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A successful Mortar Board year-end As the academic year comes to a close, chapter members are increasingly busy. However, an effective transition of incoming and outgoing members can ensure that all necessary reports and tasks are properly executed.
Transition and train new officers - Thoroughly training the new class helps finish this year strong, and start the upcoming year effectively. This includes passing down officer binders or records, hosting one-on-one officer meetings for incoming and outgoing members, and reminding the new chapter president to register for conference. Completion of reports -It is the responsibility of the outgoing chapter to complete all chapter reports before graduation. Here is a list of due dates and the officer responsible for completing them:
*Optional, strongly encouraged
Elect new officers - Before leaving campus for the summer, all new officers should be elected and reported to the National Office. Register for the conference - Each chapter is required to send one official delegate to the annual Mortar Board National Conference. This delegate is typically the new chapter president, but in his or her absence, can be another officer or chapter member. The conference is July 25 - 27 in Columbus, Ohio and registration is available online. Get acquainted - The new chapter should set up at least one meeting before the end of the academic year to get to know each other and start planning for next year. Each edition of the Mortar Board INK features an icebreaker idea that you can use to help engage the members. Plan to keep in touch - Members may be scattered during the summer, but encourage them to stay in touch via e-mail.
Officers may come to you for help in completing their year-end reports and award nominations. While the National Office encourages you to support your chapter, it is not your responsibility to finish the chapter's work for them. Feel free to lend a hand where necessary. If the transition process is correctly executed, the outgoing and incoming officers should coordinate and divide the work that needs to be done, instead of letting it fall to you. Advisor Annual Report deadline is May 15 The required Advisor Annual Report, due May 15, provides the National Office with important information about your chapter’s operations and solicits feedback to better serve you and your chapter. For example:
Through the report, you may also request a letter acknowledging your role as chapter advisor be sent by the National Office to your supervisor at work. Please complete this required report by May 15 and share your recommendations for improving advisor relations. Plan to attend the 2008 Mortar Board National Conference Thinking about attending the conference this summer? Advisors are both welcomed and encouraged. Here are just a few of the things you can expect:
Advisors are able to attend for the nominal registration fee of $225, which covers all accommodations, meals and program materials. Transportation, however, is not funded or provided by Mortar Board. New this year - enter for a chance to attend for free! Mortar Board recognizes that not all advisors may have access to funding from their college or university. One advisor will have the chance to be chosen for a free registration. How to enter:
Advisor spotlight Dr. Gregory K. Patton, University of North Dakota Dr. Patton, a 2006 recipient of the national Excellence in Advising Award, has been invaluable to the Quo Vadis chapter. He began advising the group in January 2005, and immediately jumped in with enthusiasm, expertise and commitment. The chapter had been without an advisor for a brief period of time, so his acceptance of the advising position was crucial to the chapter. In his time as advisor, he has taught all the members a great deal about scholarship, leadership and service, for which the members are grateful. To honor Dr. Patton for his incredible assistance over the past few years, the chapter conferred honorary membership upon him at their initiation ceremony in March. |
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 Required chapter reports due May 15: Annual chapter award nominations due Golden Torch Award nomination form Project Excellence Award nomination form Most Improved Chapter Award nomination forms Chapter Project Grant application due Chapter website Award nomination form Mortar Board Lingo What is an official delegate? Each active collegiate chapter of Mortar Board is required to send one chapter representative, typically the new president, to the national conference. This attendee, known as the "official delegate" is responsible for voting on important national matters on the chapter's behalf. The annual $150 conference fee pays for a small portion of the transportation, programming fees, accommodations and meals for this delegate. They must register by May 15. Chapters who do not register for conference will be put on probation. Delegates will only be permitted to vote if the chapter is in good standing with the National Office, including payment of all new member fees. Still selecting? Turn to the website for help In the past, advisors and/or membership chairpersons were sent a package in the mail with all the required membership materials. To conserve paper and make resources easily accessible, Mortar Board has put everything online at mortarboard.org/membership. Members and advisors can find answers to frequently asked questions, download templates for an official letterhead, gain access to the national logo and browse through helpful guidebooks and other resources. Mortar Board at ACPA Mortar Board annually has a presence at the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) convention. Recently, alumni, advisors and friends gathered at a special reception held during the 2008 ACPA convention in Atlanta, Georgia. If you attend other professional meetings frequented by Mortar Board alumni and friends and would be interested in co-hosting a gathering, please contact the National Office.
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Having problems viewing this e-mail? View it as a Web site or download a printer-friendly PDF. Mortar Board National Office | 1200 Chambers Road, Suite 201 | Columbus, OH 43212 | 800-989-6266 |
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Responsibilities of the outgoing class 