The predecessor local at Ohio State was called Mortar Board, using two separate words, and it was noted that its members and those of a group at Swarthmore both wore pins in the shape of a mortarboard.

[2][3] The society proliferated, adopting a district governance structure by 1923 when it had already grown to eighteen chartered chapters.

[4] The society admitted men in 1975 as a ramification of Title IX, at which point a clause was added in its purpose to include "to promote and advance the status of women."

This was further revised the following year to read, "...to emphasize the advancement of the status of women" and "to promote equal opportunities among all people.

[5] Mortar Board's motto is the Greek letters "Pi Sigma Alpha", representing the ideals of "Scholarship, Service, and Leadership".

[7][4] Membership in Mortar Board is open to college juniors and seniors for outstanding academics, leadership, and service.

[2] Mortar Board's national office is located at 1200 Chambers Road, Suite 201, in Columbus, Ohio.

The mission of the National Foundation is to support Mortar Board, Inc. in furthering its ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service.