Introduction
Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, sets circle standards to ensure that circles operate in a healthy and functioning capacity. While circles have some autonomy in their operations, each circle must meet these standards to be considered in good standing with the Society. These are the basic standards a circle must meet to operate, though circles may opt to perform above these requirements.
The 12 O∆K Circle Standards synthesize the various National Bylaws and O∆K Policies and Procedures that require specific action by the circles in one list. Only circles in good standing will be eligible for Circle Recognition Awards.
The following are the Omicron Delta Kappa Circle Standards (updated June 2025)
Initiation
CS-1 The circle must initiate within the fiscal year from July 1 to June 30 each year. [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 240.1]
Officers
A circle is required to have the following officers:
CS-2 All officers must be initiated members of O∆K [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 330.1]
CS-3 Two active advisors (Circle Coordinator, Faculty Advisor, and/or Alumni Advisor) and their names must be communicated to the national headquarters annually. [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 330.6, 331.2.4]. Advisors must sign the Circle Advisor Agreement upon appointment.
CS-4 An elected student president and student vice president, and the names must be communicated to the national headquarters annually. [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 330.4, 330.6] Student officers must sign the Student Officer Agreement upon appointment.
CS-5 An elected student treasurer if the Circle Coordinator or Faculty Advisor does not handle funds for the circle, and the name must be communicated to the national headquarters annually. [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 330.2, 330.6]
Membership, Recruitment, and Initiation
A circle is required to initiate new members each academic year.
CS-6 All invited members must pay the National Initiation Fee prior to receiving the emblems of membership (pin and certificate). Only honorary and newly appointed advisors shall have their National Initiation Fee waived by the national headquarters. [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 250.4, 520.1]
CS-7 The initiation must follow the ordained ritual program, and anyone seeking lifetime membership in O∆K must be present at an official initiation ceremony. [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 250.5, 410.1, 410.2]
Circle Operations
A circle is required to do the following:
CS-8 Pay the Institutional Membership Fee by the fall or spring deadline. Institutional fees are due at the time of the first circle initiation each academic year. [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 510.1, 510.2]
CS-9 Meet at least twice between August 1 and December 15 and twice between January 1 and June 15 each year, not including initiation ceremonies. [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 352.1]
CS-10 Offer a Signature Service Program annually. [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 931.1]
CS-11 Offer a Signature Leadership Program annually. [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 920.1]
CS-12 Complete and submit the Circle Annual Report by the national deadline. [O∆K-Policies and Procedures Manual 360.1]
Circle Standards Tracking
Circles can track their progress toward meeting circle standards through the MyODK Circle Executive Dashboard. National Headquarters staff will post an update in MyODK each time a circle meets one of these standards. Standards related to the Circle Annual Report may not be updated until after July 1 each year.
Download the FY 2026 Circle Standards PDF.
