stance on bids
 

My chapter (rho rho) has been talking about ways to reduce the size of our in coming pledge class as we averaged 70 pledges a pledge term over the last two years and our active body is well over 200 brothers.

I know some chapters have bids and that idea has come up a few times during our meeting but in the end, we decided against it. However, I wanted to see how other brothers feel about this and any other suggestions you guys have.

Some chapters do extend bids. It's not something I'm in favor of (and neither is your chapter), but it does work for one chapter I know of in the midwest. Their "cap" is very high though, so not that many people get rejected.

To reduce your size if it's indeed becoming a big problem:

You could have a pledge class in the fall, then opt out of a spring pledge class. (I think a chapter in my region does this)

You could have an "open rush" in the fall and a "closed rush" in the spring -- by that I mean you still have a spring pledge class, but you don't advertise for it and pretty much rely on word of mouth. (Though I imagine with 200 brothers, word of mouth would be just as successful lol)

All things considered though -- this is a wonderful problem to have. It's great to hear that so many people are interested in your chapter!

Can I chime in?

I am one who came in on a bid but here at Iota Rho, no one knows who's who especially with over 25 per class. I say this because I was told by another brother from a different chapter that some of my chapter brothers did not know who I was and that they're too many brothers in our chapter while she was at Sectionals. Sad but true. I didn't go unfortunately. Anyway, I do think what Rashid is suggesting is a great idea and it may help in knowing MORE of who is who in your chapter. Plus, reading on another DB, selecting the final initiates into your chapter may help as well.

Large chapters...
 

Looking back in the Torch and Trefoils in the 1930s, there is a comment from a board member at the time a chapter at a school like Ohio State should have at least 100 brothers to do the amount of service needed on campus...

Now chapters consisting of 10% of the campus (which I know I've seen at Maine Maritime and that College of William & Mary is close to), might still surprise...

I have suggested what Rashid said to one of my chapters in my district. I actually have two chapters in my district who are the sorority's largest chapters; Chi at the University of Georgia had 220 sisters last year and Epsilon Beta at Clemson had over 150 sisters last year. They were having issues too with having TOO MUCH interest, so I suggested they have a Fall Rush and nothing for the Spring. It worked well for them.

They're still the largest two we have though ;)