[irishpipes]

Exactly. This may be un-NPC to say, but the very, very top 3-4 chapters and the bottom one or two don't really change in reputation from year to year, but that leaves about 14 chapters that do. In my experience at U of I, those 14 chapters have up years and down years. There are a riduculous number of fraternities at U of I - they outnumber the sororities by FAR, so pretty much every chapter has exchanges with "good" fraternities. Also, with chapter sizes pretty large, most people will be able to find great friendships within a chapter if they really try. I can't speak to the COB thing, because when I was there it didn't exist, but I am glad it is there if it is giving more chapters and more women a good Greek experience. I am not going to suggest that anyone accept a bid from a chapter she hates, but I will say that at U of I, being a non-Greek can be pretty difficult. It is a huge, huge part of campus life there.