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Ahhhhh, October!
October is a special month. We get that wonderful fall weather, lots of college sports and Halloween. And, smack in the middle of the month is October 15.
October 15 is sort of like a holiday in Mortar Board world. It is when we get to hear what your chapter is planning for the year and how things have been going so far!
It’s a big day, so make sure you are ready. Here is a checklist for October 15:
__CAP report due (See our “Top 5 CAP questions” below).
__Email your chapter news to the Forum to share what you are doing with the national MB community!
__Apply for a chapter project grant if you need funding assistance for a project
__Send in your chapter photos for a chance to be on the cover of the Forum and a chance to win a $25 gift certificate for the MB Store!
There’s a lot to do, so take our advice and don’t wait until the last minute. If you have questions or need help, ask your section coordinator or the National Office. We are here to help you!
Top 5 questions about CAP form
Why the CAP?
The CAP, or Chapter Action Plan, is a new report this year, combining the Chapter Planning Calendar and Membership Recruitment and Selection Plan. We decided to combine these two reports into one to emphasize the importance of planning for the entire year while also streamlining the national reporting process.
Why should I complete the CAP?
In addition to being a great chapter planning tool, the CAP report is part of Mortar Board’s Chapter Minimum Standards. All chapters should complete this report thoroughly. If this report is received by the National Office on or before the deadline, the chapter will retain its eligibility for year-end chapter awards. The chapter president will need to collaborate with other officers to complete this report.
What happens once I complete the CAP?
When you submit your CAP, you should send it to the National Office at reports@mortarboard.org, copying your section coordinator on the email. The National Office will review all reports to make sure national regulations are being followed, especially with regard to membership selection. But, your section coordinator will be the primary reviewer of your CAP. You should talk with your SC about where you’re excelling as well as how you might improve your CAP. Take your SC’s advice to heart; he or she has years of experience in Mortar Board!
If I make changes to my CAP, do I need to submit a revised copy?
For the most part, no. The CAP is a planning tool meant to help your chapter envision its year and make plans for key events. We understand that sometimes event dates need to be changed and members’ schedules fluctuate. But, if your membership selection deadlines shift and you are no longer able to meet the national guidelines set out in the Membership Selection Handbook, you must notify the National Office and your SC immediately. This especially includes the rules governing initiation (found in Bylaws Article VI, section 1.16).
I don’t have enough spaces to add all of my activities. What should I do?
In designing this report, we’ve been intentional about the number of spaces left under each category based on how much emphasis a chapter should be placing in a given area. So, events that should be a major focus area for your chapter have been given the most spaces. With that said, many larger and very active chapters may have more activities to report than there are spaces. If you need more space, just create an addendum by listing your events on a separate page and email it along with your CAP.
Finding your fundraising niche
Fundraising can be a challenge for any chapter. But, it is an important part of your chapter’s overall success! How do you find a fundraiser that will be worth your time and effort?
First and foremost, use your campus resources. As a registered student organization, are you eligible to receive funding through student activity fees? If you are not sure of the answer, check this out. Does your student activities office publish handbooks or guidelines for student organization fundraising?
Make sure to use the resources available to you, and be careful to follow any rules or guidelines your state or institution may have. Be especially mindful of rules around games of chance or games of skill and raffles.
Last, have fun with this! Decide on fundraisers that your members will enjoy. If you have fun and think creatively, you can find a fundraiser that will not only help raise funds for your chapter, but will make you more visible on your campus!
Here are some online resources to help you with ideas:
We want your photos!
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| 2011 initiates of the University of South Carolina's Alpha Order chapter pictured with members of the chapter's 2010 executive board |
A picture is worth a thousand words. Send us yours!
We want pictures of your chapter to share with the national MB community. Post your pics to our Facebook page or post a twitpic and mention @MortarBoard.
Even better, submit pictures for the Forum photo contest and enter your chapter to win a $25 gift certificate to the Mortar Board store!
Virtual Book Drive
Virtual Book Drive Progress
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With a little more than a month to go, we have raised $3,700 toward our $30,000 national goal!
We know that many chapters raise funds throughout October and the first part of November, and we look forward to watching our chapters meet or exceed the goal!
There is still time to be a part of this national Reading is Leading initiative. Get more information about how you can take the Virtual Book Drive challenge!
"Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him."
- Maya Angelou
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