Frequently Asked Questions About Membership
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 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:
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, regional, 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.
During non-convention years, regional leadership conferences are held.
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 with a three-fourths vote of the active Circles in the province in which the petitioning Circle is located. Applications for charters are considered only from local honor societies or groups which represent four-year degree-granting institutions.
The OΔK Manual, National Bylaws, Articles VIII and X, provide information on extension requirements and procedures for establishing a Circle. The National Vice-President for Extension may be contacted through National Headquarters.
Can I be involved in OΔK after I graduate from college?
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.
The OΔK Circles are grouped in geographic areas known as Regions. Each Region is directed by three Regional Directors.
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 Council of Regional Directors.
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 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
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, regional, 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.
During non-convention years, regional leadership conferences are held.
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 with a three-fourths vote of the active Circles in the province in which the petitioning Circle is located. Applications for charters are considered only from local honor societies or groups which represent four-year degree-granting institutions.
The OΔK Manual, National Bylaws, Articles VIII and X, provide information on extension requirements and procedures for establishing a Circle. 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:
- Form or become active in an Alumni Club.
- Plant the seeds” 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.
- Alumni Clubs serve OΔK in specific geographic areas. For information about the nearest Alumni Club or to initiate steps to charter a club, contact the OΔK
- 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.
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.
The OΔK Circles are grouped in geographic areas known as Regions. Each Region is directed by three Regional Directors.
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 Council of Regional Directors.
