Bid promising is when an active member of a Fraternity/Sorority Life chapter implies or guarantees a PNM will receive a bid before the official recruitment process is over. Bid promising is strictly prohibited in Panhellenic Recruitment; it undermines the fairness of the process and conflicts with the principle of mutual selection that all chapters are expected to uphold.

with before going through Panhellenic recruitment:

• PNM (Potential New Member): You! Anyone going through recruitment but not yet affiliated with a sorority.

• Chapter: A local branch of a national sorority on your campus.

• Bid: A formal invitation to join a sorority.

• Recruitment Guide: An upperclass woman who is temporarily disaffiliated from her sorority to help guide PNMs through recruitment.

COB (Continuous Open Bidding) is an informal recruitment process that sororities who do not reach quota after Formal Recruitment will participate in. The main difference between COB and Formal Recruitment is that during COB, you do not have to meet with each chapter before committing. NOT ALL sororities will COB, so we recommend participating in Formal Recruitment to the fullest extent.

Sororities are looking for individuals who are authentic, involved, and eager to contribute to their chapter's values and sisterhood. While each sorority is unique, most seek members who show genuine personality, a strong sense of character, and a willingness to grow. Being involved in campus life, maintaining academic responsibility, and showing leadership or community service experience are all qualities that stand out. Just as importantly, sororities value kindness, inclusivity, and the ability to build meaningful connections with others. At the heart of it, they’re looking for women who will positively impact the chapter and thrive within its supportive community.

The cost of membership varies by chapter and can include dues, housing, meals, and social events. Transparency is important, so each chapter should provide a financial breakdown during recruitment. While there is a financial commitment, many chapters offer payment plans or scholarships to support members. It’s always okay to ask questions about affordability—financial transparency is part of making sure you’re joining a chapter that’s the right fit.

Sorority recruitment is a multi-day process where potential new members (PNMs) get the opportunity to meet each chapter, learn about their values, and find a sisterhood that feels like the right fit. Recruitment is typically structured with themed rounds that become more personal each day, ending with Preference and Bid Day. While it can feel fast-paced or overwhelming at times, recruitment is designed to be a supportive, welcoming experience that helps you find a community where you feel seen, supported, and excited to grow.

Not receiving a bid can be disappointing, but it doesn’t mean the end of your sorority journey. Our campus offers Continuous Open Bidding (COB), which allows eligible chapters to extend informal bids after primary recruitment. Some people also choose to go through recruitment again the following year with a better understanding of the process. Remember, sorority life is just one of many ways to get involved on campus, and the right opportunity often comes at the right time.

A “legacy” is someone who has a family connection to a particular sorority. Typically, you’re considered a legacy if a close relative, most often your mother, but sometimes a sister, grandmother, or even an aunt, was a member of that same sorority.

We love to hear that Panhellenic women have positively influenced your decision to participate in recruitment and to grow our community. Their experiences and perspectives often reflect the values of connection, leadership, and personal growth that define our organizations.

CSUF Panhellenic sororities do not factor chapter legacy status into their invitation process. This approach ensures that every potential new member is evaluated fairly and holistically based on who they are as an individual: their character, values, and potential to contribute to the community. By removing legacy consideration, we create a more inclusive and equitable recruitment experience, allowing chapters to build diverse memberships and giving all participants an equal opportunity to find a place where they truly belong.