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Orient new members to finish the year off strong Many chapters are in the midst of selecting new members for the 2009-2010 academic year. Membership orientation is incredibly important to help ease the transition as graduation nears. Mortar Board advises that each chapter conduct the primary orientation session prior to initiation so that new members are fully educated about the organization both locally and nationally before they join. Many strong chapters often choose to hold another (typically less formal) orientation session after initiation so that new members can elect officers and get to know each other better. 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, orientations that work perfectly on some campuses may be destined for failure on others. It is up to your chapter and advisors to determine which type of meeting works for your group. Here are three formats that may work for your group:
Steer clear of choosing an ineffective format for your orientation. Chapters should avoid quick meetings with limited group interaction or a lecture 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. 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. A smooth transition for a new chapter Electing new officers and transitioning responsibilities to a new class are vital aspects of the chapter's year-end duties. Current chapter officers and advisors greatly impact the success of the new chapter, especially when they arrange for a proper transition process. An ineffective transition could lead to the downfall of your chapter legacy. Allow outgoing and incoming members to mingle and get to know each other well, scheduling a brief overlap in chapter meetings and events (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?
This delegate must register for the conference at www.mortarboard.org/conference by May 15. 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. The deadline to register is Friday, May 15. 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 awards require that chapters apply or be nominated by May 15. See a list of all 2008 award recipients here.
Chapter Spotlight: Duquesne University and the University of Maryland Duquesne University With this in mind, the chapter has striven to get their name out on campus. They started their visibility initiative by hosting a booth at the university’s annual AutumnFest held during homecoming. There, the chapter sold baked goods and bookmarks to benefit the national project, “Reading is Leading.” This successful event led to the chapter selling pizza and baked goods at informational booths later in the year, again promoting Mortar Board and literacy awareness. [Read more...] Editor’s note: Is your chapter planning events for the upcoming academic year? Apply for project funding with a Chapter Project Grant. Each year, chapters can apply by May 15 for grants awarded in the summer or October 15 for grants awarded in the winter. Plan early and apply now! University of Maryland |
Deadlines & Reminders May 15
Icebreaker of the month Names and adjectives Ask each member to take a few moments to think of an adjective that starts with the same first letter as their first name (e.g. “Joyful James, Silly Sally, Athletic Andrew”). Begin the activity by modeling it yourself. Then, have each member of the group introduce themselves with their name/adjective combination, major, etc. This icebreaker is effective for chapters who are meeting with both old and new members and can help with name recognition. Bonus challenge: Ask members if they can name every participant's name/adjective combination and award those who can with a prize. If you have an exceptionally large chapter, you may decrease this to a smaller number such as 10.
Summer internship opportunity at the National Office The Mortar Board National Office in Columbus, Ohio is hiring a part-time, paid intern to work a 12-week period over the summer. Interns should have strong computer and customer service skills, and can be of any major or field of study. If you plan on spending the summer in Columbus, Ohio and are looking for the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of a national honor society, consider applying by April 30. View a complete job description for more details and how to apply. From your National Council student representative Dear Mortar Board members,
Congratulations on your impending graduations! I hope that over the last year, you have enjoyed your time in Mortar Board and have garnered as much from the organization as I have. The leadership skills I learned within Mortar Board have paid off abundantly in the "real world." Everything from how to compose an e-mail in a way that doesn't highlight my sarcastic prowess (okay - I sometimes still stumble there) to the artful skill of leading leaders. As you take your next steps, please remember that Mortar Board is here for you now just as it was during your senior year. Stay in touch and please consider volunteering at your local Mortar Board chapter or at the national level; help make your chapter a legacy you are proud of!
Good luck in your futures - it's been a pleasure!
Katie
Katie Schirmer, a 2008 graduate of Drury University, serves as one of two National Council student representatives. Her two-year term will end this July. The other seat is held by University of Arizona senior and chapter president Joseph Rodriguez, whose term will expire in July 2010. If you have any ideas or input that you would like shared with national leadership, please feel free to e-mail them. |
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Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award