Conference Frequently Asked Questions
Does each chapter have to send someone? Who should it be?
Yes, each chapter must send an official delegate in order to remain in good standing nationally. This delegate is typically the new chapter president, but can be another chapter officer or member in his/her absence. The deadline to register is May 15 annually, with registration opening on March 15.
Do I have to pay to come to the conference?
NO, official delegates do not have to directly pay for the conference. Their conference costs, including travel and accommodations, are covered by the $150 conference fee each chapter is required to pay annually, as well as funding from Mortar Board, Inc. and the Mortar Board National Foundation. There are fees for additional chapter attendees, chapter advisors and alumni attending the conference:
- Official voting delegate: Free
- Additional chapter attendees: $225 (includes hotel accommodations, does not include travel)
- Chapter advisors: $225 (includes hotel accommodations, does not include travel)
How do I handle travel accommodations? Do I make my own plans and do I get reimbursed?
Mortar Board covers the costs of transportation for all official chapter delegates. Once you complete your registration online, you will be e-mailed instructions about how to arrange your own flight plans through Mortar Board’s corporate travel account. If you live within a reasonable driving distance of Columbus, Ohio you will be e-mailed driving directions along with a Driver Reimbursement Form. If you do not receive these e-mail instructions please contact the National Office.
Additional chapter delegates and advisors should make their own travel plans as Mortar Board does not cover these costs. If you wish to travel on the same flight as the official chapter delegate, please contact them to get their flight numbers so that you can book these flights on your own. If you are a driver, you are welcome to carpool with the official delegate.
Information regarding where to go upon arriving at the airport and on driving to the conference location are available in the Official Guide to the National Conference.
What are the dates and times?
The 2008 Mortar Board National Conference will be held from Friday, July 25 at 3 p.m. through Sunday, July 27 at noon. Registration will be open from noon through 6 p.m. on Friday.
Can multiple people from my chapter come?
YES, multiple members from a chapter are welcomed. Please note that the entire cost is only covered for the official delegate. The fee for additional chapter attendees and advisors is $225 and includes hotel accommodations. Sorry, but travel arrangements for these types of attendees are not covered financially or arranged by Mortar Board.
Do I need to rent a car or take a cab to get from the airport to the hotel?
NO, you do not need to rent a car or take a cab from the Port Columbus Airport to the Crowne Plaza Columbus North hotel. You will be greeted in the airport by an official Mortar Board conference assistant, who will direct you the hotel shuttles that will take you right to the conference. The hotel is 14 miles away from the airport. More information regarding travel and arrival is provided in the Official Guide to the National Conference.
What should I wear?
- Friday – Dress casually! All we ask is that you wear a t-shirt with your college name on it.
- Saturday – Dress is business casual for Saturday’s sessions and meetings. For the evening’s candlelight banquet, attire should be semi-formal.
- Sunday – Feel free to dress casual and comfortably for the travel home. This would be a great day to wear your official conference t-shirt or other Mortar Board attire. Please note that we do not suggest wearing pajama bottoms or other incredibly casual items for the morning’s meetings.
Please note that there are swimming and workout facilities on-site for those who choose to swim or work out during the conference. More detailed information on items to pack is available in the Official Guide to the National Conference.
What do I need to know?
You should download and completely read the Official Guide to the National Conference, which can help ensure that you arrive prepared to make the conference the best possible experience.
You should be aware of your chapter’s status, including your voting status, which stems from being in good standing with appropriate reports and fees submitted to the National Office. The National Office will contact you with this information via e-mail prior to the conference. Chapters who have not submitted all fees and forms will not be permitted to vote at the conference, one of the biggest responsibilities of the year! If you would like to inquire about your chapter's voting status, please inquire by calling 800-989-6266 ext. 103 or e-mailing mortarboard@mortarboard.org.
You should also try to familiarize yourself with Mortar Board as a national organization by browsing this Web site. Additionally, talk to former officers and your chapter advisor to learn about any issues, trends or challenges facing your chapter so you can determine what types of sessions to attend. Identifying areas where your chapter needs help or information (such as membership selections, publicity, service, etc.) can also help you determine the best sessions to help your chapter succeed.
Using the Web site, become familiar with Mortar Board’s Constitution, Bylaws, Standing Rules and Resolutions.
You should know that each year, one student is voted on by all the delegates to become a student representative on the National Council for a two-year period. It is a wonderful experience and can lead to further national involvement with Mortar Board. Feel free to contact the current student representatives to learn more about this position.
What should I bring?
- The Official Guide to the National Conference
- Flight information and government-issued photo I.D. - for current regulations on permitted and prohibited flight items, visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
- Children’s books - As a part of the national project, Reading is Leading, attendees are encouraged to bring one or more children’s books to donate on behalf of Mortar Board. Some chapters have brought dozens of books collected from their chapter prior to departure. Why not see if your chapter can bring the most this year?
- Items for a chapter display - Photos and samples from past chapter projects and events make great additions to the display boards available to chapters to boast at the conference. Additional information about chapter displays and how you can submit materials electronically, contact us at mortarboard@mortarboard.org.
- Your camera - Bring it to capture the amazing memories and submit to Mortar Board for possible publication in the official magazine, the Mortar Board Forum or on the Web site. Pictures can be submitted at the conference by temporarily sharing your memory card to upload photos or by e-mailing them after the conference to mbforum@mortarboard.org.
- A credit card or $30 in cash as a room deposit, required by the hotel
I can't find my question here...
Do you have a question not listed here regarding the national conference? Downloading the Official Guide to the National Conference and reading it thoroughly can help prepare you for the conference. Additionally, you can e-mail the National Office at mortarboard@mortarboard.org with your question or call 1-800-989-6266.
