What is a Circle?
The primary organizational unit for Omicron Delta Kappa is called a circle. The circle is recognized by an institution of higher learning with the privilege to select students and others to membership into the Society. Circles are chartered at such institutions as may be recommended by the President/CEO and under such regulations as may be adopted from time to time as part of the Omicron Delta Kappa Policies and Procedures Manual. Additionally, circles are expected to meet the Circle Standards, which, along with Circle Status, can be tracked on the Circle Executive Dashboard of MyODK.
The voting membership of the circles of the Society shall consist of:
- All student members of the circle, graduate, post-graduate professional and undergraduate, of the institution at which the circle is located;
- Not less than two (2) but not more than five (5) faculty or staff members of the Society of that institution, who shall be elected by the circle for staggered terms of four (4) years each; and
- Alumni members elected by the circle whom the student members have established voting rights, provided that the total number of voting faculty, staff, and alumni members shall not exceed 40 percent of the voting membership of the circle.
Each circle will have complete control of all matters of local concern under such restrictions as may be imposed by the Omicron Delta Kappa Policies and Procedures Manual, National Bylaws, or Board of Trustees from time to time. In no case may such local power be exercised in a way contrary to the ideals and purposes of the Society as set forth in the Omicron Delta Kappa Policies and Procedures Manual, National Bylaws, and Ritual of the Society. In case a circle is charged with disregarding any of the conditions of its charter, the National Headquarters and the Board of Trustees shall have the power of full inquiry.
Charter Relationship Statement 2019
The Charter Relationship Statement 2019 defines the responsibilities of the institution at which a circle is chartered and the national organization.
What does a Circle do?
A circle has three essential functions: 1) initiate members, 2) develop leaders through programs, and 3) promote the ideals of OΔK.
- Initiate members – The only way to become a member of OΔK is to be initiated by a circle. Depending on the campus culture, circles recruit and initiate new members once or twice a year. ODK has a Membership Engagement Platform (MyODK) to manage the application and selection process. The initiation ritual is a timeless tradition of ODK and is specifically scripted.
- Develop leaders through programs — Each circle must host a Signature Leadership Program and a Signature Service Project, which are described in detail here. The important point is that each circle is allowed the freedom to create a set of programs that engage and benefit the campus community. OΔK does not proscribe a specific program, although we have programs like the Stone Ethical Leadership Challenge that circles can adopt.
- Promote the Ideals of OΔK – Through programs, events, marketing, and individual contact, the members of an OΔK circle are expected to demonstrate and display our ideals.
