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Omicron Delta Kappa

Omicron Delta Kappa

The National Leadership Honor Society

  • About
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
      • Notable Members
      • Founders’ Day
    • Leading in the 21st Century: FY 2022-24 O∆K Strategic Plan
    • Fast Facts
    • Leadership
      • Board of Trustees
      • Emeriti Trustees
      • Student Advisory Board
      • Staff
    • Governance
      • 2024 Elections for Student and Faculty/Staff Trustees
      • Articles of Incorporation
      • National Bylaws
      • Governing Committees
      • Operating Committees
      • Omicron Delta Kappa Policies and Procedures
    • History of the Society
      • Our Founders
      • Toward a More Inclusive Society
      • Women in Omicron Delta Kappa
      • Former National Presidents, Foundation Presidents, and Board Chairs
      • Circle Installations
    • Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity
    • O∆K Jobs
  • Members
    • MyODK
    • Prospective Members
    • Collegiate Members
    • Lifetime Members
    • Member Benefits
    • Volunteer for O∆K
      • Become a National Level Volunteer
      • Help Our Circles Thrive
      • Governance and Fundraising Volunteer Opportunities
    • Update Your O∆K Record
    • Read The Circle
  • Programs
    • National Leadership Conference
      • 2023 National Leadership Conference
      • Past National Conventions
    • National Leadership and Service Awards
    • Scholarships
    • National Day of Service
      • National Day of Service Report
      • 2021 National Day of Service Stories
    • Clay Leadership Development Grants
    • Stone Ethical Leadership Challenge
  • Circles
    • Find a Circle
    • Membership Fees
    • Circle Officers (Advisors and Student Officers)
      • Dates and Deadlines
      • Member Management System
      • Monthly Officer Updates Newsletter
      • Recruitment and Selection
      • Initiation
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      • Recognition and Awards
      • Webinars and Training
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      • Glossary of Terms
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      • Toward a More Inclusive Society
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  • Circles
    • Find a Circle
    • Membership Fees
    • Circle Officers (Advisors and Student Officers)
      • Dates and Deadlines
      • Member Management System
      • Monthly Officer Updates Newsletter
      • Recruitment and Selection
      • Initiation
      • Branding, Templates, and Downloads
      • Circle Reports and Forms
      • Recognition and Awards
      • Webinars and Training
    • Resources to Promote Leadership Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
      • Circle Programming and Practices
      • Andristine M. Robinson Champion Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
      • Glossary of Terms
      • Key Fund
      • Organizations Advocating for Social Justice
      • Publications Focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
      • Toward a More Inclusive Society
      • Websites Focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
    • Establish a New Circle
      • Extension Process
    • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Donate
    • Ways to Give
      • Annual Giving
      • Planned Giving
      • Charitable Gift Annuities
      • Heritage Society
    • The Campaign for Our Second Century
      • Campaign Giving Opportunities
      • 2023 Campaign Completion
      • Scholarships for Collegiate Members
      • Singer Grants (Gift of Membership)
      • Key Fund
      • Developing the Campus Leaders of Today
      • Collaborative Leadership Initiatives
      • Preservation, Renovation, and Expansion of National Headquarters
      • Campaign Initiatives Supported to Date
    • Gift Acceptance Policies
    • Endowment Information
    • State Charitable Registration Disclosures
    • National Day of Giving

Initiation

The initiation ceremony is one of the most important events in the life of a member and a circle. The planning and execution of the initiation ceremony or ceremonies each year should be considered a circle activity that involves all active members of the circle. It is not just the responsibility of the student president and advisors. Here are a few general tips.

  • Make it formal. The more reverence given the ceremony, the more important the members feel.
  • Make it public. OΔK ceremonies are never secret. Invite the campus. Specifically, invite senior administrators and faculty to participate. Invite family and friends of the initiates. This should be a public celebration of leadership.
  • Make it memorable. Include an important speaker; induct well-known institutional members as honoris causa; create a tradition that is unique to your circle. These additions to your ceremony will make this event one that members, families, and guests remember for many years.

The following are essential to the initiation ceremony.

  • The official Initiation-Ritual Handbook (revised July 2021) – the script is available in Word format.
  • The Recruitment and Initiation Guide FY 2023
  • Ritual Items – Ceremonial Key, Record Book, Candles, OΔK tablecloth and/or podium cloth

For assistance with your ceremony planning, please contact the National Headquarters, odknhdq@odk.org, (540) 458-5336.

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Circle Officer Links

  • Find a Circle
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FY 2023 Membership Numbers

June 30, 2023

New Members:
Student Members – 5,799
Faculty/Staff – 293
Alumni – 36
Honorary – 49

Total = 6,177

Circles Initiating = 199

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O∆K, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, is a member of the Honor Society Caucus.

 

Johnson Center for Leadership 
O∆K National Headquarters
224 McLaughlin Street
Lexington, Virginia 24450-2002
1-(540) 458-5336
odknhdq@odk.org

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