Dear Members,
Omicron Delta Kappa is actively tracking the impact that the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 is having on our country’s system of higher education. The reality of campuses moving to online instruction, closing residence halls, and implementing travel restrictions is also having an impact on O∆K. Many campuses are reducing in-person classes for unspecified periods, restricting large gatherings, and closing all non-essential functions. These actions clearly have an impact on circle operations, including the initiation of new members.
First and foremost, we are concerned about the health and safety of our members, prospective members, families, friends, and colleagues. We urge all of our members to serve as leaders by following campus and community directives about this global concern.
The Omicron Delta Kappa Society and Educational Foundation Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting on Sunday, March 15, 2020. In light of travel restrictions and budgetary considerations, our board made the following difficult decisions:
• Cancel the 2020 National Leadership Conference;
• Eliminate the summer in-person board meeting; and
• Produce the spring issue of The Circle as a strictly online publication.
In the weeks ahead, Omicron Delta Kappa’s National Headquarters team will continue to provide support to our circles and members by allowing for modifications in membership management and initiation ceremonies. We are also continuing to explore how virtual platforms may deliver planned conference concurrent sessions throughout the year. We choose to see this as an exciting opportunity because it may facilitate many more individuals accessing the excellent leadership development resources that are provided by O∆K.
Our Society has survived other challenging times and situations. We made significant programmatic adjustments in our operations during World War II, and we have made necessary financial decisions in years when the economy has slowed. I encourage members to read the Summer 2019 issue of The Circle which was focused on leadership in times of crisis. With the strength and support of the leaders who are members of our Society, I am confident that O∆K is well-positioned to continue its mission of recognizing and developing the campus leaders of today into the community leaders of tomorrow.
If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your continued service and devotion to our O∆K in this trying time.
Yours in Leadership,
Tara S. Singer, Ed.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
