Panhellenic Recruitment

Panhellenic chapters recruit new members during both the fall and spring semesters. Fall is the primary time for recruitment, with chapters following a formal process. Recruitment in the spring is informal with continuous open bidding (COB).   

 

Fall Recruitment

Things to Know

Primary recruitment takes place during the fall semester, with all National Panhellenic Conference chapters participating in a formal process. Events consist of multiple rounds, giving potential new members the chance to meet and learn about all Panhellenic chapters.   

Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 23, 2026, and students cannot register past this deadline. Because recruitment is a mostly in-person process, students who sign up are expected to attend all scheduled events.

 Fall 2026 Recruitment Dates 

  • May 31: Registration opens 
  • Aug. 23: Registration closes 
  • Aug. 26: Orientation for all potential new members (evening) 
  • Aug. 28: Datebook 1 (evening) 
  • Aug. 29-30: Datebook 2 (all day) 
  • Sept. 5-6: Datebook 3 (all day) 
  • Sept. 7: Preference (all day—Labor Day holiday observed, no classes)   
  • Sept. 8: Bid Day (afternoon) 

Recruitment 101

Registration for fall recruitment must be completed by the deadline (late sign-ups are not allowed), so be sure to finish your application, pay the fee and submit your VidCruiter video on time. 

Fall recruitment events are mostly in person with the first round being virtual, which includes watching chapter videos and making selections. Students who sign up are expected to attend all scheduled events. Some schedule changes may be possible, but missing multiple days will prevent you from continuing in the process. It is important to keep your schedule flexible.  

Potential new members are provided their specific schedules during the first morning of each round (also referred to as “datebook party”). You may not have events every day, but it’s best not to make other plans until you receive your schedule. If you know you’ll miss multiple days, you should request to be added to the continuous open bidding list instead of participating in the formal recruitment process. 

What to Expect

Learn more about Panhellenic recruitment, including financial commitments, attendance requirements, letters of recommendation and other details. 

Tips and FAQs

Review tips and frequently asked questions on participating in Panhellenic recruitment. 

 

Spring Recruitment

Spring recruitment is an informal process called continuous open bidding (COB). During this time, the chapters that participate will host individual recruitment events, typically within the same week. Not all chapters choose to take part. Unlike the formal recruitment in the fall, COB is more casual and offers a laid-back way to meet members.   

We encourage all interested students to join the Panhellenic Council's spring kickoff event in January and keep an eye out for the recruitment schedules from individual chapters as the semester begins. COB can occur throughout the semester. 

For more information on recruitment, contact FSL@colorado.edu.