[Zillini]

ETA Qualifier - I assume we're talking about an NPC org here.

As with so many other things, it depends on the chapter and the campus. There are lots of chapters that have multiple pledge classes throughout the year. Some chapters are constantly in COR mode looking for new members. For them it's no big deal. For large chapters that are normally always above Chapter Total and are used to only doing Formal Recruitment, it can be a real shock if they fall below Total and need to COR another pledge class to get back up to Total. They simply aren't used to it.

As to the COR process and how long it takes, it ought to be the same for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th as it would be for first.

As to when to bid (school year timing), you need to check your I/natl policies. Many state that a new member must go through a new member ceremony X# of days after a bid is accepted and the new member period can only last for certain length of time. (The standard is 6 weeks). I don't know if Winter Break when school isn't in session counts toward that or not. Also, check any Panhellenic/University policies regarding pledge periods.

Don't forget to look at the sorority's calendar very closely when deciding to recruit another pledge class. You don't want initiation scheduled in the middle of finals or some other major event. It's also not a great idea to start a pledge period a few weeks before the end of spring semester then make them wait until fall to finish and initiate. You may end up losing some of them over the summer.

The most important thing a chapter needs to do with a 2nd, 3rd or 4th pledge class is to make sure their new member period is just as educational and just as rewarding as the 1st one.