why not?

I say just go and see the chapters. What could it hurt? My chapter COBs as well, and I know our events are more fun and casual than formal recruitment. During COB you can relax more and concentrate on having fun!

PS. Heck, I'd adopt you if you went Pi Phi! (JK!)

Go!! I'll be your honorary aunt also!!

No seriously, I remember that you enjoyed Pi Phi when you were going through recruitment, and it's definately worth checking out the other groups too. Maybe your home is waiting for you! :)

Best of luck....all three groups should be thrilled to have a sweetheart like yourself! :)

Re: COB
 

Yes - GO! Have fun.

I just wanted to bring this quote back down -- these are some great words of wisdom!! I know that in the past for COB's, some PNM's have been confused and thought they could "wait" to decide among the other COB'ing sororities -- needless to say, this creates mass confusion, not to mention hurt feelings on the sorority side.

I only know the SK's from here on GC (which are great by the way), but AZD had a pretty strong hold at our campus -- and of course Pi Phi does have its honorary aunts up for adoption :D -- I really don't think you could go wrong with any of these. Its all about your attitude (obviously GREAT!) and what impact you will make as a sister.

Can't wait for your update!! Have a great day and a wonderful week!!

Good luck!!