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Revised national fees are announced At the 2009 Mortar Board National Conference, delegates from each active Mortar Board chapter voted to raise the national membership fee from $60 to $75 per member. Membership dues had not previously been increased since 2003. Had Mortar Board been gradually raising membership fees over the past six years, dues would now be at $75. Mortar Board will now have the flexibility to build new programs and increase support with this increase. Mortar Board operates very conservatively, and more than 82 percent of the budget is directed toward programs, like the National Conference, chapter support, and membership benefits. Approximately 18 percent is allocated to general overhead – such as staffing, occupancy, postage, supplies, audit or telephone. We understand that this dues increase may make it more difficult for some members to pay dues in their full amount. Some chapters have already expressed interest in fundraising to help subsizide members' payments. To pay the difference ($15) for 20 members, this means a chapter would need to raise $300. Fundraising ideas to help your chapter underwrite the dues increase:
Outline of applicable fees Membership dues make it possible for Mortar Board to provide valuable support and services as well as the honor of lifetime membership in one of the most prestigious national senior honor societies. All chapters are required to monitor payment of individual members and submit their chapter conference fee to the Mortar Board National Office:
*Based on financial need, each chapter is permitted to waive one new member fee annually. The Coral V. Stevens Gift Membership is selected confidentially, and may be awarded to one new member or a few, up to a maximum of $75. What do fees cover? The $75 individual membership fee includes:
The chapter $200 conference fee:
How does my chapter pay fees? Each member will pay his or her $75 membership fee directly to the chapter prior to initiation. It is the responsibility of the chapter treasurer and membership chair to work with the National Office to ensure that all candidates have paid their fees prior to initiation. The conference fee of $200 should be paid by check or credit card along with membership dues within one week following initiation. Fund your publicity efforts with a Mortar Board Week Visibility Grant
The deadline is quickly approaching - December 15 - so be sure to complete the grant application online now! Recipients will be notified on or before Monday, January 12. Furthering your education? Each year, the Mortar Board National Foundation awards fellowships to members to assist in financing their postgraduate education. Thousands of dollars will be available for Mortar Board fellowships for the 2010-2011 academic year, with applications due on or before January 31, 2010. Recipients are chosen for academic excellence, recommendation, promise, financial need and Mortar Board involvement. Since the establishment of the Mortar Board fellowship program in 1941, more than $500,000 has been awarded to members pursuing further study in graduate or professional school. Better World Books: the service project in a box A book drive with Better World Books is a great way to raise money for your chapter and support the "Reading is Leading" national project. With these projects, chapters can earn $.50 to $1 for each accepted book. “We are all really busy…but Better World Books makes it easy on us. The book drive has become really important to our chapter – a tradition we pass on from year to year!” Hsiao-lin Wang, past president of Mortar Board at University of Missouri – Kansas City, raved about the program. Better World Books has raised more than $7 million in support of its mission to help break the cycle of poverty through literacy and education. Additionally, the program has diverted 12,000 tons of books from landfills since its first book drive in May of 2002. How it works
To get started, e-mail Campus@BetterWorldBooks.com. Chapter spotlight: Kansas State University The XIX chapter, chartered in 1928, has a tradition of excellence. Members are committed to Mortar Board’s ideals of scholarship, leadership and service and continually select new members with that same commitment to continue their legacy. This year, chapter members have enjoyed supporting the national project, “Reading is Leading,” with multiple projects. The group hosted two “candy stands” in the K-State Student Union where passersby could vote for their favorite book by putting money into the cup in front of it and receive candy for their donation. Proceeds from the “candy stands” were donated to the First Book Virtual Book Drive. Members also read to students at a local elementary school. Chapter President Veronica Baus explained, “I’m really excited to be able to make a difference for children in the classroom setting. I’m not getting my degree in education, so this hands-on opportunity is a way I can give back and support the local reading and literacy initiative.” One of the factors that undoubtedly makes this chapter so outstanding is the exceptional bond members have with each other. This relationship was strengthened by an overnight retreat held in early September to kick off the year and maintained with regular social outings such as theatre nights, restaurant gatherings, a holiday party and group barbecues. The chapter’s sturdy support system allows members to build lasting friendships and pride for each other. During each meeting, the group has an “Outstanding News” portion where members can share their successes (being accepted into a graduate program, receiving academic recognition, being hired for an internship, etc.). Students can also choose to highlight another member's accomplishments by recognizing him or her with the with the “Mortar Board Spotlight.” Another great characteristic of the chapter is exceptional preparation. The chapter has already solidified plans to celebrate Mortar Board’s 92nd anniversary during Mortar Board Week, February 14 - 20. In addition to sharing information about the Society with a Mortar Board table in the K-State Student Union, the group will host a campuswide Leadership Forum. Numerous influential faculty and staff (including the university president, dean of student life, and athletics director) will participate in the forum. The chapter's efforts will conclude with membership applications being due at the end of the week, combining visibility and recruitment, to continue their legacy. Your chapter can be in the spotlight too! Nominate your chapter by sending your chapter name, university, e-mail address and what makes your chapter unique to enews@mortarboard.org. |
Deadlines and Reminders All report forms are available online and should be submitted to reports@mortarboard.org! December 15
January 31
March 15
May 15
Icebreaker of the month New Year Pennies Supplies: - Pennies (enough for each chapter member and advisor to have one) with recent years, none before 1994 - A small sheet of paper with the text below and attached penny. Happy New Year! Here is your Mortar Board penny for 2010. Whether you keep it in your pocket, purse, wallet, or at home, it will always bring you strength and courage. Each of your fellow Mortar Board members has a penny too – combined we all make 25 cents (or the equivalent amount for your chapter) – It is important to remember during this year that each of us is only a penny, but together we are always more valuable! Procedure: Have members and advisors introduce themselves (name, major, any Mortar Board offices or committees) and tell a brief story from the year on their penny. Recruitment tip of the month Use your time away from classes during winter break to ensure that you are organized and prepared for recruitment. The chapter’s membership chair and president should select a membership committee to help with the planning process. Complete your chapter's application or nomination form and have it reviewed by officers and advisors. Don't forget! The Membership Recruitment and Selection Plan (MRSP) is due to the National Office on December 15. Start your Mortar Board Week preparations Mortar Board Week is the perfect time for chapters to hold events and celebrate the founding of Mortar Board. Detailed assistance with both planning and publicity for the week is available at www.mortarboard.org/mbweek.
Connect with
INK: Important monthly news for chapter officers and advisors The Mortar Board INK, distributed September through May from enews@mortarboard.org, serves as a resource for officers and advisors of Mortar Board. This important newsletter includes:
Officers and advisors reported in the Officer Address Information Form receive this newsletter. Please forward this to others who you believe would benefit or ask them to subscribe. |
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You are being sent this e-newsletter because you have been reported as an officer or advisor for your chapter of Mortar Board. If you are no longer a chapter officer or advisor and have already reported this to your local chapter, you may unsubscribe from this newsletter. Having problems viewing this e-mail? View it as a Web site or download a printer-friendly version. Mortar Board |
1200 Chambers Road, Suite 201 |
Columbus, OH 43212 | 800-989-6266 |
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