Become
a part of the Mortar Board National Council
Becoming a part of the National Council gives members and alumni
numerous unique opportunities they won’t be able to experience
anywhere else:
- Experience participation in the governing body of a nonprofit
organization
- Have the opportunity to meet members from all over the country
at the national conference and when traveling as a national
representative of Mortar Board
- Network with student leaders and diverse professionals on
a regular basis
- Execute vital projects and make decisions that will greatly
affect Mortar Board
- Utilize distinctive talents and build new skills to
help enhance Mortar Board
National Council positions:
- President-elect (1) - coordinates the work
of the standing committees, serves as national president in
the absence or disability of the president, and serves as president
for one term following their term as president-elect
- Vice president (1) - serves as a liaison
to the section coordinators and to the national membership
committee
- Secretary/treasurer (1) - has charge of all funds and is responsible for the preparation of a national budget, keeps accurate minutes of each regular and special meeting of the National Council and of the national conference and investigates sound future financial planning
- Alumni representative (2) - serves as a
liaison to various standing committees, assists the National
Foundation as necessary and performs other duties as assigned
by the National Council
- Student representative (2) - to be elected,
a candidate must be a collegiate member when elected; they
shall serve as liaisons to various standing committees and
assist the National Foundation as necessary
Nominate yourself or another qualified candidate now by downloading the Microsoft Word nomination form to complete and e-mail to mortarboard@mortarboard.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) regarding a position on the Mortar Board National Council
How much time will I have to commit to Mortar Board?
The time commitment is quite manageable. National Council members are required to respond promptly (within four days) to e-mail discussions, participate in monthly conference calls and attend two meetings annually, for which travel is paid by Mortar Board. Some additional time to prepare for the discussions is also needed.
Do I have to live in a specific area of the country?
No, there are no geographic specifications. Although it helps to be within the continental U.S. for time zone differences that may affect conference call timing, National Council members live in various locations. .
How long is my term?
Each National Council member serves a two-year term. However, the president-elect immediately serves as president following the completion of the president-elect term, so a president-elect serves four years in office. Terms begin at the Mortar Board National Conference, typically held the last weekend in July, each year.
Is there a term limit?
The maximum amount of elected terms a member can serve in one position is two consecutive terms (or four consecutive years). One member may be elected to as many National Council positions as they choose.
What are the benefits of becoming a Mortar Board National Council member?
Becoming a part of the National Council gives members numerous unique opportunities they won’t be able to experience anywhere else:
- Experience participation in the governing body of a nonprofit organization
- Have the opportunity to meet members from all over the country at the national conference and when traveling as a national representative of Mortar Board
- Network with student leaders and diverse professionals on a regular basis
- Execute vital projects and make decisions that guide the future of this prestigious honor society
- Utilize talents and build new skills to help enhance Mortar Board
Is this a paid position?
No, this is not a paid position. Mortar Board National Council members are volunteers.
What function does the National Council serve?
The purpose and function of the Mortar Board National Council are to effectively guide Mortar Board’s development, programs and vision as a national honor society. The National Council works to oversee and direct the organization’s affairs in accordance with the established mission, policies and procedures, and concepts of fiscal responsibility.
What exactly are the responsibilities of a Mortar Board National Council member?
- Affirm the mission and purpose of Mortar Board
- Establish and maintain a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that reflect the organizations governance
- Select the Mortar Board chief executive and annually review
- Accept fiduciary responsibility, approve and monitor the annual budget
- Promote the organization nationally, regionally and locally
- Contribute to the development of programs
What qualities are sought for a Mortar Board National Council member?
Mortar Board National Council members contribute many valuable qualities to the society. Some of these desired qualifications are:
- Commitment to higher education and to the values of Mortar Board: scholarship, leadership and service
- Computer literacy and skills to receive electronic communications
- Good communication skills - both verbal and written - and the ability to listen carefully
- Ability to evaluate, research, propose solutions and make decisions with a group
- Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work with and attract others to the cause
- At some level, past or current service to Mortar Board
- Experience with fundraising, donors, and/or volunteer service programs
- Service on other community or national boards
How can I become a Mortar Board National Council member?
In order to run for a position on the Mortar Board National Council, candidates must be nominated prior to March 15 (self-nomination is encouraged and perfectly acceptable). This year, the positions up for election are: president-elect, vice president, secretary-treasurer and alumni representative. After the nomination deadline, each nominee will be asked to submit materials regarding their qualifications to assist collegiate delegates in electing the National Council at the annual Mortar Board National Conference, traditionally held the last week in July. Nominees do not have to be present at the conference in order to be elected.
What does each position actually do?
- President-elect - coordinates the work of the standing committees, serves as national president in the absence or disability of the president, and serves as president for one term following their term as president-elect
- Vice president - serves as a liaison to the section coordinators and to the national membership committee
- Secretary/treasurer - has charge of all funds and is responsible for the preparation of a national budget, shall submit an annual report, keep accurate minutes of each regular and special meeting of the National Council and of the national conference, investigates sound future financial planning and serves as a liaison to the Mortar Board National Foundation
- Alumni representative - serves as a liaison to various standing committees, assists the Mortar Board National Foundation as necessary and performs other duties as assigned by the National Council
- Student representative - a candidate must be a collegiate member when elected; shall serve as liaison to various standing committees and assist the National Foundation as necessary
