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Finish the year off strong Many chapters are currently in the middle of selecting new members for the 2008-2009 academic year. Membership orientation is incredibly important to help ease the transition as graduation nears. The goals of orientation are
It is vital to hold an orientation that will provide members with information as well as energize them for their upcoming Mortar Board year! However, some orientations that work perfectly on some campuses are destined for failure on others. It is up to your chapter and advisors to determine which type of meeting works for your group. It may take the form of a retreat; a session at the home of advisors or alumni; a meeting on or off campus accompanied by a meal, refreshments or group outing; or something else entirely! Regardless of what is right, there are a few formats that are be wrong. Be sure to stray from quick meetings with little to no group interaction or a lecture-type format. Members should have the opportunity to get to know each other with icebreakers or social activities, and learn about Mortar Board in a comfortable environment. Mortar Board advises that you conduct your primary orientation session prior to initiation so that new members are educated about the organization both locally and nationally before they join. Highly effective chapters usually choose to hold another orientation session, often less formal, after initiation so that new members can elect officers and get to know each other better. Please refer to the New Member Orientation Guide for more details on how to make sure that your chapter's orientation is smooth and successful. Transitioning responsibilities to a new class and electing new officers are vital aspects of your year-end duties, and should not be forgotten. The effort current chapter officers and advisors put into this process impacts the success of the new chapter. An ineffective transition could lead to the downfall of your chapter legacy. Let outgoing and incoming members get to know each other well, allowing for a brief overlap when your chapter has twice as many members as usual. Encourage new and returning members to run for all open officer positions, and fill these positions with people who will be committed to their role. A list of officer positions is available in the Officer & Advisor Handbook.It is important to encourage all outgoing officers to keep records of their work throughout the year, such as a folder or CD, which can be passed to the new officer. Once elected, old and new officers should set aside a time to meet, discuss responsibilities, ask questions and give advice. If done consistently, it can lead to constant chapter improvement year after year. Who and what is a conference delegate?
The delegate must register for the conference at www.mortarboard.org/conference. The conference will feature many opportunities to share new ideas, learn about Mortar Board, and network with chapters from across the country. Chapters who wish to send additional members or advisors can register online for a nominal fee of $225 per attendee. They are responsible for arranging their own travel and covering associated costs. Get the recognition your chapter deserves: apply for national awards Each year at the national conference, exceptional chapters are recognized for their outstanding achievements with prestigious national awards. Distributed to chapters for excellence and success, many of these rewards require that chapters apply or be nominated by May 15. See a list of all 2007 award recipients here.
EXTENDED: Nominate your advisor for a national award Honor the advisors who have provided unmatched support throughout the year by nominating them for the national Excellence in Advising Award. The deadline to submit a nomination form has been extended to May 15, so nominate your advisor who has:
An advisor cannot receive the award more than once within a five-year period. Up to three advisors may be selected for this honor each year. Chapter spotlight: University of South Florida The University of South Florida’s Athenaeum chapter is a 2007 recipient of the Project Excellence Award and the Golden Torch Award. Susan Rodman, the chapter president, cites goal-making as the most important thing about leading her chapter. Each month, the chapter sets the goal of having one service event, one leadership workshop, one fundraising event and one recruitment event. Knowing these events need to be completed keeps the chapter on track, even with busy school schedules. Some of the events in which the chapter participates include a Read Across America Day, a Storybook Forest, Dance Marathon and much more. Additionally, the chapter decides worthy causes and works to make a difference in someone's life. At their Storybook Forest, the chapter gave away more than $3,500 in school supplies. Their participation in the Dance Marathon raises funds for All Children's Hospital and the Children's Miracle Network. At their initiation ceremony, they presented a $1,000 check to Camp Boggy Creek, a year-round camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. With all the service the chapter executes, they don't lose sight of the leadership and scholarship ideals of Mortar Board. The chapter attends monthly leadership workshops on campus and encourages involvement as officers. Finally, the chapter rewards members for involvement. Each year, two $500 scholarships are given to outstanding members with the hightest attendance at events and who exemplify the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service. |
Deadlines & Reminders Before tapping Official Membership Report (OMR) (Due immediately after selection and before tapping of new members) May 15 Final OMR and fees (or within one week of initiation) Officer Address Information Form (or immediately following chapter officer elections) National conference registration due Chapter Project Grant application due Chapter reports due: Annual chapter award nominations due: Golden Torch Award nomination form Project Excellence Award nomination form Most Improved Chapter Award nomination forms Chapter website Award nomination form EXTENDED: Excellence in Advising Award nomination form due
Icebreaker of the month Would you rather...? Think of some great "would you rather" questions or consult one of the many books/games for other ideas. Here are some examples: Would you rather... ...meet your favorite historical icon...or live in a historical period? ...be able to fly...or breathe underwater? ...be invisible...or have incredible strength? ...invent something...or write a book? Type and print some fun questions. Cut them into small pieces and fold them, placing them all in a paper bag. Then, have members select one piece of paper. Instruct members to not read their question until it is their turn. Take turns, having each member read their question aloud and selecting their choice. Alternately, pick a few questions to read aloud, instructing members to move to a designated side of the room based on their choice.
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Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award
