Frequently Asked Questions
How can membership in
OΔK benefit me?
Through membership in
Omicron Delta Kappa, you gain potential friendships with over 300,000 women and
men whose peers recognize them as scholars and leaders; recognition by those
around you who have been selected as the very top men and women at your college
or university; recognition by leaders throughout the world; and the opportunity
to continue lifetime service to your college with fellow OΔK
members and alumni.
How much does it cost to become a
member?
The fee for lifetime
membership into Omicron Delta Kappa is $70. The fee at your Circle may be
higher, as some Circles include additional fees to cover the cost of programs and
events hosted by the Circle. For more information, contact the Faculty
Secretary at the Circle to which you are applying.
How do I become a member?
Membership in Omicron
Delta Kappa is as much an obligation and responsibility in leadership as it is
a mark of highest distinction and honor. Membership is awarded to
undergraduate junior and senior students; to graduate students; to faculty,
staff, administration and alumni; and to persons qualifying for membership
“honoris causa.”
Student membership candidates must rank in the upper 35 percent in scholarship
of their school or college and must show leadership in at least one of five
phases of campus life:
- Scholarship
- Athletics
- Campus or Community Service, Social and Religious Activities and Campus Government;
- Journalism, Speech, and the mass media
- Creative and Performing Arts
An
individual achieving distinction in his or her profession or rendering
outstanding service through leadership may be elected to honorary membership
(honoris causa).
Contact the OΔK Circle at your college or university
to learn how individuals are chosen to become members.
Does OΔK give awards?
Awards are given on
local and national levels. Nationally, awards are given for meritorious
service, distinguished service, and student leadership.
Does OΔK hold conventions?
Since 1925, Omicron
Delta Kappa has held national conventions every two years except during World
War II. On January 10, 1920, The Johns Hopkins University Circle hosted OΔK's
first national convention in Baltimore, Maryland.
How can my college form an OΔK Circle?
OΔK
is interested in establishing Circles that will be mutually advantageous to the
institutions and to the Society. Circle charters are granted by the Board of
Directors. Applications for charters are considered only from local honor
societies or groups which represent four-year degree-granting institutions.
The National Vice-President for Extension may be contacted through National
Headquarters.
Can I be involved in OΔK after I graduate
from college?
Omicron Delta Kappa encourages alumni participation in local and national activities. Participation can occur in a variety of ways:
- "Plant the seed” to begin a new Circle.
- Become active in the nearest local Circle.
- Serve on national committees.
- Give financial support to the local and national organization.
What activities does OΔK sponsor?
- Forums on campus, community and national issues.
- Leadership workshops for students and faculty.
- Honor's Day events.
- Awards and recognition of student/faculty leadership.
- Leadership workshops and career days for high school students.
- Fund raising projects for charity.
- Cooperative projects with alumni associations and with other honor societies.
A
resource list of the activities sponsored by OΔK Circles around the
country is available through the local Circle or National Headquarters.
How is the Society organized?
The basic unit of
Omicron Delta Kappa is the collegiate Circle. The national organization
consists of all active Circles and alumni clubs of the Society.
OΔK's
Board of Directors consists of a National President, National Vice-President
for Extension, National Vice-President for Circle Standards, National Student
Vice President, National Treasurer, Executive Director, Immediate Past National
President, two Members-at-Large, two Student Members-at-Large, and the Chair of
the National Advisory Council.

