2023 Mortar Board Application

Letter to Applicants

Mortar Board is the University of Nebraska’s only national senior honor society. It is an association of collegians selected for distinguished ability in scholarship, leadership, and service. Mortar Board was founded on February 15th, 1918, at Syracuse University and has since grown to include over 200 chartered chapters and 200,000 alumni. While it is an honor to be selected for membership in Mortar Board, it is the continued commitment to serve that differentiates Mortar Board from the other honorary societies. During the past year, Mortar Board has accomplished numerous activities including honoring individuals who have made a difference in our lives through our “People Who Inspire” banquet, recognizing Nebraska’s most outstanding educators through our “Professor of the Month” award program, participating in the RSO competition during homecoming week, volunteering weekly at Clinton Elementary, and participating in Dance Marathon. As a member of Mortar Board, you will take part in a variety of activities like this with an outstanding group of individuals.

The following qualifications are required to apply:

  • Junior or Senior standing with 53 or more credit hours
  • 3.3 Grade Point Average
  • Must be a student at least one year following initiation in the spring of 2023

We are now in the process of selecting members for 2023. To apply, please complete the following online application. The Mortar Board application has multiple parts, so please follow these directions in order to complete your application:

  • Fill out your "Basic Information" on the online form.
  • Have your reference email your recommendation letter to unl.mortarboard.selections2023@gmail.com and they will receive a confirmation email.
  • Uploaded your resume, three essays, description of creative project, and Spring 2023 schedule to the online form. 
  • Email your confidential preference form to studentaffairs@unl.edu (only applicable to those applying to multiple honor societies).
  • Physically turn in your creative project at the union on January 27, 2023 from 8am-4pm.

Essay Questions: (Limit: one page each, double-spaced, 11 pt. Times New Roman font)

  1. Tell us about someone or something that inspires you.
  2. Tell us about something you've changed your mind about since beginning college.

  3. Tell us one song we should listen to while reading your applicaiton and explain why this song is meaningful to you. 

Creative Project:

Create a creative project that represents who you are. In addition, upload a one page PDF or word document describing why the project represents you. Please keep the project smaller than a piece of carry-on luggage and ensure that the project can be viewed in less than one minute. The project may be dropped off at the Chimney Rock Room (in the Union) on January 27th, 2023 from 8 am - 4 pm.

These steps are described in further depth in the online form below. You will need to be logged in to unl.edu with your Canvas information to proceed to the application. Ensure that all pieces are completed and submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2023.

Apply to Mortar Board

If you have any questions about Mortar Board or the application process, please contact our selections chairs, Zoe Keese, Malayna Wingert, Kate Johnson, and Dominic Pfeifer at the following email: unl.mortarboard.selections2023@gmail.com.