Are You the Author? – Building a Life with Intention

Are You the Author? invites emerging leaders to explore how their values shape the decisions that ultimately shape their lives. Through a practical values exercise and the B.O.A.R.D. framework, participants will learn to make more intentional choices around money, opportunity, relationships, and the life they are building.

Service Project: Feed the Kids Columbus

Give back to the Columbus community by helping pack snack bags for local children experiencing food insecurity. We’ll also create kindness cards to include in each package as a personal reminder that their community cares.

Columbus Walking Tour

Explore downtown Columbus and discover the theater, arts, governance, history, and social offerings right at the heart of the city. We’ll take a leisurely walk through the downtown area and share a little of what makes Columbus (and its connection to Mortar Board) so special. Wear comfortable shoes; the tour will last approximately 60–90 minutes.

Advisor Pre-Conference Session

Join fellow advisors for a conversation about best practices for working with student groups and building strong leadership continuity. We’ll also explore strategies for navigating leadership dips and preventing advisor burnout.

The Pressure to Perform: Redefining Success & Well-Being

High-achieving students often face pressure to excel academically, professionally, and personally while balancing increasingly demanding schedules. This session explores practical strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and pursuing success without sacrificing your well-being. 

Fellowships Demystified: Advice From the Winners

Fellowships can open doors that shape your future. Hear directly from fellowship winners about developing a strong application, preparation, and making your application stand out.

The Programming Playbook: Student Leaders Share What Works

What makes a chapter program successful, engaging, and worth showing up for? Student leaders from across Mortar Board share their best ideas, lessons learned, and practical tips for planning programs that connect with members and make an impact.

Show Me the Money: Fundraising & Financial Management

Strong chapters need strong financial practices and creative approaches to generating support. Learn practical strategies for fundraising, budgeting, managing chapter finances, and making the most of the resources available to your chapter

The People in Your Corner: Building Your Board of Mentors

No one builds a successful career or life alone, and the right people can help you navigate challenges, recognize opportunities, and grow into your goals. Explore how to intentionally build your own personal board of directors by identifying the mentors, advocates, peers, and advisors who can support you at different stages of your journey.

Make Your Mark: Raising Your Chapter’s Campus Profile

A great chapter can only make an impact if people know what it is doing. Student leaders share strategies for increasing chapter visibility, telling your story, building campus partnerships, and showcasing the accomplishments of your members.

Leadership When It’s Hard

Leadership often means navigating challenging personalities, competing perspectives, and conversations that do not go as planned. Learn how to respond with empathy while still communicating clearly, maintaining boundaries, and moving difficult conversations forward.

The Mortar Board Year: Lead, Connect & Make an Impact

Your Mortar Board year is an opportunity to build relationships, develop as a leader, serve your community, and leave something meaningful behind. Explore ways to make the most of your membership and turn one year of Mortar Board into an experience that stays with you long after graduation.

Bring People In: Building a More Engaged Chapter

Getting members to join is one thing; getting them to participate, connect, and feel like they belong is another. Student leaders share what has worked for their chapters, from creating a sense of community to increasing participation and turning members into active contributors.